Rain once again played spoilsport in the second unofficial one-day game between Sri Lanka Women’s A and New Zealand Women’s A, which ended in a no result for the second consecutive time at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium yesterday.
Sri Lanka Women’s A, batting first for the second successive game of the series, scored 197 for 9 in their allotted 50 overs. Rain interrupted play after the completion of the innings, and after a lengthy delay, New Zealand Women’s A were set a revised target of 123 runs in 20 overs.
However, the visitors managed to bat only 10.1 overs, reaching 66 for 4 before rain once again forced the match to be abandoned.
Sri Lanka’s innings was completed without interruption during the first session. After a delay of nearly three hours, New Zealand Women’s A began their chase, with openers Kate Anderson (19*) and Bella James (20) putting on 30 runs in 4.5 overs.
Fast bowler Rashmika Sewwandi provided the breakthrough by dismissing James for 20 off 15 balls, with wicketkeeper Sumudu Nisansala taking the catch. Skipper Jess Watkin scored a quick 8 off 4 balls, including a six, before being dismissed by Thanuka Shehani in the sixth over.
Two run-outs followed as Prue Catton (3) and Tash Wakelin (0) departed, reducing New Zealand Women’s A to 47 for 4 after 7.2 overs.
Kate Anderson and Bella Armstrong (13*) then added an unbeaten 19-run partnership for the fifth wicket before rain interrupted play for the second time, forcing the game to end without a result.
Earlier, Sri Lanka Women’s A batter Vimoksha Balasuriya scored 31 off 57 balls with three fours, while Sumudu Nisansala followed up her impressive performance in the first match with 24 off 49 balls, including two fours.
Sri Lanka Women’s A were struggling at 110 for 6 after 34.5 overs before all-rounder Dewmi Vihanga produced a valuable knock of 44 off 48 balls with two fours and two sixes.
Young Limansa Thillekaratne contributed 24 off 36 balls with one four as the pair added a fighting 68-run partnership for the seventh wicket to help Sri Lanka reach 197 for 9.
Experienced New Zealand fast bowler Hannah Rowe was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3 for 36, well supported by Emma Black (2 for 49) and Bella Armstrong (2 for 21).
After the first two one-day games ended without results, the teams are scheduled to meet in the third and final unofficial ODI on Monday (18) at the same venue.
Chief scores
Sri Lanka women’s A 197 for 9 wickets in 50 overs Vishmi Gunaratne 13 , Vimoksha Balasuriya 31, Sumudu Nisansala 24, Piumi Wathsala 13, Sathya Sandeepani 16,Limansa Thillekaratne 24, Dewmi Vihanga 44, Rashmika Sewwandi 16*, Hannah Rowe 3/36, Emma Black 2/49, Marama Downes 1/30, Belia Armstong 2/21
New Zealand women’s A ( revised target 123 in 20 overs ) 66 for 4 wickets in 10.1 overs Kate Anderson 19*, Bella James 20, Bella Armstrong 13*, Rashmika Sewwandi 1/15 , Thanuka Shehani 1/11
(Courtesy Ceylon Daily News)