Devine and Kerr steer New Zealand women to an easy win
Skipper Sophie Devine (137) and Amelia Kerr ( 108) hit superb centuries and were associated in a record third wicket 229 run stand as New Zealand women recorded a 111 run win over Sri Lanka women in their second ODI of the three match series played at Galle International cricket stadium yesterday.
It was excellent batting display by Devine and Amelia Kerr to add record stand which is the highest third wicket stand for New Zealand and third best for any wicket .In fact two quick wickets were taken by Sri Lanka women’s team Udeshika Probodhani and Oshadee Ranasinghe but third wicket pair build up the innings with more confidence and they were 329 for 7 wickets in 50 overs .The experienced batter Suzie Bates was out scoring one while Harshitha Samarawickrama took an excellent catch at short mid wicket off Udeshika Probodhani while Bernadine Bezuidenhout who scored 25 in 27 balls with 3 fours and leg spinner Oshadee Ranasinghe took her wicket in 10 th over .
However Skipper Shophie Devine scored 137 in 121 balls with 17 fours and 2 sixes while Amelia Kerr hit 108 in 106 balls with 7 fours and a six build up the innings to pass 300 run mark .
Oshadee Ranasinghe was the most successf ul Sri Lanka bowler taking 3 for 68 while fast bowler Udeshika Probodhani finished with 2 for 38.
Sri Lanka women chasing a target were struggling at 35 for 4 wickets at one stage . Skipper Chamari Atapattu was ou t for a first ball duck while young Kaveesha Dilhari made her career best 84 in 98 balls with 9 fours but there was no support from the other end and were bowled out for 213 in 48.4 overs .
Lea Tahuhu the medium fast bowler took 4 for 31 while Eden Carson 2 for 41 took bowling honours for New Zealand women’s team . Skipper Shophie Devine was named player of the match and she was happy to come back and level the series after nine wicket defeat earlier.
Two teams will meet in their third and final ODI which is going to be deciding game will be played on July 3at same venue.
Chief scores
New Zealand women’s 329 for 7 wickets in 50 overs . Bernadine Bezuidenhout 25, Amelia Kerr 108, Sophie Devine 137, Georgia Plimmer 10*, Hannah Rowe 12, Udeshika Probodhani 2/38, Oshadee Ranasinghe 3/68
Sri Lanka women’s 213 all out in 48.4 overs Vishmi Gunaratne 12, Anushka Sanjeewani 17, Kaveesha Dilhari 84. Kawya Kavindi 15, Sugandika Kumari 10, Lea Tahuhu 4/31,Eden Carson 2/41