Udeshika Prabodhani lit up the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 with an exceptional delivery that sent Australian opener Alyssa Healy back to the pavilion. The dramatic moment came during the group stage clash between Australia and Sri Lanka on Saturday, October 5, in Sharjah, and it provided an early breakthrough for Sri Lanka.
Udeshika Prabodhani dismisses Alyssa Healy with a cracker of a delivery
The left-arm pacer Prabodhani delivered a peach of a delivery right in the first over, getting rid of the dangerous Healy for just four runs off three balls. The Sri Lankan bowler bowled a full-length delivery aimed at the middle stump, and Healy, who was known for her explosive starts, stepped forward in an attempt to push the ball down the ground. However, Prabodhani’s delivery had just enough movement after pitching to beat Healy’s bat, as the ball swung away slightly, crashing into the off-stump.
The sight of Healy, one of the most accomplished and aggressive batters in women’s cricket, walking back to the pavilion with just four runs on the board was a huge boost for Sri Lanka. The early dismissal by Prabodhani exemplified her skill in swinging the ball, even in subcontinental conditions where such movement can be hard to find. It was the perfect start for Sri Lanka, and it gave them an opportunity to put the strong Australian batting line-up under pressure.
Here is the video:
What a start for Sri Lanka! 😍
An important wicket as the Aussie skipper, #AlyssaHealy is caught & bowled by Prabodhani! 👀(only available in India)
Watch 👉🏻 #AUSvSL on #WomensWorldCupOnStar | LIVE NOW on Star Sports Network & Disney+Hotstar pic.twitter.com/jTeCwLFMxR
— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) October 5, 2024
Also READ: Here’s how India can qualify for semifinal after humiliating loss against New Zealand in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
Australia beat Sri Lanka comfortably
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first, but they found the Australian bowling attack difficult to handle. Despite a promising start, they struggled to build partnerships and ended up managing only 93 runs for the loss of 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Nilakshi de Silva was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, remaining unbeaten on 29 runs, while most other batters struggled to find their rhythm against a disciplined Australian bowling unit. Megan Schutt was particularly effective, delivering an economical spell and claiming three wickets for just 12 runs, while Sophie Molineux supported well with 2 wickets for 20 runs.
In response, Australia faced an early setback when Healy was dismissed cheaply, but they managed to recover comfortably. Beth Mooney anchored the innings with an unbeaten 43 runs, ensuring that Australia stayed on course despite losing a few wickets in the middle. Australia chased down the target in 14.2 overs, scoring 94 runs for the loss of 4 wickets, and securing a comfortable 6-wicket victory. The win highlighted Australia’s batting depth and resilience, even when faced with early pressure.
Also READ: Megan Schutt sizzles in Australia’s dominant win over Sri Lanka in Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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