Sri Lanka Women vs New Zealand Women, ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, 2020

Right. Australia lost their opener but their neighbours have ensured that they set the right tone. Earlier in the day, West Indies beat a spirited Thailand. That ends the action from a double-header Saturday. Sunday sees only one match, with England taking on South Africa at this very same ground. That should be a cracker. Join us on 23rd February, 2020 at 7 pm local (1100 GMT). ADIOS! TAKE CARE!

Victorious New Zealand captain, Sophie Devine, says that during the Powerplay onslaught by Sri Lanka, New Zealand just stayed calm, as they knew the Lankan top order is pretty strong. Details that the idea was to hit the deck hard and Hayley Jensen did that to perfection, keeping a calm head on her shoulders. On her own form with the bat perhaps being fuelled by captaincy, Devine just deflects it onto her wonderful team and says that she just challengers herself every time. On the WBBL experience, Sophie says that it is a massive factor, as the players in the group know how the pitches in Australia would behave, which can be communicated to the other team members. Is looking forward to use the WBBL knowledge in Melbourne next. On the improvements from this game, Devine says that they need to improve with the ball, especially in the Powerplay and be disciplined throughout. Is happy with the batting display in this opener.

Sri Lankan skipper, Chamari Atapattu, admits that after a brilliant Powerplay with the bat, the Lankan middle order could not capitalize. Praises the Kiwis for their bowling. On rectifying their mistakes, Chamari says that some of the players in the team cannot score sixes, so perhaps focusing on running between the wickets would help them get more runs. On the poor fielding, Atapattu bluntly says that Sophie Devine is one of the best players in the world and if she gives two chances, yet you don't take even one, then you are going to pay for it. On the motivation before this game, considering that they were 0-7 against New Zealand, Chamari says that she only asked her players to play freely. Hopes that the team gets acclimatized to the conditions soon.

HAYLEY JENSEN HAS BEEN NAMED THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH. She is all smiles on receiving the award. Says that it was a bit nervy at the start, looking at the way she bowled but then the nerves settled over. On the communication between her and the captain when Sri Lanka got off to a flying start, Jensen says that the Kiwis knew that the Lankans would come hard early, hence, they needed to stick to their plans and not panic. On the team combination for the future games, Hayley says that it all depends on the pitches and the teams they meet.

Earlier in the day, the Lankans got off to a flier but Hayley Jensen and Amelia Kerr pegged them back. Who will get the Player Of The Match? Here comes the presentation...

The run chase was planned to perfection. The White Ferns needed one solid partnership and one good innings with the bat. There were two decent partnerships and Sophie Devine's unbeaten 75 from 55 paved the way to victory. Sri Lanka were under par with the ball and on the field, dropping way too many sitters and letting the opposition off the hook.

Comfortable win for the Kiwis, maintaining their dominance over the Lankans, but honestly, this did not seem coming when Chamari Atapattu was going strong. The Lankans were 87/1 in the 12th over before Atapattu fell but after that, they just lost their way totally - making 40/6 in 50 balls. Way below par.

17.4

4

FOUR! NZ WIN BY 7 WICKETS! Short and outside off, Devin backs away and punches it between point and short third man. The batters do not run and the ball reaches the ropes.

17.3

4

EDGED, FOUR! Just one needed now. A short ball, outside off, Devine slashes hard but gets a thick outside edge. However, it flies over the keeper, to the third man fence.

17.2

1

Short and outside off, Martin looks to pull but gets a top edge. The ball lands near mid-wicket and a single is taken.

17.1

2

Short and outside off, slapped through point for a couple. New Zealand a hit away now.

16.6

1

Flighted ball on middle, Green flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

Katie Martin is the next batter in.

16.5

W

OUT! TIMBER! Too late for the Lankans! Floated on middle, Green looks to flick. She misses and it goes onto hit the middle stump. End of a brilliant innings from Green.

16.4

1

The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. One run added to the total.

16.3

6

DROPPED! SIX! Poor fielding! It has cost another six! Short ball on middle, Devine pulls it to the deep mid-wicket region. De Silva settles herself but fails to hold on and what's worse, it goes for a maximum.

16.2

.

Loopy full toss on off, Devine pushes it to cover.

16.1

1

Full on middle, Green drives it to long on for a single.

15.6

6

SIX! Out of the park! Brilliant shot! Full toss on off, Devine pulls it over the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie.

15.5

1

It's been driven superbly through the covers. They pick up a single.

