The first ODI of the ongoing three-match series between New Zealand Women and Sri Lanka Women was abandoned due to rain. The play could be possible for only 36.4 overs with constant downpour forcing a no-result.
New Zealand, playing with three debutants - Breearne Illing, Polly Inglis and Emma McLeod - decided to bowl first, aiming to make the most of any early movement the pitch might offer. Sri Lanka started their innings, and Harshitha Madavi Samarawickrama was looking pretty solid, putting together a decent 66* runs off 96 deliveries.
She was a key member in two important partnerships for the visitors. After an early fall of of their captain Chamari Athapaththu, Samarawickrama formed a 45-run stand with Vishmi Gunaratne for the second wicket. After Gunaratne’s dismissal, a collapse ensued as Sri Lanka reeled at 93/4. Samarawickrama again stitched a 44-run partnership along with Nilakshi de Silva, helping Sri Lanka make a comeback.
For the White Ferns, left-arm seamer Illing took two wickets, giving away 42 runs in her spell.
Also read: NZW vs SLW: Rain Brings Early End to Sri Lanka’s Innings in First ODI
Sri Lanka managed to score 147 runs for five wickets in 36.4 overs before the rain really put its foot down. There were a few attempts to get back out there, but the ground staff was fighting a losing battle. The rain just kept coming and the outfield was getting wetter and wetter.
Eventually, with no signs of the rain easing, the officials had to make the call. The match was officially called off.
The two teams will now move to Nelson, where the second ODI is scheduled to take place on March 7.
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