Team New Zealand, placed 3rd on the Group A points table with NRR +0.282 secured a win against Sri Lanka by 8 wickets in 17.3 overs. Strengthening their chances of making a spot in the semi-finals, NZ-W is on the brink of an important victory in Group A, inching closer to the last four stages by restricting Sri Lanka to 115/5 in their 20 overs. Chasing a total of 116 runs, Kiwi openers Suzie Bates (17) and Georgia Plimmer (53) ‘Player of the Match’ have been furnishing an excellent start as they remained not out during the powerplay.
Bates, however, was the first wicket to fall, bowled by Sachini Nisansala for 17. Despite this, the White Ferns reached their target pretty easily. On the other hand, Sri Lanka is out of the race for the knockouts after losing the last three games on the trot and this time played much better, primarily due to the classy knock of top-order skipper Chamari Athapaththu who scored 35 runs.
Athapaththu gave Sri Lanka the good start they needed after winning the toss and opting to bat at Sharjah. Along with the opener Vishmi Gunaratne, who played 8 from 15 balls, Athapaththu took Sri Lanka to 34/1 by the end of the powerplay. This pair could withstand New Zealand's initial onslaught and provided a competitive total.
Sri Lanka reached 57/1, and with Athapaththu steadying the innings, things looked quite good for a New Zealand victory. That was when Kiwi All-rounder, Melie Kerr robbed the show by making that crucial blow off Athapaththu who had faced 41 balls for her 35, as the Sri Lankan skipper tried to kick the accelerator to raise the scoring rate. And it wasn't all over for Kerr's presence. She took a sharp catch off Leigh Kasperek’s bowling to send Harshitha Samarawickrama back to the pavilion for a slow 18 off 29 balls, further stalling Sri Lanka’s progress.
Kerr sparkled, dismissing Kavisha Dilhari lbw for 10. And it was that kind of day for her, finishing with some excellent figures of 2/13 from four overs. Her spectacular bowling through those middle overs was the difference that kept Sri Lanka to a below-par total, guaranteeing the White Ferns remained firmly in control of the game.
Despite Sri Lanka's improvement in batting, especially the captain who batted well to lead her team towards a more challenging total, New Zealand remains well placed to complete their chase and get closer to the semi-finals stage with this win that keeps the dream of the tournament alive.
