The Sri Lankan Women’s Cricket Team sealed the final spot in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 against the spirited UAE side in the second semi-finals played at Sheikh Zayed International Stadium, Abu Dhabi on 5th May 2024.
After being asked to bat first by UAE captain Esha Oza, Sri Lankan openers Chamari Atthaptu and Vishmi Gunaratne got off to a steady start with aggressive intent. At the end of the first six overs, Sri Lanka scored 48 runs. After the field restrictions, Sri Lankan captain Chamari fell for the run ball 21. Chamari and Vishmi added 52 runs for the opening wicket.
Harshita Samarawickrama and Vishmi struggled against disciplined UAE bowling not able to rotate the strike. Vaishnave Mahesh struck getting rid of Harshita. Harshita and Vishmi added 44 runs for the 2nd wicket. Nilakshi de Silva and Kavisha Dilhari added valuable runs putting on 32 runs for the 5th wicket. It was a good batting display as Sri Lankan women’s team made 149 for 6 in 20 overs. Vishmi finished as the top scorer with 45 off 44 balls. For UAE, Vaishnave Mahesh and Esha Oza took 2 wickets each.
Sri Lankan bowlers held onto their nerves
It was an ideal start for the Lankan bowlers as Fernando struck in the first over dismissing Theertha Satheesh. Khushi Sharma and Esha Oza steadied the ship for UAE with positive intent. Sugandika Kumari got the breakthrough for Sri Lanka dismissing Khushi. Khushi and Oza added 66 runs for the 2nd wicket.
UAE captain Esha Oza looked impressive keeping the scoreboard ticking and not allowing the Lankan bowlers to settle. Esha completed her fifty off 34 balls keeping UAE’s hopes alive of winning. Sri Lankan captain Chamari struck to dismiss Kavisha Egodage to derail their innings. Esha Oza and Kavisha added 37 runs for the 3rd wicket.
Prabodhani struck to get rid of dangerous Esha Oza and dented UAE’s hopes of winning. Sri Lankan bowlers kept their nerves to restrict UAE to 134 for 7 winning the match by 15 runs. Esha Oza was named the player of the match for her 66 and 2 for 7.
Sri Lankan women will qualify for the T20 Women’s World Cup 2024. They looked unbeaten in the entire tournament so far. Their performance has been brilliant registering 67 runs win during the first match against Thailand, thrashing Scotland by 10 wickets, registering another 67 runs victory over Uganda. They finished the group stage with an 18-run win over the USA.
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