Sri Lanka book first place play-off

13902 stacy oct 14
13902 stacy oct 14

Sri Lanka booked itself a place in the clash for the first place play-off in the twenty20 international leg of the ICC Women's Cricket Challenge by winning both its league matches in Group B impressively on Thursday.

South Africa, on the other hand, ended the league stage of the twenty20 international leg of the ICC Women's Cricket Challenge with a comprehensive 115-run win over Netherlands in a Group A encounter on Thursday.

South Africa rode on record-breaking hundred from Shandre Fritz (116: 71b, 12x4, 2x6) and her 170-run stand for the opening wicket to make 205 for one after opting to bat first against Netherlands. In reply, Netherlands were restricted to a mere 90 for seven in 20 overs to hand the hosts an impressive 115-run win at the
North-West University No 1 Ground.

South Africa's win undid the six-wicket defeat it suffered earlier in the day at the same ground at the hands of West Indies. West Indies opted to field first and restricted South Africa to 98 in 19.5 overs. Stacy-Ann King ended with figures of 3-19 and Anisa Mohammed picked 2-26 to star with the ball. In reply, Julaiana Nero (39: 44b, 4x4) helped tide over any nervous moments after West Indies had slipped to 35 for three. In the end, Deandra Dottin (28) and Stacy-Ann King (17) completed the formalities in 16.5 overs with an unbeaten 33-run stand.

Sri Lanka registered an impressive eight-wicket win over Pakistan at the North-West University No 2 ground in a Group B encounter. Pakistan were shot out for a disappointing 80 in 19.3 overs. Medium-pacers Eshani Kaushalya (2-17) and Lasanthi Madushani (2-17) were the wreckers in chief. Sri Lanka's chase was scripted by Inoka Galagedara (42: 42b, 6x4) as it overhauled the target in 15 overs.

Sri Lanka ended the day with an equally impressive performance by scoring a 11-run win over Ireland at the same ground. Sri Lanka made 127 for six in its 20 overs after opting to bat first. Laura Delany (2-16) and Isobel Joyce (2-22) bowled impressively for Ireland. In reply, Ireland appeared to be riding on Isobel Joyce's 37 (27b, 5x4), but a middle-order collapse paved the way for Sri Lanka win.

Friday is a rest day in the competition. The final league matches and the play-offs will take place on Saturday (16 October).