15.4

1

Flighted outside off, Devine drives it to deep cover for a single.

15.3

1

Floated on middle, Devine flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region for a couple.

15.2

1

TOP EDGE BUT SAFE! Flighted ball on off, Green looks to heave it away but it takes the top edge and it lands safely in between the mid off and the cover fielder.

15.1

1

Floated ball on middle, Devine flicks it towards the bowler. Prabhodini fails to collect it cleanly and the batters take a single.

Udeshika Prabodhani returns. 3-1-4-0 from her so far.

14.6

1

FIFTY! 14TH Fifty in T20Is. Excellent innings. Floated on middle, Devine flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. 9 from the over.

14.5

4

FOUR! Pulled away nicely! Short ball on the pads, Devine pulls it to the deep square leg region for a boundary. The fielder comes across and tries to clean it up but fails to do so.

14.4

1

Floated on middle, Green flicks it uppishly towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

14.3

1

Floated on off, Devine dances down the track and plays it down to long off for a single.

14.2

1

On the pads, Green flicks it to short fine leg for a single.

14.1

1

Flatter one on middle, Devine flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Sugandika Kumari is back on! 2-0-13-0 from her so far.

13.6

4

FOUR! Finds the gap perfectly! Flighted ball outside off, Green goes on his knees and sweeps it in between the long on and deep mid-wicket fielders for a boundary.

13.5

2

Flatter one on the pads, Green flicks it to deep backward square leg for a couple.

13.4

1

Tosses this one up on middle, Devine dances down the track and flicks it to long on for a single.

13.3

1

Fullish on middle, worked to the leg side for a single.

13.2

1

Looped up ball on the pads, Devine flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

13.1

2

Full on middle and leg, Devine flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region and picks up a couple. The fielder throws it to the keeper but it is too late.

12.6

1

Flat one on off, Devine guides it to short third man for a single. 14 runs have come from it. A good one for New Zealand.

12.5

1

Low full toss on middle, Green flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

12.4

.

On off, pushed to cover off the front foot.

12.3

6

SIX! Takes full toll of the Free Hit! Full toss on off, Green hammers it over the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie.

12.3

5nb

FOUR! Through the gap! Short ball outisde off, Green moves inside his crease and cuts it through the point region for a boundary. The third umpire signals it a no ball. A Free Hit will follow.

12.2

.

Short ball around off, punched to point.

12.1

1

Flatter one on middle, Devine works it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

11.6

.

Another flat one on the pads, Green looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

11.5

2

Flatter one on middle, Green flicks it to the leg side and picks up another couple.

11.4

2

Full toss on off, Green drives it through covers and collects a couple before the fielder comes across and cleans it up.

11.3

1

Tossed up ball on middle, Devine pushes it back to the bowler. Atapattu cannot ccollect it and the ball rolls to mid on. A single taken.

11.2

1

On middle, pulled to deep square leg for a single.

11.1

.

Flatter one on the pads, Green flicks it to short fine leg.

Chamari Atapattu brings herself on.

10.6

1

Full toss on middle, Green flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Maddy Green is the next man in.

10.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Brilliant bowling from Dilhari. Her first over and she removes Bates. Bowls a fuller flighted ball outside off, Bates looks to drive by coming down the track but ends up doing so uppishly. The ball goes towards extra cover and Atapattu there comfortably pouches it. 70 more needed in 55 balls.

10.4

.

Flat one on off, punched to cover.

10.3

1

Short ball outside off, Devine late cuts it to short third man for a single.

10.2

2

Nicely played! Floated outside off, Devine guides it to the third man region and takes a couple before the fielder can clean it up.

10.1

1

Short ball on middle, Bates pulls it to square leg for a single.

Kavisha Dilhari to bowl now.

9.6

1

Flatter one on off, Bates punches it to long off for a single. 9 runs from the over. 74 required from 60 balls.

9.5

.

Loopy delivery on the pads, Bates works it to short fine leg.

9.4

1

The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. One run added to the total.

9.3

2

Short one outside off, Devine cuts it to point where the fielder makes a half stop. Two taken.

9.2

1

On middle, Bates flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region for a single. 50 up for New Zealand.

9.1

4

FOUR! Superb timing! Tossed up ball on the middle stump line, Bates dances down the track and flicks it to the deep square leg region for a boundary. The fielders in the deep had no chance.

8.6

1

That could have been tight! Flatter one on the pads, Bates flicks it to square leg where the fielder fumbles. The batters take off for a run and make it easily due to the fumble.

