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Samarawickrama and Dilhari Guide Sri Lanka to Commanding Win Over South Africa
Clinical All-Round Performance Helps Hosts Seal Tri-Series Victory in Colombo
Sri Lanka clinched a well-deserved five-wicket win over South Africa in the Women’s T20I tri-series, thanks to composed half-centuries from Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari. The home side outplayed the visitors in all departments to secure their maiden points in the competition.
South Africa Falter Despite Dercksen’s Fifty
Top Order Collapse Undermines Early Promise
South Africa’s innings started on a shaky note as both openers, Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt, departed within the first seven overs. Sri Lanka’s opening bowlers, Sugandika Kumari and Malki Madara, struck early blows to put the visitors on the back foot.
The situation worsened as Karabo Meso struggled to a sluggish 9 off 27 balls before falling, reducing South Africa to a fragile 59/3. Lara Goodall and Sune Luus attempted to stabilize the innings with a 54-run stand. Goodall’s composed 46, laced with five elegant boundaries, showed grit, but the wickets continued to tumble at regular intervals.
Vihanga’s Double Strike Halts Momentum
Just when South Africa seemed to be regaining control, Dewmi Vihanga’s twin breakthroughs in quick succession sent both Luus and Goodall back to the pavilion. Despite a spirited partnership between Annerie Dercksen and Chloe Tryon, the South African middle order couldn’t sustain momentum.
Nilakshi de Silva produced the moment of the match, taking a sensational diving catch at the boundary to dismiss Tryon. Dercksen, who had earlier smashed a quickfire 30 against India, continued her impressive form, bringing up her half-century with a massive six.
Madara returned to clean up the lower order, grabbing four wickets, including key dismissals of Klaas and Mlaba, restricting South Africa to 235/9.
Sri Lanka’s Top Order Lays Foundation for Victory
Gunaratne and Perera Provide Early Stability
Chasing a challenging total, Sri Lanka lost captain Chamari Athapaththu early, but a steady partnership between Vishmi Gunaratne and Hasini Perera ensured the chase remained on track. The duo found boundaries regularly during the PowerPlay, steering the hosts to 47/1 after 10 overs.
Perera’s aggressive approach, particularly against Ayabonga Khaka, included successive boundaries and inventive sweeps. Gunaratne’s confident strokeplay was short-lived, though, as she fell LBW to Mlaba just after the drinks break.
Samarawickrama and Dilhari’s 128-Run Stand Seals the Game
After the loss of Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari combined for a match-winning 128-run stand. Their calculated approach ensured there were no further hiccups. Samarawickrama reached her fifty with a beautiful straight drive, while Dilhari played elegant sweeps and cuts to dominate the bowlers.
The pair punished Klaas and Khaka, consistently rotating the strike and hitting boundaries. Dilhari eventually departed for 61, and Samarawickrama followed with just three runs left to win. However, Nilakshi de Silva fittingly wrapped up the chase with a boundary in the 47th over.
For more on Sri Lanka women’s cricket journey, check out our Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Coverage.
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Sri Lanka’s dominant display, built on strong batting partnerships and disciplined bowling, reaffirmed their credentials in the tri-series. With key contributions from both established and emerging players, the team looks poised to challenge stronger oppositions in the upcoming fixtures.
