182/10 (50.0)
CR : 3.64
280/6 (50.0)
CR : 5.60
New Zealand Women won by 98 runs 🏆
Player of the Match
Georgia Plimmer
112(120)
NZW won by 98 runs
10.35 AM IST, 06.05 PM Local Time: New Zealand Women Triumphs with Dominant 98-Run Victory. A commanding performance from the White Ferns as they outclass Sri Lanka Women in all departments to seal the series 2-0!
Earlier, New Zealand Women posted a solid total of 280/6 in their 50 overs. Georgia Plimmer led the charge with a brilliant 112 off 120 balls, anchoring the innings after Suzie Bates (53 off 69) provided a steady start. Despite losing Emma McLeod (4) early, Plimmer formed key partnerships with Brooke Halliday (36) and Maddy Green (32).
Isabella Gaze (24* off 18) and Polly Inglis (9* off 5) provided a late flourish, pushing the total past 280. Sri Lanka's bowling attack had mixed success, with Sugandika Kumari leading with 3/70, while Chamari Athapaththu and Sachini Nisansala chipped in with a wicket each. Achini Kulasuriya was economical, conceding 39 runs in her 10 overs.
In response, Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a shaky start, with Jess Kerr making early inroads. She dismissed Vishmi Gunaratne (6), Chamari Athapaththu (5), and Harshitha Madavi (8) within the first 10 overs, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 23/3. Imesha Dulani (11) and Kavisha Dilhari (45) tried to build a partnership, but tight bowling from New Zealand kept the pressure on. Dilhari’s departure at 103/5 made things worse for Sri Lanka.
Earlier, New Zealand Women posted a solid total of 280/6 in their 50 overs. Georgia Plimmer led the charge with a brilliant 112 off 120 balls, anchoring the innings after Suzie Bates (53 off 69) provided a steady start. Despite losing Emma McLeod (4) early, Plimmer formed key partnerships with Brooke Halliday (36) and Maddy Green (32).
Isabella Gaze (24* off 18) and Polly Inglis (9* off 5) provided a late flourish, pushing the total past 280. Sri Lanka's bowling attack had mixed success, with Sugandika Kumari leading with 3/70, while Chamari Athapaththu and Sachini Nisansala chipped in with a wicket each. Achini Kulasuriya was economical, conceding 39 runs in her 10 overs.
In response, Sri Lanka’s chase got off to a shaky start, with Jess Kerr making early inroads. She dismissed Vishmi Gunaratne (6), Chamari Athapaththu (5), and Harshitha Madavi (8) within the first 10 overs, leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 23/3. Imesha Dulani (11) and Kavisha Dilhari (45) tried to build a partnership, but tight bowling from New Zealand kept the pressure on. Dilhari’s departure at 103/5 made things worse for Sri Lanka.
Nilakshi de Silva (45) and Anushka Sanjeewani (23) showed some fight, but Fran Jonas (3/40) and Eden Carson (2/29) kept striking at regular intervals. The lower order crumbled quickly, and Sri Lanka were bowled out for 182 in 50 overs. Jess Kerr was the pick of the bowlers with 3/22, while New Zealand’s all-round performance ensured a comfortable win.
Stay tuned for the post-match presentations...
Stay tuned for the post-match presentations...
Player of the Match: Georgia Plimmer
Georgia Plimmer (Player of the Match): "Yeah, it's really nice to contribute to the team. Our squad has been together for a while now, with a few new players coming in, but the core group remains. Having their backing over the past couple of years, along with the support staff, has been incredible. To see all that hard work pay off today is probably the most rewarding part.
Yeah, it's actually quite funny having Eden Carson and the old team out for the football game in the morning. But yeah, it's really nice to have that youthful energy around. Even seeing Emma McLeod out there, running around in the field, really lifts the team. I definitely felt it when she was batting with me—her energy even helped with my running. I think that kind of energy is exactly what we need right now, and it's great to have it in the squad.