8.5

1

Flatter one on middle, Devine works it to square leg where Kanchana does not stop the ball cleanly. A single taken.

8.4

1lb

Full and on the pads, Bates looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls towards the leg side a leg bye is taken.

8.3

1

Flatter and around off, pushed towards covers for a run.

8.2

4

FOUR! Cut away! Poor ball and it got the punishment it deserved. Short and outside off, Devine goes on the back foot and cuts it through point and short third man. It is in the gap and it races away to the fence.

8.1

2

Flicked nicely! Full and on the pads, Devine flicks it past the short fine leg fielder and gets a couple.

7.6

1

Full and on middle, Devine flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

7.5

1

Loopy one on middle, flicked to mid-wicket for a single.

7.4

1

The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. The batsmen have run through for a single.

7.3

.

Short ball on off, punched off the back foot.

7.2

2

DROPPED! Ama Kanchana drops a catch. Sri Lanka have been really poor in the field. Flighted ball on middle, Devine comes down the track and looks to heave it to the leg side but fails to get the required timing. It goes towards long on where Kanchana runs behind but fails to hold onto the catch.

7.1

1

Full toss on middle, Bates pushes it to long on for a single.

Shashikala Siriwardene is back on. 1-0-6-0 are his figures so far.

6.6

.

On middle, played back to the bowler. Just 4 off the over.

6.5

1

Flat one on off, Bates punches it to the deep point region for a single.

6.4

.

Floated on off, Bates pushes it back to the bowler.

6.3

1

On the pads, flicked to deep square leg for a single.

6.2

1

Short delivery on off, Bates pulls it to deep mid-wicket and takes a single. They think of a second but it is not there.

6.1

1

Kumari starts with a flatter delivery outisde off, Devine comes down the track and pushes it to point for a single.

Sugandika Kumari into the attack now.

5.6

.

Length ball on off, punched to cover. 25/1 after the Powerplay! 103 required from 14 overs.

5.5

1

On middle, driven to mid on for a single.

5.5

1wd

Wide! Fullish outside off, Devine leaves it. Wide signaled.

5.4

2

Full on middle, Devine flicks it to the deep mid-wicket region for another couple.

5.3

2

Short ball on off, Devine punches it off the back foot towards deep cover for a couple.

5.2

1

Length ball on middle, Bates flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

5.1

.

DROPPED! Easy chance and Sri Lanka need to take these kind of catches if they want to defend a small total. Good length ball outside off, Bates looks to drive without any feet movement. It takes the outside edge and goes towards first slip. The fielder lunges but fails to hold onto it. Big, big chance missed.

4.6

.

Full on off, Devine drives it to mid off.

4.5

.

An appeal for LBW turned down. Good length ball on the pads, Devine looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. Sri Lankan players are confident in their appeal and they go upstairs. The replays roll in and they show that it was pitching outside leg.

4.4

.

Good length ball on off, Devine defends it out off the back foot.

4.3

.

Full on off, Devine drives it to mid off.

Suzie Bates is in at no. 3.

4.2

W

OUT! RUN OUT! Lazy running! Full delivery on the pads, Priest looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. The ball rolls to the point region and Priest is lazy in her running. Madavi picks the ball and has a shy at the bowler's end. She hits. The on-field umpire goes upstairs to check. The replays roll in and it shows that she was well out. Priest knew that she was short and has already started walking back to the pavilion.

Run out appeal has been taken upstairs! Priest feels she is out and has already started to walk back to the pavilion.

4.1

.

Very full delivery on off, Priest digs it out to cover.

3.6

4

MISFIELD AND FOUR! Full delivery outside off, Devine drives it towards the cover region where the fielder misfields and the ball reaches the fence.

3.5

.

Length ball around off, Devine defends it out.

3.4

.

Quick run! Full ball outside off, Devine creams the drive straight to the cover fielder who fails to pick the ball cleanly. Devine wants a single but her partner sends her back. A good throw from the fielder could've made things a bit interesting.

3.3

.

Play and a miss! This a top ball. It is just outside off, Devine has to play at it. She looks to keep it out but the slight away movement means she misses.

3.2

.

Length ball on middle, Devine keeps it out.

3.1

4

EDGY FOUR! A length ball outside off, Devine goes hard to punch but the ball takes a thick outside edge and goes over the leaping slip fielder for a boundary down to third man fence.

Achini Kulasuriya is on now!

