Sri Lanka A Women Defeat New Zealand A Women in Thrilling T20 Encounter

Sri Lanka A Women’s Cricket Team secured a thrilling three-wicket victory over New Zealand A Women’s Cricket Team in the opening match of the three-match T20 series played today at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first, New Zealand A struggled to build momentum and were reduced to 41 for 4 by the seventh over due to disciplined bowling from the Sri Lankan side.

A crucial recovery came through a 38-run partnership for the fifth wicket between Prue Catton and Jess Watkin, helping stabilize the innings. Later, Kate Gaging played a valuable unbeaten knock of 35 runs off 27 balls, including six boundaries. She also shared an unbroken 49-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Hannah Rowe, guiding New Zealand A to a competitive total of 129 for 6 at the end of their 20 overs.

In reply, Sri Lanka A also found themselves under pressure early in the chase. At the halfway stage, they were struggling at 59 for 4 and appeared to be falling behind the required run rate.

However, several useful partnerships helped the hosts recover, with the most significant contribution coming from Rashmika Sewwandi and Piumi Wathsala, who added 39 runs for the seventh wicket to keep Sri Lanka’s hopes alive.

The match eventually went down to the final over, with Sri Lanka A needing 10 runs for victory. Shashini Gimhani emerged as the hero of the match by smashing a decisive six off right-arm spinner Jess Watkin on the third ball of the 20th over, sealing victory for the home side with three balls remaining.

The second match of the series is scheduled to be played on May 23 at the same venue in Dambulla.