New Zealand rode on its bowlers’ lethal performance to crush Sri Lanka by eight wickets in its first Super Six match of the ICC women’s World Cup here on Friday.
Opting to bowl after winning the toss, New Zealand pace duo of Lea Tahuhu (four for 27) and Sian Ruck (three for 16) played havoc as Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals to get bundled out for a paltry 103 in 42 overs.
Tahuhu and Ruck were well supported by off-spinner Frances Mackay (two for 18), who snared two Sri Lankan wickets.
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New Zealand then chased down the modest target without much ado, scoring 108 for two in 23 overs.
Mackay (34 not out) and captain Suzie Bates (37) ensured a smooth start to New Zealand’s chase, stitching 71 runs for the opening stand before they lost two wickets in the 16th over.
Left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera (two for 27) was the wicket-taker on both occasions. She first dismissed Bates, who edged one to wicket-keeper Dilani Surangika and then three balls later sent packing Amy Satterthwaite for a duck.
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But that was all the Lankans could manage, as Mackay and Sophie Devine (29 not out) then joined hands to take the Kiwis past the victory line without any further damage.
Tough going
Earlier sent in to bat, Sri Lanka found the going tough right from the word go and lost its first four wickets with just 23 runs on the board. Surangika (34), Deepika Rasangika (20), Sandamali Dolawatte (19) and Sripali Weerakkody (11) managed double digit scores and showed some intent with the bat, but it was not enough to ensure a respectable total.
The scores: Sri Lanka 103 all out in 42 overs (Dilani Surangika 34, Lea Tahuhu four for 27, Sian Ruck three for 16) lost to New Zealand 108 for two in 23 overs (Frances Mackay 39 n.o., Suzie Bates 37).