New Zealand women overpower Sri Lanka to seal semi-final place

Buoyed by a comprehensive win against South Africa, New Zealand was in its element once again as it brushed aside Sri Lanka by eight wickets to seal a semi-final spot at the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 in Galle on Sunday (September 30).

Sri Lanka’s best chance of winning was to set a formidable total around 120, and for the first few overs, it looked like it was well on its way towards that. Inoka Galagedara (14) and Shashikala Siriwardena (14) looked to set a solid platform, but a familiar batting collapse saw it crumble to 89 all out in 17.4 overs, as the last seven wickets added just 49.

Sri Lanka had itself to blame for the capitulation. Some irresponsible strokes were mixed with some very poor running between the wickets, as it ultimately finished at least 40 short of what it set out to score. The bowling honours were shared equally by Sian Ruck, Erin Bermingham and Morna Nielsen, who picked up two wickets apiece.

The chase was akin to a stroll in the park for New Zealand, which bulldozed its way to the target in 15.4  overs. Sri Lanka’s approach with the ball was uninspiring. Siriwardena, extremely proactive with her field settings in the game against West Indies, strangely went on the defensive right from the outset.

Despite losing Suzie Bates for 16, the in-form Sophie Devine and Amy Satterthwaite made full use of the field restrictions to plunder 42 off the first six overs. From there on, victory was a mere formality. Devine was run out for 23, but Satterthwaite finished not out on 32, with three boundaries. Frances Mackay was unbeaten on 13 when victory was sealed.

While England and Australia progressed through to the semi-finals from group A, New Zealand and West Indies have made it through from group B. The last clash of the league stage, between England and Australia, will now determine the semi-final line-up.