NZ-W vs SL-W 2025: Unrelenting rain leads to abandonment of first ODI after even contest

The Sri Lanka Women tour of New Zealand began on March 4 with the first ODI at McLean Park in Napier. Unfortunately, the match was called off due to incessant rain after only 36.4 overs were bowled. A disappointing start to the series which was set to feature some young and exciting players. 

It was New Zealand Women who won the toss and chose to field in the match against the Sri Lanka Women's side. The hosts led by interim skipper Suzie Bates were looking good with the ball dismissing half the side early into the innings. The pick of the bowlers for the Kiwis was Bree Illing who ended with figures of 2/42 in her 10 overs. The match was called off with the Sri Lanka Women's score being at 147/5 in 36.4 overs.

The only Sri Lanka Women batter who looked good on the day was young left-handed batter Harshitha Madavi Samarawickrama who tried to hold the innings together with her unbeaten knock of 66 off 96 deliveries. Harshita’s innings included seven boundaries as she tried to build partnerships in the middle. Unfortunately, her stay at the crease was interrupted by the weather Gods in the end.

Also Read: New Zealand Women replace injured Hayley Jensen with Fran Jonas for Sri Lanka ODIs

The caravan moves to Nelson for the remaining ODIs

The last two ODI games that will be played will be must-win for both teams to take the series. Both New Zealand and Sri Lanka have not been in great form in this format and will not want to settle for a draw in this ODI series.

The second ODI will be played on Friday, March 7 and the last and final one on March 9, both at the Saxton Oval in Nelson. There is a possibility that there can be an intense battle between the two teams.