WOMEN’S WORLD CUP IN SOUTH AFRICA – Pumped up Sri Lanka women romp against Bangladesh – By TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE
Sri Lanka’s women proved their win over South Africa in the opener was no flash-in-the-pan going on to demolish Bangladesh in their second stint while raising exciting possibilities of playing finals for the first time.
The plucky Lankans, in a new mindset of self belief, have stunned the competition at its outset and need a win over heavy weights Australia the holders or New Zealand to make the top two in their group.
Winning the toss and batting first, Bangladesh were in early strife against a varied Sri Lanka attack now proving to be lethal particularly among the spinners led by Inoka Ranaweera and Oshadi Ranasinghe.
This time however, Skipper Chamari Athapaththu chimed in with two wickets to help contain the Bangladeshis to a gettable 126 in their allotment.
Sri Lanka were rocked early in their reply losing 3 for 26 in the power play before Harshita Samarawickrema and De Silva produced the rescue act. The promising duo ripped into the Bangladesh attack putting on a century partnership that saw the Lankans cruise home with 10 balls to spare without further loss.
Samarawickrema smashed 68 not out off 50 deliveries and De Silva 41 off 38 balls to steer Sri Lanka home.
What would have been most pleasing was that the Lankans got the better of Bangladesh who just recently poached their coach Hashan Tillekeratne in a bid to excell at the World Cup, a ploy that backfired against his former charges.
Sri Lanka’s new coach Rumesh Ratnayake would have smirked at his success over his adversary after being rushed in as a replacement at the eleventh hour. His success rate is soaring at this point and many believe that he is the answer to take the nation to great heights.
