New Zealand showcased a clinical performance to secure an 8-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Match 15 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 on Saturday (October 12). Chasing a modest target of 116, New Zealand completed the chase in just 17.3 overs. Key contributions from Georgia Plimmer’s measured half-century and a stellar all-round performance by Amelia Kerr highlighted New Zealand’s dominance in the contest.

Sri Lanka’s inconsistent batting struggles to gain momentum

Sri Lanka’s decision to bat first did not yield the desired results as they found themselves struggling to build partnerships. Captain Chamari Athapaththu was the lone bright spot, scoring a patient 35 off 41 balls, but her dismissal in the 14th over set Sri Lanka back significantly. The rest of the top order, including Vishmi Gunaratne (8) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (18), failed to convert their starts. Sri Lanka’s scoring rate hovered around 5 runs per over, and they lacked the power to accelerate. New Zealand’s disciplined bowling, led by Kerr (2/13) and Leigh Kasperek (2/27), put pressure on the Sri Lankan batters, limiting them to 115/5 in 20 overs.

Georgia Plimmer anchors the chase with a composed fifty

New Zealand’s reply started on a positive note, as openers Suzie Bates and Plimmer put together a solid 49-run partnership. Bates played a cautious knock of 17 before being bowled by Sachini Nisansala, but Plimmer continued her steady innings. Her well-crafted 53 off 44 balls, featuring four boundaries, was the backbone of New Zealand’s chase. Plimmer’s intelligent shot selection and ability to rotate the strike kept the required run rate under control, easing the pressure on her teammates. Her innings was crucial in setting up a comfortable chase, and although she fell in the 15th over, her work was done as New Zealand were within sight of victory.

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Sri Lanka’s bowling fails to defend a modest total

Despite putting up a competitive fight in the field, Sri Lanka’s bowling unit couldn’t sustain pressure long enough to defend their total. Nisansala was the pick of the bowlers, claiming 1/24 in her 4 overs, while Athapaththu tried to contribute with her part-time spin, taking a wicket as well. However, the rest of the bowling attack, including Udeshika Prabodhani and Kavisha Dilhari, struggled to contain the New Zealand batters. Sri Lanka’s inability to break partnerships at crucial junctures allowed New Zealand to ease their way towards the target.

Amelia Kerr’s all-round contribution supports the victory

While Plimmer’s innings was the highlight, Kerr’s all-round performance played a pivotal role in New Zealand’s win. After her excellent bowling figures of 2/13 earlier in the match, Kerr contributed 34* off 31 balls in the chase. Her partnership with Plimmer kept the innings steady, and when Plimmer fell in the 15th over, Kerr took the responsibility of finishing the job. Her composed batting, alongside captain Sophie Devine (13*), ensured that New Zealand crossed the target with 15 balls to spare.

New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka by 8 wickets 🏏#women #cricket #NZvSL #T20WorldCup #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/CI1sFGrw7k

— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) October 12, 2024

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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