NZ-W vs SL-W 2025, 1st WT20I Review: Madara, Athapaththu down New Zealand in Christchurch
Madari bagged the Player of the Match award for her 3 for 14.
Sri Lanka Women bounced back in style after their ODI series defeat, securing a comfortable seven-wicket victory over New Zealand Women in the first T20I at Hagley Oval, Christchurch, on Friday, March 14. The visitors outclassed the ruling T20 World Champions, chasing down a mere target of 102 with ease, thanks to an all-around performance.
Opting to bat first, the White Ferns fielded four debutants, including Izzy Sharp. The home team started strongly, with skipper Suzie Bates looking in great touch during her 14-ball 21. She played some good shots, but her dismissal in the fifth over off Malki Madara's bowling triggered a collapse.
Emma McLeod, the top scorer for the hosts with 44 off 46 balls, showed fight but lacked support from the other end. The side went through a dry spell of nine overs without a boundary, struggling to dominate against Sri Lanka’s bowling attack.
Debutant Madara was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 3/14, including the wicket of Bates. Kavisha Dilhari (2/18) and Chamari Athapaththu (1/10) also chipped in with a few, restricting New Zealand to 101 in 18.5 overs.
Chasing a small target, the tourists got off to a cautious start. Captain Athapaththu led from the front with an unbeaten 64 off 48 balls, smashing nine fours and two sixes. Despite losing a couple of quick wickets, the Sri Lankan team never looked in trouble.
Vishmi Gunaratne (7) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (2) departed early, but Athapaththu anchored the chase. Kavisha Dilhari (12) and Nilakshika Silva (12*) provided important support, ensuring the side reached the target in just 14.1 overs, winning with seven wickets and 35 balls to spare. Madara was adjudged Player of the Match for her impressive spell.
After suffering a 2-0 defeat in the ODI series, the visitors' brilliant victory in the T20I opener should bring them huge confidence. The White Ferns will need to regroup quickly ahead of the second T20I, set to be played on March 16 at the same venue.
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