Nilakshika Silva delivered a stunning batting performance in Sri Lanka’s Women’s ODI World Cup match against New Zealand, blazing her way to the fastest fifty ever by a Sri Lankan Woman in World Cups. Coming in at number six, she reached the milestone in just 26 balls. This whirlwind innings not only energized the Sri Lankan batting lineup but also marked the quickest half-century in the ongoing tournament.
After Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bat first, the innings started on a solid note with captain Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne putting together a strong 101-run opening partnership. The steady start laid a good foundation, with Athapaththu playing a well-composed half-century characterized by control and elegance. Gunaratne’s patient innings helped Sri Lanka navigate the initial overs successfully.
Sri Lanka faced some mid-innings struggles as New Zealand bowlers Sophie Devine and Bree Illing triggered a mini collapse, reducing the team to 198/5. It was at this critical juncture that Nilakshika Silva entered the crease and changed the complexion of the innings completely, shifting momentum with her aggressive strokeplay and fearless hitting.
Nilakshika’s unbeaten 55 off just 28 balls was studded with seven fours and a six. She attacked the bowling from the start, finding the boundary consistently and rotating the strike effectively. Her blistering innings helped Sri Lanka add 80 runs in the last 10 overs, pushing the team to a competitive total of 258/6, which is their second-highest score in Women’s World Cup history after 282/5 against India in 2013.
This rapid fifty not only set the pace for Sri Lanka’s final overs but also lifted the team’s spirits as they looked to secure their first win in the tournament so far, however it wasn’t to be as rain played spoilsport. Nilakshika’s innings was a perfect counterpoint to the more measured approach of the top order, showcasing her ability to switch gears and accelerate when the situation demands it.
Overall, this landmark innings by Nilakshika Silva was a game-changing moment in the match, deserving of high praise for its timing and execution. Breaking her own record and setting the fastest fifty of the tournament, she showed her class and power, reaffirming her status as one of Sri Lanka’s key hitters in women’s cricket.
Such a blazing innings under the pressure of a World Cup stage highlights Nilakshika Silva’s temperament and skill, and this milestone will be remembered as a highlight of her career and Sri Lanka’s campaign in the 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup.
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