The Sri Lanka Women A – New Zealand Women A series opener in Dambulla turned out to be a frustrating affair as persistent rain played spoilsport just when things were getting interesting. Before the clouds opened up, Sri Lanka A managed to post 217/7 in 42 overs, anchored by a solid half-century from Sumudu Nisansala and a late flourish by Dewmi Vihanga. On the bowling side, the New Zealand A attack showed plenty of discipline, with Jess Watkin and Kayley Knight both picking up two wickets apiece to keep the scoring in check. Unfortunately, the weather never relented, leaving both teams with a point each and a lot of unanswered questions as the match was officially abandoned.
Squads:
Sri Lanka A Women’s Cricket Team
Sathya Sandeepani (C), Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunaratne, Vimoksha Balasuriya, Lihini Apsara, Limansa Thilakarathna, Dewmi Vihanga, Sumudu Nisansala, Rashmika Sewwandi, Piumi Wathsala, Randi Premarathne, Satheeskumar Sajinthiny, Rashmi Silva, Chamudi Praboda, Tharuka Shehani
New Zealand A Women’s Cricket Team
Kate Anderson, Bella Armstrong, Emma Black, Prue Catton, Marama Downes, Kate Gaging, Fran Jonas, Bella James, Xara Jetly, Kayley Knight, Darcy Prasad, Hannah Rowe, Tash Wakelin, PJ Watkins, Jess Watkin
Players to watch out:
Sumudu Nisansala
Sumudu Nisansala has made an immediate impact in the 2026 season, showing great composure at the crease. She has already notched a solid half-century in her debut appearance, scoring exactly 50 runs off 62 deliveries. Her ability to find the boundary is evident from the 7 fours she struck, maintaining a healthy strike rate of 80.64 and leaving her with a perfect batting average of 50.00 to start her journey.
Jess Watkin
Jess Watkin has been a vital asset with the ball, providing tight spells and crucial breakthroughs for her side. She picked up 2 wickets for just 29 runs in her eight overs, resulting in an impressive economy rate of 3.62. With a bowling average of 14.50 and a strike rate of 24.00, her clinical performance in the opening match of the 2026 span highlights her ability to keep the pressure on the opposition batters.
Dewmi Vihanga
Dewmi Vihanga has quickly established herself as a genuine wicket-taking threat, already racking up 17 wickets across 10 WODI matches. Her career is highlighted by a standout five-wicket haul with best figures of 5/43, maintaining a solid bowling average of 23.23. While primarily known for her bowling, she has also contributed 63 runs lower down the order, showing she can hold her own with the bat when the team needs it most.
Kayley Knight
Kayley Knight is still in the early stages of her international career but has already shown her ability to strike in both limited-overs formats. She has picked up 3 wickets in her first two WODIs with the best of 2/65, while also maintaining a disciplined economy rate of 5.85 in T20 internationals. Her T20I numbers are particularly sharp, where she averages a wicket every 21 balls, proving she can be a real handful for batters in the shorter format.
Pitch:
Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium offers a balanced yet bowler-friendly dry, slow surface that tilts decisively towards spinners and cutters as the match unfolds, with its high-water table aiding seamers in the morning session before significant turn kicks in later.
Weather:
Expect delayed starts and interruptions with rain on the radar in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, with a high of 29°C and a low of 25°C.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunaratne, Dewmi Vihanga, Sumudu Nisansala, Rashmi Silva, Chamudi Praboda, Kate Anderson, Bella Armstrong, Emma Black, Kayley Knight, Jess Watkin
Match Details:
Date – May 15, 2026
Time – 10:00 AM IST
Venue – Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Sri Lanka
Where to Watch New Zealand Women’s A tour of Sri Lanka 2026:
Local Broadcast Platforms
• SLC YouTube Channel
• Talent TV OTT Platform – www.talenttv.lk
• FTA – TV SUPREME (UHF 21, 26, 49)
• DTH – TV SUPREME (DTV 12 / Freesat 17)
• IPTV – TV SUPREME (PEO TV 13)
• OTT – SandBrix
Global Broadcast Platforms
• India – Fancode
• Rest of the World – Sporty.lk YouTube
(Except SL, India, NZ)
Loves all things female cricket