In a crucial ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 match, the New Zealand women’s cricket team triumphed over Sri Lanka with an emphatic 8-wicket victory at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on October 12th, 2024. Sri Lanka, despite posting a competitive 115/5 in their 20 overs, could not withstand New Zealand’s aggressive chase, led by a match-winning performance from Georgia Plimmer, who was named the Player of the Match.
Sri Lanka’s Innings: Steady but Contained
Sri Lanka’s innings started slowly, with their top-order struggling to find momentum. Vishmi Gunaratne fell early, scoring just 8 runs off 15 balls, bowled by Eden Carson. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu, their most reliable batter, tried to anchor the innings with a solid 35 from 41 balls, including 5 boundaries, but the New Zealand bowlers maintained control.
Harshitha Samarawickrama added 18 runs before falling to Leigh Kasperek, while Kaveesha Dilhari contributed a quickfire 10 from 9 balls. New Zealand’s Melie Kerr, with figures of 2/13 in 4 overs, was instrumental in keeping the Sri Lankan batters in check, with both Athapaththu and Dilhari falling to her crafty bowling. Anushka Sanjeewani (5) and Nilakshika Silva (14*) added a few runs towards the end, but Sri Lanka finished at a modest 115/5.
Key Sri Lankan Performances:
- Chamari Athapaththu: 35 (41), 5×4
- Harshitha Samarawickrama: 18 (29)
- Kaveesha Dilhari: 10 (9)
- Nilakshika Silva: 14* (11)
New Zealand Bowlers:
- Melie Kerr: 4 overs, 2 wickets for 13 runs
- Leigh Kasperek: 4 overs, 2 wickets for 27 runs
- Eden Carson: 4 overs, 1 wicket for 19 runs
New Zealand’s Dominant Chase: Plimmer Shines
Chasing 116, New Zealand’s innings started solidly, despite losing Suzie Bates (17 off 22) to Sachini Nisansala early in the 7th over. Georgia Plimmer then took control of the chase with a composed and assured 53* off 44 balls, laced with 4 boundaries. Her innings was well-paced, ensuring New Zealand stayed ahead of the required rate throughout the innings.
Melie Kerr, fresh off her stellar bowling performance, played a handy supporting role with 34* from 31 balls, hitting 3 boundaries to keep the pressure on Sri Lanka. Sophie Devine, New Zealand’s captain, chipped in with a quickfire 13* off 8 balls to seal the victory in just 17.3 overs, with 8 wickets in hand.
Key New Zealand Performances:
- Georgia Plimmer: 53* (44), 4×4
- Melie Kerr: 34* (31), 3×4
- Suzie Bates: 17 (22)
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack struggled to make an impact, with Sugandika Kumari (0/23 in 3.3 overs) and Udeshika Prabodani (0/17 in 3 overs) managing to keep things tight in the beginning. However, as Plimmer and Kerr settled in, the boundaries started flowing. Nisansala and Chamari Athapaththu were the only wicket-takers, with each picking up one scalp.
Sri Lankan Bowlers:
- Sachini Nisansala: 1/24 in 4 overs
- Chamari Athapaththu: 1/8 in 2 overs
Turning Points
- The early dismissal of Vishmi Gunaratne, putting Sri Lanka on the back foot.
- Melie Kerr’s all-round brilliance, with key wickets and an unbeaten knock.
- Georgia Plimmer’s steady half-century that guided New Zealand comfortably to victory.
This dominant performance by New Zealand has put them in a strong position in the tournament, while Sri Lanka will need to regroup and work on improving their overall performance, especially in the batting department.
