Sri Lanka look to carry WODI form into WT20I series

• First match against New Zealand at P Sara Oval today

Sri Lanka having won the three-match ODI series 2-1 will be looking to extend that run in the shortest format when they confront New Zealand in the first of three-match Women’s T20I at the P Sara Oval today.

No one gave Sri Lanka much of a chance of beating New Zealand in the ODI series, and it is the same view that will be shared when the WT20I matches begin. New Zealand are a much organized side in the T20 game, with several of their players having the experience of playing franchise cricket around the world. In Sri Lanka’s case it is skipper Chamari Athapaththu who has the vast experience and can come close to being compared with some of the New Zealand players.

New Zealand are ranked three in the ICC T20I standings compared to Sri Lanka’s eighth. But rankings according to Athapaththu are only a number and the team that plays well on the day will emerge the winner. So it is with that hope that Sri Lanka will be going into the WT20I series. New Zealand having lost the WODI series will be looking for some redemption and are sure to come out with all guns firing. They warmed up for today’s contest with a 38-run win over SLC President’s XI in a practice game played at the MCA grounds on Thursday where Amelia Kerr (30), Sophie Devine (30) and Maddy Green (28) made runs out of New Zealand’s total of 162-7. Kerr also excelled with the ball taking 3/23. Sri Lanka national cricketer Hasini Perera had a good look at the New Zealand bowling when she made a top score of 68 off 54 balls for the President’s XI who managed only 124-7.

The two countries have met each other 10 times and New Zealand has emerged victorious on each occasion.

The three matches will be shown live from 9.45 am on Dialog TV (channel 126), on Sri Lanka Cricket YouTube channel, Dialog Viu App, and The Papare.com.