The first two fixtures of this unofficial 50-over series at Dambulla have unfortunately turned into a frustrating battle against the elements rather than a true contest between the sides. Heavy monsoonal showers forced consecutive abandonments, leaving the multi-match rubber perfectly locked at 0-0. In the latest rain-curtailed encounter, Sri Lanka A managed a full innings of 197/9, anchored by a resilient 44 from Dewmi Vihanga, before New Zealand A saw their revised DLS chase abruptly halted at 66/4 after just ten overs.
Squads:
Sri Lanka A Women’s Cricket Team
Sathya Sandeepani, 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:
Dewmi Vihanga
Dewmi Vihanga has been the standout performer for the home side with the bat, leading the run-scoring charts for Sri Lanka A across her two appearances. She has compiled 76 runs in two innings, anchoring the batting order with a top score of 44 and a healthy average of 38.00. Showing clear intent, her runs have come off 81 deliveries at a strike rate of 93.82, a brisk pace fueled by hitting 6 fours and clearing the ropes for 3 sixes.
Bella James
Batting resourcefully lower down the order for the visitors, Bella James has given New Zealand A a clinical edge in her limited opportunities on this tour. She made her single batting innings count by finishing unbeaten with a quickfire 20 runs off just 15 balls. Striking at an impressive 133.33, her brief but impactful cameo was highlighted by 3 boundaries, proving her ability to shift the momentum late in an innings.
Emma Black
Emma Black has spearheaded the bowling attack for New Zealand A, currently sitting as the leading wicket-taker of the series. Across her two match appearances, she has captured 4 wickets while sending down 16 overs, which includes bowling 3 maiden overs to keep the opposition under pressure. Her best bowling figures stand at an impressive 2/45, and she maintains a steady economy rate of 5.87 alongside an average of 23.50.
Tharuka Shehani
Utilized in a short, sharp spell for Sri Lanka A, Tharuka Shehani has shown she can make things happen quickly despite limited opportunities. She has only bowled 2.1 overs so far across the two matches, but she wasted no time by picking up a crucial wicket while conceding just 11 runs. This gives her a highly efficient economy rate of 5.07 and an incredibly sharp strike rate of 13.00 for the series.
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. This low-to-medium scoring venue morphs into a treacherous two-paced track, historically favouring tweakers while rewarding seamers.
Weather:
Expect scattered thunderstorms during the day with a high temperature of 32°C and a 40% chance of rain, followed by a cloudy night with a low of 26°C and a 14-mph wind blowing from the southwest.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Sanjana Kavindi, Vishmi Gunaratne, Dewmi Vihanga, Sumudu Nisansala, Tharuka Shehani Kate Anderson, Bella Armstrong, Emma Black, Bella James, Kayley Knight, Jess Watkin
Match Details:
Date – May 17, 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)
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