Sri Lanka Women produced one of the finest victories in their T20 World Cup history when they stunned defending champions New Zealand by five wickets in a thrilling Group 2 encounter at Southampton on Tuesday.
The architects of the memorable triumph were experienced batter Nilakshika Silva and wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana, whose outstanding all-round contribution helped Sri Lanka chase down a target of 151 with two balls to spare.
After suffering a heavy defeat to England in their tournament opener, Sri Lanka responded in emphatic fashion. Their bowlers restricted New Zealand to a manageable total despite useful contributions from Sophie Devine and Melie Kerr, who both scored 45.
Nuthyangana set the tone behind the stumps with a superb display. She claimed three catches, including an excellent diving effort to dismiss Izzy Gaze off the third ball of the innings. She also played a key role in a successful review that removed Brooke Halliday before producing another smart catch to dismiss Izzy Sharp.
New Zealand appeared to be in control when Sri Lanka slipped from 45 without loss to 55 for 4 during the chase. However, Nilakshika stood firm and delivered an innings of immense quality and composure. Her 54 from 37 balls, only her second T20I half-century, revived the chase.
She first added 50 runs with Kavisha Dilhari before sharing an unbroken 48-run stand with Nuthyangana that carried Sri Lanka home. Nuthyangana remained calm under pressure and supported Nilakshika brilliantly as the pair guided Sri Lanka to their maiden T20 World Cup victory over New Zealand.
The result leaves New Zealand in serious danger of missing the knockout stages after suffering their second consecutive defeat. Their fielding once again proved costly, with Nilakshika receiving a crucial lifeline when dropped on just one. The White Ferns had also endured a poor catching display against West Indies in their opening match.
For Sri Lanka, however, it was a night to savour. Nilakshika’s match-winning knock and Nuthyangana’s excellence behind and in front of the stumps ensured a famous victory that keeps their World Cup campaign very much alive.
Chief Scores
New Zealand Women 150/6 (20 overs)
Sophie Devine 45 (30), Melie Kerr 45 (36); Sugandika Kumari 2/24.
Sri Lanka Women 153/5 (19.4 overs)
Nilakshika Silva 54* (37), Kavisha Dilhari 31, Kaushini Nuthyangana 22*; Eden Carson 2/28.
Result: Sri Lanka Women won by 5 wickets.