2.6

.

On a length on off, Priest guides it to short third man.

2.5

.

Full delivery on the pads, Priest looks to flick it off her pads but misses it. An appeal is made for LBW but nothing from the umpire.

2.4

1

Fullish on middle, Devine drives it towards long on where the fielder tumbles to make the stop. A single taken.

2.3

1

On a length on middle, Priest flicks it to mid-wicket for a single.

2.2

.

BEATEN! Length ball outside off, Priest looks to cut off the back foot but fails to get any bat on it.

2.1

.

Good length ball on middle, Priest pushes it back to the bowler.

1.6

.

Tossed up on off, Devine comes down the track and pushes it to mid off.

1.5

1

Flighted ball on middle, Priest looks to defend but it goes off the inside half of the bat towards square leg. A single taken.

1.4

.

Floated on off, Priest pushes it towards mid off.

1.3

4

FOUR! Lovely sweep shot! Flighted ball on middle, Priest sweeps it to the fine leg region for a boundary.

1.2

1

Loopy delivery on middle, Sophie flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single.

1.1

.

Short ball outside off, Devine punches it to the point fielder.

Shashikala Siriwardene will bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

Good first over from Prabodhani! A length ball just outside off, Priest looks to drive but misses to get bat on the ball. Just 2 from the first over.

0.5

.

Full and outside off, Priest pushes it to mid off.

0.4

1

Length ball around off, Devine looks to stroke it towards the leg side but the ball takes the inner half of the bat and goes behind square leg for a single. First run off the bat.

0.3

.

Full and outside off, Devine strokes it well but straight to the extra cover fielder.

0.2

.

Length ball on middle, it is pushed back to the bowler.

0.2

1wd

WIDE! Strays down the leg side. Devine tries flicking but misses. Wided by the umpire.

0.1

.

Prabodhani starts with a full toss on middle, Devine pushes it towards mid on.

We are back for the chase! The Sri Lankan players are making their way out to the middle. Sophie Devine and Rachel Priest follow them out. Udeshika Prabodhani with the ball first up.

Right then! 128 is the total that New Zealand need to open their account on the points table. How will it pan out? How will the run chase pan out? Will the Sri Lankans be able to defend the total or will the White Ferns chase it down with ease? We will soon find out.

Hayley Jensen is caught for a quick chat. She says that it is a good pitch and it was difficult to keep them down in the Powerplay. Is happy with her performance. States Atapattu is a massive wicket for any team and she is happy that she got her wicket. Adds there was not any sideways movement.

New Zealand started poorly with the ball as their lines and length were not good in the initial few overs. The Kiwis attacked Devine and scored runs against her. Introduction of spin saw the first wicket fall as Amelia Kerr struck in her very first over. Jensen choked the runs in the middle overs and took wickets at regular intervals too. She ended with a 3-fer while Kerr bagged another in her final over of the spell. After the initial hammering, the White Ferns made a brilliant comeback in the game and did not allow Sri Lanka to put on a massive total on the board.

After being asked to bat, Sri Lanka started superbly with Atapattu leading the charge. The openers added 60 runs in quick time and it looked like the Lankans will put a huge total on the board. Atapattu then added 27 runs with Sanjeewani but once the stand was broken, the Sri Lankan batting crumbled. Madavi kept her end intact and played a handy knock of unbeaten 27 runs but she did not get any support from the lower middle order of the side.

75/1 after 10 overs and then just 52/6 in the final 10. These are good enough numbers that can describe the cricket in this innings. Sri Lanka led by skipper Atapattu dominated the first half while the White Ferns made a roaring comeback in the second to keep Sri Lanka to 127/7.

19.6

2

Another one which is short of a length, Madavi looks to pull but it takes the top edge and goes towards fine leg. The fielder throws it to the keeper who whips the bails but the batter was in. Sri Lanka finish on 127/7.

19.5

1

Full on off, Kulasuriya drives it to long off for a single.

19.4

1

Short ball on the pads, Madavi pulls it to fine leg for a single.

19.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Sri Lanka are crumbling here! Short ball on middle, Dilhari looks to pull but hits the upper half of the bat. It goes towards the point region. Lea Tahuhu takes the catch safely.

19.2

1

Short and around off, Madavi fails to time her pull and mistimes it towards deep square leg for another run.

19.1

1lb

Full and on the pads, Dilhari looks to flick but misses. The ball brushes her pads and goes to fine leg for a leg bye.

