NZ thrash Sri Lanka, cling to T20 World Cup SF hopes

NZ thrash Sri Lanka, cling to T20 World Cup SF hopes

Sri Lanka have gone from the brink of the Women’s T20 World Cup knockout stage to out of the event.

New Zealand’s enormous 102-run win over Sri Lanka on Sunday in Paarl as a substitute put them in place to comply with defending champions Australia into the semi-finals from Group 1.

The Kiwis moved second behind Australia, however that is also momentary as a win for South Africa over Bangladesh on Tuesday would see the hosts snatch the semi-final place.

New Zealand gave themselves an opportunity with a dominant efficiency to finish Sri Lanka’s participation.

Bernadine Bezuidenhout (32), Suzie Bates (56) and Amelia Kerr (66) all made large contributions on the high of the order to see New Zealand to a powerful 3-162 after selecting to bat first at Boland Park.

Sri Lanka, who would have been into the final 4 with a win, collapsed beneath the stress and have been all out for simply after being one batter down with Achini Kulasuriya not popping out due to an damage.

New Zealand legspinner Kerr took 2-7 off 2.5 overs.

Fast bowler Lea Tahuhu returned figures of 2-12 in 4 overs to affix Australia’s Megan Schutt because the joint-leading wicket-takers on the event with eight scalps.

Source: www.perthnow.com.au