Twitter Reaction: New Zealand keeps its semi-final dreams alive with a thrashing victory against Sri Lanka
New Zealand keeps its semi-final dreams Alive: The 17th match of the current Women’s T20 World Cup featured a one-sided affair as New Zealand ran out easy winners against Sri Lanka, defeating the Asian team by 102 runs. New Zealand’s margin of victory maintains them in contention for a semi-final position, knocking Sri Lanka out of the competition. Amelia Kerr was the star of the show, batting 66 and returning with 2/7 in the second innings.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bat first on a slick pitch, headed by the inspiring Sophie Devine. If Sri Lanka had taken their opportunities on the field, the White Ferns would have been in big trouble early on. But it wasn’t to be, as New Zealand got off to a good start on the powerplay, due to Bernadine Bezuidenhout’s blitz at the top of the lineup.
Suzie Bates, who had been a spectator during her opening partner’s attack, got going in a decisive stand with Amelia Kerr after Bezuidenhout was dismissed. Kerr hit 66 off 48 deliveries as part of a 110-run partnership for the second wicket. After their respective half-centuries, both hitters were ejected in the final over of the first innings, bringing their team’s total to 162 runs.
In response, the Sri Lankans were all over the place, and their pursuit appeared to stop within the powerplay following a horrific top-order breakdown. Their hopes were dashed when skipper Chamari Athapaththu fell to a 21-ball 19 in the eighth over of the chase. Sri Lanka lost their final five wickets for just 25 runs, resulting in a humiliating 60-run reply.
New Zealand’s thrashing of their opponents puts them ahead of Sri Lanka on the points standings thanks to a higher net run rate. The White Ferns will be praying that Bangladesh defeats hosts South Africa, securing their spot in the semi-finals.
