On a day when missed chances could have become the margin of difference, Sri Lanka's top order were the biggest benefactors at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Tuesday. Facing an otherwise disciplined New Zealand bowling attack, the Lankans prioritized partnership over power and slumped to 258 for six, the highest ever total against the White Ferns in the format.
However, the home side's best chance of a historic victory was washed away as the match reached the halfway point. The rain, which failed to materialize during a gritty first innings, arrived purposefully during the break and never let up, forcing the match to be abandoned. For New Zealand, the lost point could prove costly in the race to the knockout stages, but for Sri Lanka it could have been a morale-boosting victory, the first of the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup.
The sparse but cheerful crowd in Colombo had witnessed a multi-pronged effort from the Lankans, from the slow and steady toil at the top to the late flourish. Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu opted to set a target and was joined by Vishmi Gunaratne in a cautious start.
AS IT HAPPENED | Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Highlights
The skipper looked fluid but the boy at the other end struggled to keep up and struck at a paltry pace. The two openers soon fell within the space of 24 runs, forcing Hasini Perera and Harshitha Samarawickrama to rebuild. While the latter had only a short but confident stay, the former played the role of anchor after a shaky start.
Nilakshika Silva was then given the platform to take an aggressive stance from the start. She was wrong with a boundary well above middle off the bowling of Sophie Devine. That was the start of a 360-degree attack on targeting the right deliveries and finding the gaps.
Sri Lanka's Nilakshika Silva brought up the fastest half-century of this edition, in 26 balls, to help Sri Lanka reach 258 for six before the rain delay. | Photo credit: AP
Sri Lanka's Nilakshika Silva brought up the fastest half-century of this edition, in 26 balls, to help Sri Lanka reach 258 for six before the rain delay. | Photo credit: AP
Nilakshika brought up the fastest half-century of this edition – in 26 balls – with a heave towards deep midwicket. She ensured Sri Lanka finished strongly by hitting three consecutive fours in the final over, making Devine's nine-over spell the costliest of all.
However, the skipper was once again New Zealand's clutch player, taking three wickets, including that of her counterpart. The White Ferns will look back and rue the many chances they squandered, including an early tap-in from the dangerous Athapaththu and a handful of clumsy run-out and stumping chances from keeper Izzy Gaze. The few misfields may have cost a lot of money, but the rain gods had the final say.
Published on October 14, 2025
