Rain played spoilsport as Sri Lanka’s ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 clash against New Zealand at the R. Premadasa International Stadium in Colombo was abandoned on Tuesday.
After posting a competitive total of 258/6, Sri Lanka seemed well placed to challenge the White Ferns, thanks to a late flourish in their innings. However, persistent showers delayed New Zealand’s chase, and officials eventually called off the game, with both teams sharing a point each.
The outcome leaves Sri Lanka with two points from four matches—both earned through washouts—as they continue to search for their first win of the tournament. It was a disappointing result for Chamari Athapaththu’s side, who had looked in control and were on course for a potential breakthrough victory.
New Zealand, meanwhile, now have three points from four games, with just one win so far.
Sri Lanka’s innings was powered by an explosive performance from Nilakshika Silva. Her unbeaten 55 off 28 balls, including the fastest fifty of the ongoing World Cup in 26 balls, lifted the side after a few middle-over hiccups. Opening the innings, captain Chamari Athapaththu (53) and Vishmi Gunarathne (42) laid a solid foundation with a 101-run stand—the first century-plus opening partnership of the tournament. Athapaththu looked fluent throughout, while Gunaratne gradually found her rhythm.
For New Zealand, skipper Sophie Devine was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 3/54, supported by Bree Illing’s 2/39.
Earlier, Athapaththu had won the toss and elected to bat first, hoping to capitalize on ideal batting conditions—an effort that looked promising before the rain intervened.
(Tamil Craze)
