Harshitha Samarawickrama’s resilient knock of 66* went in vain as the first ODI between Sri Lanka Women and New Zealand Women in Napier ended in a no result due to rain. The match was called off after 36.4 overs, with Sri Lanka at 147/5.
Sri Lanka’s Steady Start and Middle-Order Collapse
After being asked to bat first by Suzie Bates, Sri Lanka started steadily but suffered a middle-order collapse. They lost their first wicket at 70 but quickly slipped to 94/4. However, Samarawickrama held one end, scoring her second fifty-plus score in ODIs, guiding her team to a respectable total before rain interrupted play.
Chamari Athapaththu was the first to depart, scoring just 9 off 21 balls, as New Zealand’s Bree Illing provided the breakthrough. Vishmi Gunaratne, the other opener, stitched a 45-run partnership with Samarawickrama before falling for 26 to Jess Kerr in the 19th over.
Following Gunaratne’s dismissal, Kavisha Dilhari (5) and Manudi Nanayakkara (8) fell cheaply to Bates and Illing, respectively, leaving Sri Lanka in a tricky position.
Samarawickrama’s Grit and Rain Interruption
Just when Sri Lanka seemed to be stabilizing, Eden Carson ran out Nilakshika Silva (17), ending a promising 44-run stand for the fifth wicket. Despite losing partners, Samarawickrama anchored the innings well, smashing seven boundaries and reaching her half-century in 83 balls.
She remained unbeaten at 66* alongside wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani (2*), but heavy rain halted the game. After a three-hour delay, the umpires had no choice but to call off the match, resulting in a no result.
What’s Next?
With the series opener washed out, both teams will now head to Nelson for the remaining two ODIs, hoping for better weather conditions.
Match Summary:
Sri Lanka Women – 147/5 in 36.4 overs (Samarawickrama 66*, Illing 2/42)
New Zealand Women – No result due to rain
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