Disciplined NZ hammer Lanka by 45 runs to confirm semi-final spot

An all-round performance from New Zealand Women have helped them claim a 45-run win over Sri Lanka Women, and confirm their spot as one of the four semi-finalists in the ongoing Birmingham Commonwealth Games 2022.

New Zealand Women pick up another convincing win

Batting first, the White Ferns once again got off to a great start thanks to the legendary duo of Suzie Bates and Sophie Devine.

Bates, who smashed 4 fours during her 32-ball 34, added 51 runs in just 6.5 overs with Devine, who was equally imperious in her strokeplay.

But, the dismissal of Devine (24 off 23) by left-arm orthodox Inoka Ranaweera (3/30 in 4 overs) in the 7th over triggered a collapse that saw New Zealand lose 4 more wickets for 38 runs in the next 6.5 overs.

Ranaweera and right-arm seamer Oshadi Ranasinghe proved to be the wrecker-in-chief, sharing all 5 wickets between them.

However, NZ-W recovered thanks to handy contributions from Brooke Halliday (22 off 23), Izzy Gaze (16 off 14) and Lea Tahuhu's breathtaking 8-ball 20* to ultimately post 147/7 in 20 overs.

NZ-W v SL-W: Hayley Jensen's opening burst flattens Sri Lanka

Chasing 148 was always going to prove to be an uphill task for SL-W, and it proved to be more than that thanks to disciplined bowling from NZ-W.

Right-arm seamer Hayley Jensen proved to be too hot to handle for the Lankan batters as she mopped up the top-order with effortless disdain.

Jensen gave away just 5 runs in 4 overs besides claiming three wickets. Sri Lanka kept losing wickets at regular intervals but, Nilakshi de Silva (36 off 35) and Oshadi Ranasinghe (18* off 21) stood tall to save SL-W from a humiliation, ensuring that they at least crossed the 100-run mark.

Apart from Jensen, seamer Eden Carson bagged a couple of wickets while Hannah Rowe, Rosemary Mair and Amelia Kerr claimed 1 each as NZ-W romped home with a 45-run win.

Brief Scores:

New Zealand Women - 147-7 (20)

Suzie Bates 34 (32), Sophie Devine 24 (23);
Inoka Ranaweera 3/30 (4), Oshadi Ranasinghe 2-31 (4)

Sri Lanka Women - 102-8 (20)

Nilakshi de Silva 36 (35) Oshadi Ranasinghe (18* off 21);
Hayley Jensen 3/5 (4), Eden Carson 2/30 (4)

New Zealand Women won by 45 runs

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