South Africa registered a convincing win over Sri Lanka in the first Women’s T20I of the three-match series played yesterday (27th March) at Benoni in South Africa.
After winning the toss, Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu opted to bowl first and managed to strike early as the off-spinner Inoshi Priyadarshani dismissed the South African opening batter Tazmin Brits for 15 runs in the third over of the innings.
The hosts’ skipper Laura Wolvaardt and No. 3 batter Marizanne Kapp then took the game away from the visitors stitching together a 116-run partnership for the second wicket.
Wolvaardt went onto score her maiden century in Women’s T20Is as South Africa posted a commanding total – 198/5 on the board. Achini Kulasuriya was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka as she grabbed 2 wickets for 39 runs in her 4-over spell.
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Sri Lanka faced early setback in the run-chase as they lost the skipper Athapaththu and opening batter Vishmi Gunaratne inside first 4 overs. Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hasini Perera gave some impetus to the innings adding 44-run partnership for the 3rd wicket but thereafter Sri Lanka lost the plot as they continued to wickets at regular intervals.
Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 119 runs handing a 79-run for the hosts. Sri Lanka will take on South Africa in the second T20I on the 30th March at Potchefstroom.
Brief Scores
South Africa – 198/5 (20) Laura Wolvaardt 102, Marizanne Kapp 60, Achini Kulasuriya 2/39
Sri Lanka – 119 (18.2) Harshitha Samarawickrama 38, Hasini Perera 30, Annerie Dercksen 2/15, Tumi Sekhukhne 2/25
Result – South Africa won by 79 runs
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