In a dominating display, Sri Lanka secured their third consecutive victory in the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifying T20, defeating Uganda by 67 runs in a commanding performance led by opener Vishmi Gunaratne’s brilliant unbeaten 73. The match, held in Abu Dhabi, showcased Sri Lanka’s prowess as they outclassed their opponents with both bat and ball.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka’s skipper Chamari Athapaththu set a challenging total by leading from the front alongside young gun Vishmi Gunaratne. The duo provided a solid start, laying the foundation with a 50-run partnership. Despite Athapaththu’s dismissal for a brisk 24, Gunaratne anchored the innings masterfully, receiving valuable support from Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hasini Perera. Gunaratne’s unbeaten 73 propelled Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 154 for 4 in their allotted 20 overs.
In reply, Uganda struggled to contend with Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, faltering at 59 for 6 wickets midway through their innings. Prosscovia Alako was the lone standout, contributing a gritty 36 runs, but lacked substantial support from her teammates. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Inoka Ranaweera, Shashini Gimhani, and Kavisha Dilhari, capitalized on Uganda’s batting woes, sharing crucial wickets to restrict them to 87 runs for the loss of 8 wickets.
Vishmi Gunaratne’s stellar batting performance earned her the well-deserved Player of the Match award, showcasing her ability to anchor the innings under pressure. With this victory, Sri Lanka maintains their unbeaten record in the tournament, reaffirming their status as a formidable contender.
In other matches, Netherlands secured a 14-run victory over Zimbabwe, adding to the competitive spirit of the tournament. Sri Lanka’s next challenge awaits as they face the USA in their final league game at the Tolerance Oval grounds. Currently topping Group A with six points, Sri Lanka aims to continue their winning momentum into the semi-finals scheduled for May 5, with the final slated for May 7.
