The Australian Women finished their tour of Sri Lanka undefeated as they registered a dominant 10 wicket win in the sole T20 international played against the hosts at the SSC Grounds earlier today.
Sri Lanka’s top order has struggled against both spin and pace throughout the series and things were no different here as wickets tumbled at regular intervals with the batters showing no real game plan on the field. The hosts were restricted to 59 for 8 in their 20 over; Lasanthi Madushani, who made 17, was the only batter to make it to double figures.
Yet again the method of dismissal was the most disappointing part about Sri Lanka’s batting as many perished trying in vain to clear the boundary.
Kristen Beams carried on her red hot form and was named Player of the Match for her performance of 3/11 in 4 overs.
Sri Lanka’s only chance came in the very 1st over but it was squandered by Hasini Perera at slip, giving Beth Mooney an opportunity to make a mark in her 1st game of the tour. Mooney made Sri Lanka pay as she went on to make 29 and remain unbeaten as the visitors chased down Sri Lanka’s total without losing a wicket. This is the largest margin of victory in terms of balls remaining in the history of Women’s T20Is as Australia reached their target with 71 balls to spare.
Photo Album: Sri Lanka Women vs Australia Women – T20I
Apart from the early lapse by Perera, the Sri Lankan fielding was well below par, with the winning runs coming through a misfield for the 2nd time on this tour.
The tour also featured 4 ODIs– all of which were won by the Aussies who asserted their dominance over the lower-ranked islanders. With the win in the 2nd ODI, Australia gained direct qualification to the ICC Women’s World Cup to be held in 2017, while Sri Lanka are still languishing at the bottom of the Women’s Championship table.
