New Zealand A Women secured a 1-0 victory in their three-match One Day series against Sri Lanka A Women with an 84-run win at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on May 18, 2026. The final match, shortened due to rain, was decided using the DLS method, with New Zealand’s batting depth and disciplined bowling proving decisive.
Rain Disrupts Opening Matches
The first two matches of the series were both abandoned due to rain. In the opening game on May 12, Sri Lanka A Women reached 217 for 7 in 42 overs before New Zealand A Women’s chase was halted. The second ODI on May 15 also ended prematurely, with New Zealand A Women at 66 for 4 while pursuing a revised target of 123 in 20 overs. As a result, the series outcome hinged on the final fixture.
Anderson Anchors New Zealand A to 273
After winning the toss in the third ODI, New Zealand A Women opted to bat but faced early setbacks with Bella James dismissed for 10 and Prue Catton for 15. Captain Jess Watkin contributed 36 from 36 balls to stabilise the innings before a crucial partnership between Kate Anderson and Bella Armstrong shifted momentum.
Anderson produced a composed 84 from 108 deliveries, striking six boundaries, while Armstrong added 59 from 57 balls with eight fours. Their stand laid the foundation for a competitive total. Late contributions from Kayley Knight, who remained unbeaten on 38 off 22 balls, and Marama Downes, who finished not out on 4, helped New Zealand A post 273 for 8 in 50 overs. Extras added 10 runs.
For Sri Lanka A Women, Tharuka Shehani returned 4 for 64, while Chamudi Praboda claimed 2 for 37.
Downes’ Four-Wicket Haul Seals Victory
Sri Lanka A Women were set a revised target of 234 in 38 overs. Vishmi Gunaratne scored 23, but the top order struggled to build partnerships. Sanjana Kavindi led the resistance with 79 from 73 balls, hitting 10 boundaries and three sixes, and shared a 40-run stand with Piumi Wathsala, who made 24.
Despite the effort, regular wickets hindered the chase, with no other batter reaching double figures. Marama Downes delivered the standout performance with the ball, taking 4 for 18, while Bella Armstrong supported with 3 for 39 and Jess Watkin picked up two wickets. Sri Lanka A Women were bowled out for 149 in 33.2 overs, falling 84 runs short.
Series Highlights
- Marama Downes and Bella Armstrong led the wicket-taking charts for New Zealand A Women with five wickets each across two innings
- Tharuka Shehani was Sri Lanka A Women’s top bowler with five wickets in two innings
- Sanjana Kavindi scored 125 runs in three innings for Sri Lanka A Women
- Kate Anderson finished as New Zealand A Women’s leading run-scorer with 103 runs in two innings
Focus Shifts to T20 Series
With the One Day series concluded, both teams will now turn their attention to the T20 leg of the tour. The matches are scheduled for May 21, May 23, and May 25 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
