New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women Match Preview, 2nd T20I

Sri Lanka will look to seal the three-match series when they face New Zealand in the second T20I at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Sunday, March 16.

After suffering a 0-2 defeat in the ODI series, Chamari Athapaththu and Co. bounced back in style to win the first T20I comprehensively in Christchurch. The Sri Lankan bowlers set up a resounding win by dismissing the White Ferns for 101 in 18.5 overs after the hosts won the toss and decided to bat first. Emma McLeod was the only New Zealand batter who showed some fight after skipper Suzie Bates was dismissed for a brisk 21.

Malki Madara bagged three wickets, while Inoshi Priyadarshani and Kavisha Dilhari picked up two wickets apiece for Sri Lanka.

In reply, Athapaththu put the New Zealand bowlers to the sword, even as she lost partners from the other end. Vishmi Gunaratne (7), Harshita Samarawickrama (2), and Kavisha Dilhari (12) were dismissed cheaply. However, Athapaththu remained unbeaten on 64 off 48 balls, hitting nine fours and two sixes. The southpaw finished the match with Nilakshi de Silva for company with seven wickets and 35 balls to spare. Jess Kerr bowled a fine spell as she picked up two wickets but New Zealand did not have enough runs on the board.

Also Check: New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women 2025 Schedule

Match Details

Pitch Report  

The pitch is expected to help the pacers once again. The exaggerated movement is going to make life difficult for the batters. Giving respect to the good balls and keeping wickets in hand could prove to be crucial. As the ball gets older, runs will become easier to score.

Also Check: New Zealand Women vs Sri Lanka Women 2025 Stats

Head-To-Head Record

Predicted Playing XIs

New Zealand Women:

Suzie Bates (c), Georgia Plimmer, Emma McLeod, Brooke Halliday, Izzy Sharp, Maddy Green, Polly Inglis (wk), Rosemary Mair, Eden Carson, Jess Kerr, Bree Illing.

Sri Lanka Women:

Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Manudi Nanayakkara, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Achini Kulasuriya.