Hayley Jensen to bowl the final over. 3-0-11-2 from her so far.

18.6

1

Just a single on the final ball of the over. Short and on middle, Dilhari pulls it to deep square leg for a run. Just 4 from the over.

18.5

1

Full and outside off, Madavi drives it to long off for a single.

18.4

1

Full and around off, Dilhari comes down the track and pushes it to long off for a run.

18.3

1

Full and around off, stroked to long on for a single.

18.2

.

Very full ball on middle, Madavi can only push it back to the bowler. Two dots.

18.1

.

Full and on the pads, Madavi looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads.

Bowling change! Leigh Kasperek to bowl the penultimate over of the innings.

17.6

1

Full and on middle, swept for a run towards deep square leg.

17.5

1

Quicker one on the pads, Dilhari flicks it towards deep square leg for a single.

17.4

1

Floated ball outside off, it is guided towards third man for a run.

17.3

.

Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler.

17.2

.

Full and on off, pushed to mid off.

Kavisha Dilhari makes her way out to the middle.

17.1

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Two wickets in two balls. This time it is Amelia Kerr who gets her second of the night. A full ball around off, Kanchana goes for the slog sweep but does not connect it well. It goes straight to Jensen at deep mid-wicket. Sri Lankan innings is falling apart

Ama Kanchana is the next batter out in the middle.

16.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Another one bites the dust! Half the side are back in the pavilion. Full ball on off, de Silva looks to flick it to the leg side but the ball takes a top edge and balloons towards point. Amelia Kerr there settles herself under the ball and pouches the ball easily.

16.5

1

Another single as Madavi pushes it towards deep cover for a single.

16.4

1

Full and around off, de Silva knocks it through covers for a run.

16.3

1

Length ball around off, Madavi looks to drive but the ball takes a thick outside edge and goes towards point. A run taken.

16.2

6

SIX! Sailed over the ropes! Brilliant batting! Back of a length ball on middle, Madavi swivels and pulls it over the fine leg fielder. The fielder there for a moment thought that she was in with a chance but ended up seeing the ball sail over her for a biggie.

16.1

1

Length ball around off, de Silva pushes it towards cover and takes a run.

Sophie Devine is back on. 2-0-17-0 are his figures so far.

15.6

1

On the pads, de Silva works it towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

15.5

1

Short and on just around off, Madavi pulls it to wide mid on for a run.

15.4

.

On middle, it is defended off the front foot.

15.3

1

Slower through the air and around middle. It pitches and turns a hint away. The ball hits her arms and rolls towards the off side. They go for the quick run.

15.2

1

Floated on middle, this time Madavi flicks it to deep mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

15.1

.

Shortish and outside off, Madavi cuts but finds the point fielder.

Amelia Kerr is back into the attack. 2-0-14-1 are her figures so far.

14.6

.

Full and on middle, de Silva works it towards mid-wicket. 2 wickets and a run. New Zealand are making a superb comeback in this game.

Nilakshi de Silva replaces Shashikala Siriwardene.

14.5

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Straight to short mid-wicket! Excellent bowling from Jensen. Second wicket of the over. Full and on middle, Siriwardene flicks but does so straight to Bates at short mid-wicket. She is not going to miss out on the chance.

14.4

.

Length ball on middle, worked towards mid-wicket.

14.3

1

Full and outside off, squeezed to deep cover for a single.

14.2

.

Length ball on middle, it is defended.

Shashikala Siriwardene is out in the middle now.

14.1

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Very good catch from Bates at mid off. Full and around off, Sanjeewani looks to clear the long off fence but ends up mistiming it towards Bates at mid off. She runs to her left and does well to hold on to the catch.

13.6

1

Direct hit would've been close. A full ball on middle, Sanjeewani pushes it towards mid on and calls for a run. The fielder from mid on gets to the ball and fires the throw at the non-striker's end but misses.

13.5

1

Shortish and around off, Madavi pushes it towards deep point for a single.

13.4

1

Good length ball around off, Sanjeewani punches it to the deep cover region for a run.

13.3

.

Tries to be cheeky but fails in her attempt! Good length ball on off, Sanjeewani bends and looks to scoop it but fails to get any bat on it.

13.2

.

Full on middle, Sanjeewani flicks it to mid-wicket.

13.1

.

Good length ball on off, Anushka pushes it towards mid off.

12.6

1

Another single as this full ball on middle, is easily flicked to deep mid-wicket.

12.5

1

Floated outside off, pushed through covers for a run by Madavi.

