A disciplined bowling performance and a 65 run partnership between Nipuni Hansika and Chamari Polgampola helped Sri Lanka to a 7 wicket win in their final group stage game of the Women’s World Cup Qualifier against Thailand at the MCA Grounds earlier today.
Thailand won the toss and elected to bat first but fell behind almost immediately as N Chantham was bowled by off spinner Inoshi Fernando in just the 2nd over. S Saengsakaorat and N Boochatham then came together to put on 46 runs for the 2nd wicket, the visitors’ most valuable partnership of the innings, as the latter went on to make a patient maiden half century. S Saengsakaorat was dismissed in the 24th over and it all went downhill from there as the hosts’ bowlers maintained their discipline to ensure that Thailand did not get away with a reasonable total.
The Lankan ladies were unable to dismiss the Thai ladies but managed to restrict them to 122/8 in their 50 overs. Sripali Weerakkody, Inoka Ranaweera and Eshani Lokusooriya picked up 2 wickets a piece for the hosts.
Sri Lanka got off to a good start with Chamari Atapattu and Hansika put on 31 runs for the 1st wicket before Atapattu was caught short of her crease by keeper N. Koncharoenkai for 16 off the bowling of Tippoch. Hansika and Polgampola then put on 65 runs for the 2nd wicket to more or less seal the deal for Sri Lanka. Although both were dismissed within striking distance of the target, Harshitha Samarawickrama, playing her 1st game of the tournament, and veteran Dilani Manodara took Sri Lanka safely over the line with 92 deliveries to spare.
Chamari Polgampola was named Player of the Match for her all-round effort as she made 49 runs and picked up 1/24.
With 3 wins in 4 games, Sri Lanka booked their place in the Super 6 stage alongside India, Ireland, Pakistan, South Africa and Bangladesh. They will carry forward points from the win against Ireland and will face Pakistan, South Africa and Bandgladesh with the hopes of finishing amongst the top 4 in order to gain automatic qualification to the Women’s World Cup in June/July.
Thailand, Zimbabwe, Scotland and Papua New Guinea arethe teams that have missed out on the Super 6 stage.
Other results
Zim Women 60 v India Women 61/1 (9/50 ov, target 61) India Women won by 9 wickets (with 246 balls remaining)
Scot Women 91 v Pak Women 94/4 (27.1/50 ov, target 92) Pak Women won by 6 wickets (with 137 balls remaining)
PNG Wmn 76 v SA Women 77/0 (13.5/50 ov, target 77) SA Women won by 10 wickets (with 217 balls remaining)
