Georgia Plimmer’s patient half-century and a brilliant all-round performance from Amelia Kerr led New Zealand Women to an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women in Sharjah, though the win wasn’t enough to move them up the standings in Group A, where they remain third. Despite a spirited effort from Sri Lanka, it was their fourth defeat in four matches, leaving them at the bottom of the group table.
Set a target of 116, New Zealand were off to a solid start, with Plimmer and Suzie Bates putting together a 49-run opening stand. Plimmer’s 53 off 44 balls was the backbone of the chase, as she expertly maneuvered through Sri Lanka’s spinners, accumulating runs with singles and twos. Plimmer’s innings may not have featured many boundaries, but her tactical placement and smart running between the wickets kept New Zealand’s chase on track.
The turning point of the game came when Kerr entered the fray. She not only bowled a vital spell, taking 2 for 13 but also contributed a crucial 34* off 31 balls, helping her side close in on the target. New Zealand’s chase was completed comfortably, with Sophie Devine finishing the match with a six over cow corner.
Sri Lanka’s innings started well, as Chamari Athapaththu finally found some form with a knock of 35 off 41 balls, leading her side to a solid start. She formed vital partnerships with Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama, and Sri Lanka were 57 for 1 at one point. However, a key moment came when Kerr dismissed Athapaththu, breaking the partnership and derailing Sri Lanka’s chances.
Despite a few late blows, Sri Lanka failed to accelerate, ending their innings on 115 for 5. New Zealand’s bowlers, particularly Kerr and Leigh Kasperek, restricted the flow of runs, ensuring that Sri Lanka never really threatened to post a bigger total.
Kerr’s all-round brilliance earned her widespread praise, and she was instrumental in both New Zealand’s bowling and batting efforts, helping them seal the win with relative ease.
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Brief Scorecard
Sri Lanka: 115/5 in 20 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 35, Harshitha Samarawickrama 18, Amelia Kerr 2/13, Leigh Kasperek 2/27)
New Zealand: 118/2 in 17.2 overs (Georgia Plimmer 53, Amelia Kerr 34, Suzie Bates 17, Chamari Athapaththu 1/8)
New Zealand beat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets.