12.4

1

Full and on middle, Sanjeewani flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. Wanted the second but the fielder was quick in the deep.

12.3

1

Loopy ball on off, worked towards covers for a single.

12.2

4

FOUR! Freebie offered and Madavi accepts it gleefully. Full toss outside off, she creams it through the covers and bags her first boundary.

12.1

.

Full and around off, pushed towards cover.

Leigh Kasperek is back on. 2-0-18-0 are her figures so far.

11.6

1

Full and outside off, Madavi squeezes it to deep point for a run. 6 runs and a wicket off it.

Harshitha Madavi is the next batter in.

11.5

W

OUT! It has gone straight off the bat and did not bounce on the turf. This is a huge wicket! Tahuhu bowls a full ball on middle, Atapattu looks to dig it out but the ball hits the lower part of the bat and lofts towards the bowler. Tahuhu pouches it easily and appeals. The umpires get together and refer it upstairs. The replays roll in and confirm that the ball did not bounce on the turf and went to Tahuhu straight off the willow. Atapattu departs after playing an excellent knock.

What happened there? This could be a big moment in the game. Did the ball bounce on the turf or went straight to Tahuhu? Looks out.

11.4

.

Play and a miss! Fuller and just outside off, Atapattu backs away and looks to drive over cover but fails to get any bat.

11.3

1

Length ball and angled in, pushed wide of the mid on fielder for a quick run.

11.2

.

This time she fails to flick this full ball on the pads.

11.1

2

Gets it right this time and bowls a full ball on middle, Sanjeewani has no problem flicking it to deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

11.1

1wd

WIDE! Another wide ball as Tahuhu drifts down the leg side again. Sanjeewani fails to connect her flick once again.

11.1

1wd

WIDE! Goes for the yorker does Tahuhu but ends up dishing this down the leg side. Sanjeewani tries flicking but misses. Wided by the umpire.

Lea Tahuhu is back into the attack. 2-0-9-0 are his figures so far.

10.6

4

FOUR! Poor ball and got the punishment! It is full and down the leg side, Atapattu flicks it over the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

10.5

.

Play and a miss! Length ball outside off, Atapattu goes hard for the pull but fails to connect.

10.4

1

Pulled nicely! Short ball on middle, Sanjeewani plays a controlled pull shot to deep square leg for a single.

10.3

.

Full and around off, Sanjeewani looks to smash it through the off side but gets an inside edge on the pads.

10.2

1

EDGY! A length ball outside off, Atapattu looks to drive but the ball takes the thick outside edge and goes to third man for a run.

10.1

1

Quick single! A length ball around off, Sanjeewani tucks it towards the leg side and scampers a single.

9.6

2

Misfield and a couple of runs because of it. Full and outside off, Atapattu drills it towards mid off where the fielder fumbles and allows an extra run. 75/1 at the halfway mark.

9.5

.

Short and outside off, Atapattu looks to cut but misses.

9.4

1

Full and outside off, Sanjeewani drags it to deep mid-wicket for a single with a sweep.

9.3

1

Full and around off, Atapattu pushes it towards mid off for a single.

9.2

6

SIX! Smoked! What a shot from the skipper! Full and floated on middle, Atapattu gets down in position and mows the sweep shot over deep square leg for maximum.

9.1

1

Full and on middle, worked to deep square leg for a run.

8.6

.

Another play and a miss! Another length ball outside off, this one is angled away. Atapattu once again forces at it but makes no connection.

8.5

.

Play and a miss! Length ball outside off, Atapattu fiddles it away from her body to get beaten.

8.4

.

Shortish ball just outside off, Atapattu keeps it out.

8.3

1

On the pads, worked behind square leg for a single.

8.2

.

Huge appeal for LBW but not out says the umpire. A length ball angled into the batter. Sanjeewani looks to flick but misses to get struck on the pads. The bowler and the keeper appeal but not out says the umpire. Devine has a word with the bowler regarding the review but they opt against it. The replays roll in and show that it was a correct call as the ball was missing the leg pole.

8.1

2

A couple on the first ball of her spell. A poor ball on the pads, Sanjeewani glances it towards fine leg and bags a couple.

Hayley Jensen is on now!

7.6

1

On middle, swept to square leg for a single. End of a successful over from Kerr.

7.5

.

On the pads, Sanjeewani looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

Anushka Sanjeewani is the next batter in.

