South Africa hardly broke sweat as it cruised past Sri Lanka in the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 2012 opener at Galle on Wednesday. Set a target of 80 runs, South Africa achieved victory in 17.2 overs with six wickets to spare.
Wicketkeeper-batter Trisha Chetty (33) and Shandre Fritz (14) blazed away at the top, taking full advantage of the powerplay overs, even as Sri Lanka introduced spin as early as the third over to halt the South Africa side. Sri Lanka used as many as five bowlers in the first six overs, and Inoka Ranaweera picked up two wickets, while Deepika Rasangika, the leg-spinner, took one.
Earlier, South Africa captain Mignon du Preez’s decision to bowl came as no real surprise, given that there was a hint of early morning drizzle. The South Africa bowlers vindicated that decision almost immediately as Sri Lanka slipped to 17 for four by the eighth over. Hopes were pinned on Shashikala Siriwardena, Sri Lanka’s captain, easily the side’s best batter. Once she was dismissed for seven, it was always going to be a tough task. Dilani Manodara, who came in at No. 6, top-scored with 24. Along with Chamani Seneviratna, she added 31 runs in 29 balls for the seventh wicket, the highest partnership of the innings. But the partnership was broken courtesy of a run-out, one of five run outs in the innings. Benade and van Niekerk were the most successful bowlers for South Africa, picking up two wickets apiece, and Trisha Chetty was awarded Player of the Match after her fine performance behind the stumps, assisting with four run outs and effecting one catch and one stumping.
Scores in brief:
At GICS, South Africa beat Sri Lanka by six wickets
Sri Lanka 79 all out, 20 overs (Dilani Manodara 24; Dane van Niekerk 2-9, Susan Benade 2-7)
South Africa 80-4, 17.2 overs (Trisha Chetty 33 not out; Inoka Ranaweera 2-15)
Player of the match – Trisha Chetty (South Africa)
Dottin, Taylor star in WI win over NZ
COLOMBO: West Indies opened its account in the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 Sri Lanka 2012 with a seven-wicket win over a formidable New Zealand side in a Group B encounter in Galle on Wednesday. Chasing 118 for victory, West Indies was in trouble at five for two in two overs, with Tremayne Smartt and Shanel Daley both dismissed for ducks. It took the calm influence of Stafanie Taylor to steady the innings and bring some direction and purpose to the chase. Taylor, who recently won the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year award, proved why she is considered one of the best in the game. She stitched together a crucial 82-run stand for the third wicket with Deandra Dottin, before being trapped in front of the stumps for 35 by Sophie Devine, who struck with her first delivery to give New Zealand an outside chance. However, Dottin didn’t lose her focus, and she soon brought up her fifth T20I fifty off just 36 balls. She struck six fours and two sixes to finish on 58 not out as her side achieved victory with seven wickets and 12 balls to spare. Earlier, West Indies opted to bowl first and restricted New Zealand to 117 for nine in 20 overs, thanks to some outstanding ground fielding and catching. New Zealand was given a swift start by captain Suzie Bates and Amy Satterthwaite, who put on 37 runs for the opening wicket in under five overs. However, Aguilleira’s decision to introduce spin turned out to be a masterstroke, as she struck in her first over to dismiss Satterthwaite. Sophie Devine (11) and Frances Mackay (2) departed in quick succession and New Zealand slipped from 63 for one to 66 for three in the 11th over. When Bates was dismissed in the 17th over after a well-crafted 32, New Zealand was by no means in a safe position at 91 for 6. It lost a further three wickets to finish with a hard-fought 117 for nine. For West Indies, Taylor, Anisa Mohammed and Shemaine Campbelle picked up two wickets apiece, and Deandra Dottin was named Player of the Match.
Scores in brief: At GICS, West Indies beat NZ by seven wickets. New Zealand 117-9, 20 overs (Suzie Bates 32; Anisa Mohammed 2-17, Shemaine Campbell 2-22, Stafanie Taylor 2-29). West Indies 118-3, 18 overs (Deandra Dottin 58 not out, Stafanie Taylor 35; Erin Bermingham 2-18). Player of the match – Deandra Dottin (WI). Agencies