South Africa Women vs Sri Lanka Women

South African Captain and Opening Batswoman Laura Wolvaardt shared a 116-run second wicket partnership with Marizanne Kapp, but soon enough the hosts’ top order found itself struggling.

Ayabonga Khaka struck in the fourth over, trapping Hansima Karunaratne lbw before Kavisha Dilhari edged one to de Klerk at long leg for an edge shot from de Klerk at long leg. In this thrilling South Africa women vs Sri Lanka women encounter, that brought Chamari Athapaththu out into the crease.

Batting

Since 2017, Sri Lanka Women have won three out of nine matches between the teams since 2017. Their average batting score stands at 138.9 while their maximum run score reaches 229 while South Africa Women average 124.7 with 49 as their max run score.

Sugandika Kumari to Shabnim Ismail. Ismail works it down the middle to long on, where the keeper attempted to throw off the bails but failed. Her diving attempt is unsuccessful as only enough bat contact occurs for it not to hit backwards into Ismail and damage her stumps – 13 runs needed now!

Karabo Meso (SA) made her T20I debut today and has had an outstanding run with the bat so far. She scored two fifties as South Africa chased down an opponent’s target of 155 to defeat Bangladesh, scoring an amazing 153 runs overall while becoming joint-top run scorer along with Chamari Athapaththu for their nation and surpassing Meg Lanning as South African women’s T20I record-holder – an extraordinary achievement made even more remarkable by being such an outstanding performer thus far in her T20I career debut!

Bowling

South African bowlers proved why they are among the finest in the world by picking up wickets at will and keeping Sri Lanka under pressure. South Africa have enough depth and experience to be formidable contenders at the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup – but there may still be areas for improvement.

South Africa’s opening batsmen found it difficult to get going early on in their innings against Sri Lankan bowlers; however, their middle order stepped up their game in response. Sune Luus and Tazmin Brits each scored 25 runs before their first dismissals, showing signs that South Africa might reach a respectable total but ultimately were undone by Sri Lanka’s pace and spin bowlers.

Ayabonga Khaka entered the attack in the fourth over and immediately struck with her first two balls, dismissing Hansima Karunaratne caught behind off a wide ball and Kavisha Dilhari caught down leg side off her second maiden over. Although Khaka’s second over was maiden-free, pressure on the scoreboard did not ease until nearing its conclusion despite her quick deliveries with excellent line and length that saw Chamari Athapaththu caught off a mishit off her final delivery which made her bowlering successful overall.

Marizanne Kapp is South Africa’s finest all-rounder, capable of turning games on their head through both bat and ball in crucial situations. Her ability to switch sides quickly through hitting or bowling could make a decisive difference during crunch situations. Marizanne can change matches quickly thanks to her swift hitting or tight bowling in death overs.

Kapp’s recent form has cemented her place as a key member of the squad for the remainder of this series. She collected seven wickets across three T20I matches at Buffalo Park and will look to carry that momentum into ODIs. Anneke Bosch, Sune Luus, Tazmin Brits, Ayabonga Khaka, Nadine de Klerk, Eliz-Mari Marx Masabata Klaas Jafta are ready support her while Tumi Sekhukhune and Nonkululeko Mlaba are always ready as backup options should she need replacement.

Fielding

South Africa will look to replicate their impressive batting performance from the first ODI. Laura Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits have been outstanding openers, scoring an impressive total of 104 runs before their first dismissals in T20I series play. Anneke Bosch, Nonkululeko Mlaba Sune Luus and Marizanne Kapp will provide strong support batting-wise while all-rounders Masabata Klaas and Ayabonga Khaka will provide invaluable all-round services as all-rounders.

Proteas bowlers possess potency. In their opening ODI match against Sri Lanka, Nadine de Klerk and Tumi Sekhukhune took wickets early to set an early pace that put Sri Lankan batsmen under pressure and allow the Proteas to keep pace. If they want to prevail in this encounter they must keep this momentum going by keeping Sri Lanka’s batsman under constant strain and pressure in order to win it.

Kimberley’s Diamond Oval offers fast bowlers an ideal surface, featuring some bounce and carrying capability. South Africa have won their last seven matches played here and should feel confident of continuing this winning streak.

Sri Lanka have proven themselves capable of competing in women’s ODI cricket despite their struggles in T20I series against South Africa, boasting a formidable squad and roster to contest in ODI series against them. Chamari Athapaththu scored her highest ever ODI score – 195* against Bangladesh in opening game – making history! Nilakshika de Silva, Oshadi Ranasinghe, Harshitha Samawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari can all play key roles within any match.

Sri Lanka was competitive but struggled to post a total before rain interrupted play and ended the first ODI, still managing a respectable total before it was curtailed by heavy showers. They need to improve with their bat in order to compete against South Africa – their top batsmen must step up and play big innings during future matches while middle and lower orders could also contribute immensely by scoring quick runs quickly.

Result

After an uneven start to their inaugural T20I match against Sri Lanka Women, South Africa Women stunned them with an excellent second over performance. Laura Wolvaardt and Marizanne Kapp shared a second-wicket stand of 116 before Marizanne Kapp was run out from her own bowling; South Africa fell just short of their target but could have advanced further but for several soft dismissals from Sri Lanka Women bowlers.

Harshita Samarawickrama and Hasini Perera quickly gave Sri Lanka hope of competing against South Africa when they added 44 for the third wicket, giving their team an initial cushion against South Africa. Unfortunately, though, Sri Lanka never really managed to establish themselves and were all out after 19 overs for only 129 runs.

DRS (Decision Review System) had been the subject of much discussion ahead of this match and its absence proved costly for South Africa. Heather Knight expressed her discontent following England’s comprehensive innings win at Bloemfontein while Sri Lanka suffered from several questionable decisions that took place throughout.

Sri Lanka’s strong field performance ensured they stayed in contention against South Africa, keeping them away for most of their innings. It was a much-needed win for them and now head into their final match against India with confidence.

Sri Lanka bowlers were led by Achini Kulasuriya with two for 39 and Tazmin Brits and Karabo Meso each taking one wicket each. Both sides have competed in ten completed T20Is; Sri Lanka have won seven, compared with just three losses by South Africa; hosts should still make it through to the semi-finals but a good result in either of their remaining matches at Kimberley on Saturday or Potchefstroom on Wednesday could help guarantee it; South Africa on the other hand needs a win to ensure top two finish in their group; unlikely but anything could happen in T20Is; make sure it’s an exciting tournament all!

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