On a day when missed opportunities could have become the margin of difference, Sri Lanka’s top order was the biggest benefactor at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday. Against an otherwise disciplined New Zealand bowling attack, the Lankans prioritised partnership over power and trundled to 258 for six, its highest ever total against the White Ferns in the format.
However, the home side’s best shot at a historic win was washed away just as the contest reached its midpoint. Rain, which held off during a gritty first innings, arrived with purpose during the break and never let up, forcing the match to be abandoned. For New Zealand, the dropped point could prove costly in the race to the knockout stages, but for Sri Lanka, it could have been a morale-boosting win, the first of the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025.
The sparse but cheerful Colombo crowd had witnessed a well-rounded Lankan effort, right from the slow and steady toil at the top to the late flourish. Opting to set a target, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu was joined by Vishmi Gunaratne in a cautious start.
AS IT HAPPENED | Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Highlights
The skipper looked fluent, but the youngster at the other end struggled to keep up, striking at a paltry rate. The two openers soon fell in a span of 24 runs, forcing Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama to rebuild again. While the latter only had a brief but confident stay, the former played the role of anchor after overcoming a shaky start.
Nilakshika Silva was then given the platform to take an aggressive stance from the get-go. She was off the mark with a boundary lofted well over mid-on off Sophie Devine’s bowling. That was the start of a 360-degree onslaught of targeting the right deliveries and finding the gaps.
Sri Lanka’s Nilakshika Silva brought up the quickest half-century of this edition, in 26 balls, to help Sri Lanka post 258 for six before the rain interruption.
| Photo Credit:
AP
Sri Lanka’s Nilakshika Silva brought up the quickest half-century of this edition, in 26 balls, to help Sri Lanka post 258 for six before the rain interruption.
| Photo Credit:
AP
Nilakshika brought up the quickest half-century of this edition — in 26 balls — with a heave towards deep-midwicket. She ensured Sri Lanka closed out strongly by hammering three consecutive fours off the final over, making Devine’s nine-over spell the most expensive of the lot.
The skipper was, however, New Zealand’s clutch player once again, picking up three wickets, including that of her counterpart. The White Ferns will look back and rue the multiple chances they let go, including an early nick by the dangerous Athapaththu and a handful of fumbled run-out and stumping chances by keeper Izzy Gaze. The few misfields might have proven costly, but the rain gods had the final say.
Published on Oct 14, 2025