7.4

W

OUT! TIMBER! Kerr provides the breakthrough in her very first over. Perera departs. She has been moving towards the off side for these shots but this time she moves again to smash the ball but she misses. The ball is in the line of the stumps and goes behind to disturb it. New Zealand will now try to put them under pressure.

7.3

1

On middle, swept for a run towards square leg.

7.2

1

Full and around middle and leg, Perera comes down the track and strokes it towards wide long for a run.

7.1

.

Flatter and just outside off, Perera looks force it towards the off side but misses.

Amelia Kerr to bowl now.

6.6

1

Quick single to end the over. A full ball on the pads, worked towards square leg for a quick run.

6.5

.

Floated around off, pushed towards point.

6.4

1

On the pads of Atappatu, it is worked towards mid-wicket for a single.

6.3

4

FOUR! Sri Lanka are on fire! Full and on middle, Atapattu gets to the pitch of the ball and launches it over mid off for a boundary.

6.2

1

On middle, worked towards the leg side for a single.

6.1

.

Floated on the pads, Perera looks to flick but misses. She is struck on the pad. The keeper appeals but nothing from the bowler and the umpire.

5.6

6

SIX! Excellent batting! Full delivery outside off, Atapattu lunges forward and drives it uppishly towards the deep cover region for a biggie. 51/0 after the Powerplay! Excellent start for the Lankans.

5.5

2

Short ball on off, Atapattu looks to pull but it takes the top edge and lands safely in the deep mid-wicket region. Two taken.

5.4

.

Good length ball on off, Atapattu looks to defend it off the back foot but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

5.3

2b

TWO BYES! Full delivery outside off, Atapattu looks to heave it away but fails to get any bat on it. The keeper fails to collect it cleanly allowing the batters to take a couple of byes.

5.2

1

Full delivery outside off, Perera looks to drive but gets an outside edge to third man for a single.

5.1

.

Full on off, Perera pushes it to the off side.

Sophie Devine is back on now. 1-0-6-0 are his figures so far.

4.6

1

On the pads, Perera works it towards the leg side for a run. 40/0 after 5 overs.

4.5

.

Floated around off, blocked.

4.4

4

FOUR! Paddled away! Excellent batting from Perera! Kasperek bowls a full ball around off, Perera moves towards the off side and paddles it down to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

4.3

1

Full and on middle, pushed to mid on for a single.

4.2

.

Loopy ball around off, Atapattu looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads.

4.1

4

FOUR! Drilled! Kasperek has been welcomed with a boundary. She bowls a loopy ball outside off, Atapattu moves back and drills it through the covers and bags a boundary.

Leigh Kasperek to bowl now.

3.6

.

Another drive and a miss! Full and outside off, Perera goes for the drive again but fails to connect.

3.5

4b

FOUR BYES! Runs coming thick and fast for the Lankans now! A fuller ball outside off, Perera goes for the drive, fails to connect as the ball moves a hint away. Priest behind the wicket fails to collect the ball either and it races away to the third man fence.

3.5

5wd

FIVE WIDES! This is poor bowling from Kerr. This time she bowls it way down the leg side. Perera lets it be and the keeper can't do anything about it either.

3.4

.

Full and outside off, Perera goes after it but misses.

3.3

.

Short and on middle, pulled straight to deep square leg.

3.2

4

FOUR! Nicely done! Full ball on middle, Perera moves inside the crease and scoops the ball over the keeper. The ball then races away to the fine leg fence.

3.1

.

Run out chance missed! A back of a length ball on middle, Perera mistimes her pull towards mid-wicket. Atapattu thinks for the non-existent run but she is been sent back. The fielder from mid-wicket fires the throw at the non-striker's end but misses. Had she hit, Atapattu was a goner.

First change in bowling. Jess Kerr to bowl now.

2.6

.

Dot to end the over! It is again on a slightly shortish length, Atapattu looks to push it towards the off side but misses.

2.6

1wd

WIDE! Goes after this wide ball outside off but fails to connect. Wided by the umpire.

2.5

.

In the channel outside off, Atapattu makes a leave now.

2.4

4

FOUR! Up and over! This time Atapattu nails the drive over cover! Tahuhu offers width outside off and bowls it full. Atapattu goes hard at the ball and nails it over cover for a boundary.

2.3

.

Beaten! Extra bounce troubling the Lankan openers. Tahuhu bowls this shorter one just outside off, Atapattu looks to force it towards the off side but she misses.

2.2

1

Short ball on middle, Perera looks to pull but the ball hits the upper part of her willow and goes towards covers. A single.

