Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has named a 16-player Sri Lanka A Women squad for the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand A Women, scheduled for May 21, 23 and 25 at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.
A key feature of the squad announcement is the retention of most players who featured in the recent One-Day series against the same opposition, indicating the selectors’ intent to continue backing those who impressed in the 50-over format.
Sanjana Kavindi, Sumudu Nisansala, Dewmi Vihanga, Rashmika Sewwandi and Chamudi Praboda have all been retained for the T20 leg. Alongside them, several new names have been included for the shorter format, including Vitini De Alwis, Pramudi Methsara, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani, Aseni Thalagune, Randi Premarathne and Satheeskumar Sajinthiny.
Recap of the One-Day Series
The preceding One-Day series between the two sides was significantly impacted by rain. The opening match saw Sri Lanka A Women post 217/7 before New Zealand A Women’s chase was halted. The second game also ended without a result, with New Zealand A Women at 66/4 in pursuit of a revised target of 123 in 20 overs.
The third and final match ultimately decided the contest, with New Zealand A Women securing an 84-run victory via the DLS method to clinch the series 1-0.
Key Performers
Despite the series result, Sri Lanka A Women produced several notable individual performances. Sanjana Kavindi emerged as the leading run-scorer across both teams, amassing 125 runs in three innings at an average of 41.66. Her standout effort came in the final One-Day match, where she made 79 off 73 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes.
Sumudu Nisansala also contributed consistently with the bat, scoring 82 runs in three innings at an average of 27.33.
With the ball, Tharuka Shehani led the attack with five wickets in two innings at an average of 15.00, while Chamudi Praboda delivered disciplined spells and picked up crucial wickets during the series.
For New Zealand A Women, Kate Anderson topped the scoring charts for her side with 103 runs in two innings at an average of 103.00, including an 84 in the final match. Bella Armstrong impressed as an all-rounder, scoring at a strike rate of 107.46 with an average of 72.00, while also taking five wickets at an average of 12.00. Marama Downes also made a strong impact with the ball, claiming five wickets at an average of 9.60.
Additional performances included Kayley Knight, who recorded the highest batting strike rate of 172.72, and captain Jess Watkin, who scored at a strike rate of 110.00 across two innings. In the bowling department, Hannah Rowe posted the best economy rate of 4.56, followed by Knight at 4.69 and Fran Jonas at 5.00.
With a largely unchanged squad and several players carrying form into the T20 format, the upcoming series in Dambulla is expected to be a closely contested encounter between the two sides.
