Sri Lanka will host India and South Africa in a Women's ODI tri-series in April and May, confirmed on Thursday (March 6). The series, featuring a double round-robin format with a final, will serve as a crucial build-up to the ODI World Cup, which is scheduled to be played in India later this year.
The tri-series will get underway with the hosts facing Harmanpreet Kaur-led India on April 27. Each team will play four group games before the top two teams meet in the final on May 11. All matches will be held as 'Day Games' at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, a venue known for its iconic atmosphere and history in women’s cricket.
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All three teams participating in the series have already secured their places in the upcoming World Cup through their standings in the ICC Women's Championship. Sri Lanka, the defending champions of last year's tri-series held on their home turf, will look to maintain their winning momentum.
With the World Cup on the horizon, the tri-series will be a vital opportunity for all teams to fine-tune their preparations.
Currently, Sri Lanka is touring New Zealand, but they suffered a loss in the second ODI despite a rain-affected first match that ended in a thrilling tie. Chasing 246 for victory, Sri Lanka’s batting faltered as wickets fell regularly. Athapathu, the team’s biggest hope, was dismissed for just 11 off 16 balls, which proved to be a significant blow. Harshitha Samarawickrama fought valiantly, scoring 59 off 77 balls, but struggled to find support from the other end.
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The White Ferns’ bowlers were dominant in the chase. Pacer Hannah Rowe shone with a brilliant 4/31, dismantling the Sri Lankan batters. Left-arm pacer Bree Illing supported well with 2/45, while leg-spinner Eden Carson chipped in with 2/30. With consistent pressure, the New Zealand bowlers bowled out Sri Lanka for just 167, securing a comfortable win by 78 runs.
The lower-order contributions from Green and others helped the White Ferns post a solid total, while their bowlers, led by Rowe, dominated Sri Lanka’s chase. The comprehensive win highlighted New Zealand’s strength in both batting and bowling, ensuring a convincing 78-run victory.
