Just three days after Shemaine Campbelle’s heroics had rocked defending champions New Zealand, Sri Lanka delivered another hammer blow to the White Ferns’ title defence. Chasing 151 at Southampton, Sri Lanka recovered from a position of deep trouble to seal a thrilling five-wicket victory with two balls to spare, thanks to a remarkable unbeaten partnership between Nilakshika Silva and Kaushini Nuthyangana.
For New Zealand, it was a night that felt painfully familiar. After being asked to bat first, New Zealand never quite managed to break free despite valuable contributions from their biggest stars. Sophie Devine and captain Melie Kerr both struck 45, with Devine’s 45(30) providing the late acceleration after Kerr’s composed 45(36) had anchored the innings. Georgia Plimmer made 18(22), while Maddy Green added an unbeaten 18(13) to push the total to 150/6.
However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers consistently dragged things back. Kavisha Dilhari starred with 2/35, while Mithali Ayodhya, Nimasha Meepage, Sugandika Kumari and Chamari Athapaththu all chipped in with a wicket each. On a surface that offered enough assistance for disciplined bowling, 150 felt competitive but not imposing.
Sri Lanka’s chase began brightly through Chamari Athapaththu, who blasted 27(19) with four boundaries and a six. But when New Zealand fought back through Nensi Patel, who returned impressive figures of 2/23, the chase suddenly appeared to be slipping away. Harshitha Samarawickrama managed just 5(9), Hasini Perera was run out for 2(4), and when Kavisha Dilhari was dismissed after 17(16), Sri Lanka were 105/5 and still needed 46 runs from the final five overs. What followed may go down as one of Sri Lanka’s finest World Cup chases.
Nilakshika Silva took control with an innings of maturity, composure and courage. Arriving at the crease with her side reeling at 55/4, she rebuilt patiently before launching a calculated assault when the game entered its decisive phase. Her unbeaten 54(37), featuring five fours and a six, was easily the defining knock of the match. Every time New Zealand threatened to regain control, Nilakshika found a boundary or a crucial single to keep the chase alive.
Yet she was not alone. Young wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana who was playing her first world cup game, produced an innings far beyond her years, finishing unbeaten on 24(14). Together the pair added an unbroken 48 runs in just 28 deliveries to stun the defending champions.
The defeat lands New Zealand in serious trouble with back-to-back losses to start their campaign. Missed chances in the field once again proved costly, while 150 ultimately wasn’t enough protection for their bowlers. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, have breathed life into their World Cup hopes. Led by Nilakshika’s finest international innings and Nuthyangana’s fearless support act, they have announced themselves as genuine contenders capable of upsetting anyone on their day.
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