Sri Lanka A Women delivered a dominant all-round performance to secure a 56-run victory over New Zealand A Women in the second T20 in Dambulla, taking a 2-0 lead in the series. The hosts combined steady batting partnerships with disciplined bowling to outplay their opponents across all departments.
Gunaratne Anchors Strong Batting Effort
Sri Lanka A Women made a solid start through Sanjana Kavindi and Vishmi Gunaratne. Kavindi contributed 27 off 20 balls, striking four boundaries, as the opening pair guided the team to 44 before she was dismissed by Jess Watkin in the sixth over.
Following the early breakthrough, Gunaratne took control of the innings, forming a key 52-run stand with Vimoksha Balasuriya for the second wicket. Gunaratne remained unbeaten on 57 from 49 deliveries, hitting four boundaries and two sixes, while Balasuriya added 33 off 27 balls, including two fours and two sixes.
Piiumi Wathsala chipped in with 16 from 19 balls, extending the momentum through the middle overs. Despite late wickets, Dewmi Vihanga provided a decisive finish with an unbeaten 14 from just three balls, including two fours and a six, pushing Sri Lanka A Women to 152 for 5 in 20 overs.
New Zealand A Struggle in Chase
In response, New Zealand A Women were unable to build sustained partnerships. Jess Watkin fell early for 1, and although Kate Anderson (11 off 19) and Bella James (10 off 22) attempted to stabilise the innings, the required rate continued to rise.
The visitors lost wickets regularly during the middle overs, slipping to 37 for 5 as Tash Wakelin, Bella Armstrong and JA Watkins were dismissed. Emma Black briefly counterattacked with 28 off 20 balls, while Fran Jonas remained unbeaten on 10 and Hannah Rowe added 11, but the chase never gained momentum.
New Zealand A Women were eventually bowled out for 96 in 19.5 overs, falling well short of the target.
Vihanga Leads Bowling Effort
Dewmi Vihanga starred with the ball, returning figures of 3 for 19 in 3.5 overs and breaking the backbone of the middle order. Chamudi Praboda provided strong support with 2 for 15 from four overs, while Rashmika Sewwandi and Sachini Nisansala claimed one wicket each.
Sathya Sandeepani maintained control with an economical spell of 0 for 4 in two overs, and Shashini Gimhani also contributed with a wicket as Sri Lanka A Women kept consistent pressure on the visitors throughout the innings.
For New Zealand A Women, Jess Watkin was the most effective bowler with 2 for 26, while Hannah Rowe also picked up two wickets despite conceding 39 runs.
With a commanding performance in both innings, Sri Lanka A Women strengthened their position in the series, showcasing depth in both batting and bowling departments.