I guess I don’t want to think too far ahead. When I'm batting out there for a long time, it's really about trying to stay at the crease for as long as possible—that’s probably been my biggest focus over the last couple of years. So, not really thinking about much else. But yeah, towards the end, I definitely wasn’t too keen on running too much, so we’ll see how that goes. Even more reason to hit a few boundaries! But you've also spent some time away from the game.
Being away from domestic cricket and missing the Aussie ODI series at the start really reinforced how grateful I am to be part of this team. The people in this squad are just incredible. Coming back in and being able to slot right back in while staying true to myself—that’s the best part about this team. When you're free to be yourself on the field, you play your best cricket and enjoy it the most, and that’s what makes the White Ferns so special. So, it’s been amazing to be back."
Yeah, it's actually quite funny having Eden Carson and the old team out for the football game in the morning. But yeah, it's really nice to have that youthful energy around. Even seeing Emma McLeod out there, running around in the field, really lifts the team. I definitely felt it when she was batting with me—her energy even helped with my running. I think that kind of energy is exactly what we need right now, and it's great to have it in the squad.
I guess I don’t want to think too far ahead. When I'm batting out there for a long time, it's really about trying to stay at the crease for as long as possible—that’s probably been my biggest focus over the last couple of years. So, not really thinking about much else. But yeah, towards the end, I definitely wasn’t too keen on running too much, so we’ll see how that goes. Even more reason to hit a few boundaries! But you've also spent some time away from the game.
Being away from domestic cricket and missing the Aussie ODI series at the start really reinforced how grateful I am to be part of this team. The people in this squad are just incredible. Coming back in and being able to slot right back in while staying true to myself—that’s the best part about this team. When you're free to be yourself on the field, you play your best cricket and enjoy it the most, and that’s what makes the White Ferns so special. So, it’s been amazing to be back."
Player of the Series: Maddy Green
Maddy Green (Player of the Series): "Yes, I think it’s really important to bat in different scenarios. Our top order got some good runs and put up a good score today. We were thinking around 250, and we have some good batters who contributed well. It was nice to contribute with both bat and ball today. There’s a lot of cricket happening, but I’m just focusing on following my game plans and getting better with the bat."
Chamari Athapaththu (Sri Lanka Women Captain): "First of all, I want to congratulate the New Zealand team—they played really well, especially Maddy Green. We need to adjust to this condition and play out positive cricket in the T20I series.
We need a good start to chase these kinds of scores. In the fielding, we dropped a few crucial catches and need to work on these areas before T20I series."
We need a good start to chase these kinds of scores. In the fielding, we dropped a few crucial catches and need to work on these areas before T20I series."
Suzie Bates(New Zealand Captain): "Yeah, very happy! So many positives from the series, and we had different players stepping up and scoring for us. Securing the series win feels great. I think everyone contributed, and it was fantastic to celebrate as a team. Maddy Green played a brilliant innings—she’s awesome and great to watch.
(On injuries) Yes, in women’s cricket, with the long schedules, injuries do happen. But we have many talented players performing well in domestic cricket. We’ll keep our heads high and continue playing our brand of cricket for the country."
Suzie Bates receives the series trophy and joins her teammates for the photoshoots.
That's a wrap for this coverage, folks! New Zealand Women have sealed the 3-match ODI series 2-0, with the first game abandoned due to rain. Now, both teams will shift their focus to the shortest format as New Zealand Women prepare to host Sri Lanka Women for a three-match T20I series starting on March 14.
For now, it's me, Deepak Prakash, signing off on behalf of co-commentators Saipavan Janaki, Saptak Sanyal and scorer/analysts Bishal Mandal and Sahil Khan. CHEERS!
For now, it's me, Deepak Prakash, signing off on behalf of co-commentators Saipavan Janaki, Saptak Sanyal and scorer/analysts Bishal Mandal and Sahil Khan. CHEERS!