2.1

.

Very full ball just outside off from Tahuhu. Perera looks to squeeze it out but misses.

1.6

4

FOUR! Flicked! Poor finish to the over from Devine. She bowls a full ball on the pads, Atapattu easily whips it off his pads and this time no one will stop. First boundary of the innings. 8 from the over.

1.5

.

Yorker on middle, Atapattu does well to keep it out.

1.4

1

Full and around off, Perera lofts it over the bowler but the timing is not too good. It goes over Devine and towards mid off for a run.

1.3

2

Another brilliant effort from Kasperek to save runs for her side. A short ball on middle, Perera moves inside the crease and pulls it towards deep square leg. The ball is once again racing to the fence but Kasperek from fine leg once again makes a diving effort to save a couple of runs for the team.

1.2

.

Play and a miss! Length ball on middle, Perera looks to swing hard but fails to connect.

1.2

1wd

WIDE! Bowls this one way outside off, Perera lets it be but the ball keeps going away. The keeper dives to her left to collect but she fails and the ball goes to the slip fielder.

1.1

.

Devine starts her spell with a length ball outside off, Perera lets it be.

Sophie Devine to bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

Shortish and around off, Atapattu blocks it off her back foot. 3 from the first over.

0.5

.

Outside off, Atapattu lets it be.

0.4

1

Dropped but an excellent stuff from Green. That would've been a stunner had she held on to it. Another back of a length ball outside off, Perera once again goes for the cut. It goes to the right of Green at cover. She dives full length and gets her both hands but fails to hold on. Single taken.

0.3

2

Excellent fielding from Kasperek near the third man rope. A shortish ball outside off, Perera looks to cut but the ball takes the thick outside edge and goes to the left of the slip fielder. It is racing towards the fence but Kasperek makes a diving stop.

0.2

.

This time bowls a slightly fuller ball outside off, Perera is lured into the drive. She does so without any feet movement and fails to connect.

0.1

.

Tahuhu starts with a length ball around off, Perera comes forward and bunts it onto the pitch.

Done and dusted with the National Anthems. Time for the action to begin. The New Zealand players are in a huddle near the ropes. They now disperse to take their positions on the field. Out come the two Lankan openers in Chamari Atapattu and Hasini Perera. Lea Tahuhu with the ball first up. 1 slip in place. Here we go...

Both the teams will walk out for their respective National Anthems before the action soon. They walk out now and first up is the Sri Lankan National Anthem. It will be followed by New Zealand's National Anthem.

Pitch report - Ian Bishop is down for the pitch report. Says that the spinners will get some assistance after almost 40 overs being bowled already in the earlier game. Adds that the surface though will entice the fast bowlers as there will be movement and extra bounce on offer but feels that it is a good surface for the game of cricket.

New Zealand playing XI - Sophie Devine (c), Rachel Priest (wk), Suzie Bates, Maddy Green, Katie Perkins, Katey Martin, Amelia Kerr, Hayley Jensen, Leigh Kasperek, Lea Tahuhu, Jess Kerr.

Sri Lanka playing XI - Chamari Atapattu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Madavi, Anushka Sanjeewani (wk), Shashikala Siriwardene, Nilakshi de Silva, Ama Kanchana, Kavisha Dilhari, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya.

Sri Lankan skipper, Chamari Atapattu, says that they trust their batting and bowling and hence the toss does not really matter. Feels that the side is playing well but this is a new day so they will focus in this game. Tells that she can see a lot of Sri Lankan fans and adds that they will try to play positive cricket.

New Zealand skipper, Sophie Devine, says that the team wants to make a mark in this tournament. Adds that they are very excited to go out and play good cricket. Tells that she is really proud to be leading the fantastic group of athletes. Feels that all the sides are really strong in the tournament and they will take one game at a time.

Toss - New Zealand have won the toss and they choose to bowl first.

We have just finished with the first game of this double-header Saturday and another game is upon us. It is New Zealand taking on Sri Lanka at the same venue. We saw West Indies huffing and puffing their way to a victory against Thailand but the Thai have to be given credit for giving a tough fight. The Kiwis are one of the favourites to win this tournament and their recent record shows that. Sri Lanka have their task cut out against a strong side and they would need their star player Chamari Atapattu to come good and help his side start the tournament with a win. Who will come out on top? The Kiwis or the Island Nation? Toss and team updates in a while.

Match Center

Match 3, Perth, February 22, 2020, 04:30 PM