Women’s T20 World Cup: Sri Lanka stun hosts South Africa by three runs in tournament opener | Cricket News

Sri Lanka stunned hosts South Africa in their opening match of the Women’s T20 World Cup with an impressive three-run victory in Cape Town.

In the end, Sri Lanka scored 129-4 thanks to an 86th wicket partnership between them. Chamari Atapattu (68) and Wismi Gunaratne (35).

South Africa pegged Sri Lanka back, taking three wickets in the last three overs, with Shabnim Ismile (1-22) and Marizanne Kab (1-15) limited Sri Lanka’s middle order.

In response, the tournament hosts started well Laura Wolvaardt (18) and Compensation an Englishman (12) shows a partnership of 29 runs. But after increase Ranasinghe (2-20) and Inoka Ranaweera (3-18) dismissed the opener, South Africa fought back and never recovered.

Although Equal In the bones (28) and Arrested Jafta (15) made a cameo, Sri Lanka took regular wickets and South Africa could not build a partnership and ultimately could not chase down the required 13 in the last over.

The turning point came in the 12th over while He said Kumari (2-28) took wickets from Chloe Tryon (10) and Anne Bosch (0).

Despite the late confusion by Jafta, Sri Lanka got over the line thanks to some excellent bowling from their spinners.

What did the captains say?

Chamari Atapattu Sri Lanka: “We have a good culture in the team. We have a lot of youngsters, we share our knowledge with them and the senior players have done well. They are always thinking about the game and this is the secret.

“Wicket is good for batting. I will definitely bat first. I think 140-150 is a good score and unfortunately we didn’t come because Shabnim Ismail and Marizanne Kapp played well in powerplay and that’s why we didn’t get 150.

“We’ve shocked big teams before and we’ve done it again. We want to reach the semi-finals. I hope we can get there because it’s my eighth World Cup and I haven’t been there yet, so I want to be there with my team.”

Sune Luus from South Africa: “Sri Lanka have a good partnership and we don’t have it in the batting innings. I think chasing 130 is a par score and 140-150 will be a good score on that pitch. I don’t think Sri Lanka ran away with the game.

“I think one game doesn’t define us. The World Cup is a long time coming. Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail were amazing today. Lots of positives going into the next game.”

What next for South Africa and Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka back in action there, when they face Bangladesh in Newlands, Cape Town.

South Africa will appear to bounce back there, he said New Zealand at Boland Park, Paarl.

Watch both games live Sky Sports Cricket.

What’s next in the T20 World Cup?

The T20 World Cup continues on Saturday with a series of blockbuster ties.

First, England face it West Indies at 1pm from Boland Park. Both teams are former champions and will be hoping to make it to South Africa. Watch England’s opening match live Sky Sports and Cricket Highlights from 12.30pm.

Then, the owner Australia face the neighbors New Zealand from 5pm on the same ground.

Watch every T20 World Cup match live on Sky Sports