Women’s T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka on verge of defending title after defeating New Zealand

ICC Women’s T20 World Cup, Group 2, Southampton

New Zealand 150-6 (20 overs): 45 becomes (30); Dilhari 2-35

Sri Lanka 153-5 (19.4 overs): De Silva 54* (37); Patel 2-23

Sri Lanka won by five wickets

Scorecard, table

New Zealand’s hopes of defending their Women’s T20 World Cup title are on the brink after a five-wicket loss to Sri Lanka in Southampton.

Both teams needed a win after losing the first match and Sri Lanka held their nerve as they reached the target of 151 runs with two balls to spare.

New Zealand’s fielding once again cost them. After the first loss against the West Indies, they dropped three more chances, including a drop in one to Neelakshi De Silva, a crucial match-winner at Bri Ealing.

The Ealing fast bowler inexplicably spilled an easy chance at short fine leg off the bowling of Mellie Kerr and De Silva punished him, unbeaten on 54 off 37 balls.

After Sri Lanka’s top order was left reeling at 55-4, De Silva added a crucial 50-run stand with Kavisha Dilhari before the latter was run out for 46 off 30 balls.

Considering Sri Lanka’s lack of batting depth, the equation makes New Zealand favorites but De Silva found valuable support in Kaushani Nuthiangana, who remained unbeaten on 24.

The White Ferns were miserable in the field and cautious with the bat, scraping to 38-1 from the powerplay before captain Kerr and Sophie Devine dragged them to 150-6 in 45 overs each.

After consecutive final-over defeats, they now face a group-stage exit despite being one of the pre-tournament favorites to join England in the top two of the group, while Sri Lanka put themselves in contention after their heavy opening defeat to the hosts.