When Chamari Athapaththu, captain of Sri Lanka Women, guided her side to a seven-wicket victory at Hagley Oval on 14 March 2025, the cricketing world took notice. Suzie Bates, skipper of New Zealand Women, won the toss and elected to bat, but the home side were bundled out for just 101 runs.
Background to the Tour
The three‑match T20I series forms the final leg of Sri Lanka Women’s 2025 tour of New Zealand, following a bruising 2‑0 loss in the preceding ODI series. In the ODIs, New Zealand rolled past the visitors by 78 and 98 runs, leaving the Lankan camp desperate for a morale‑boosting win before the short format showdown.
Historically, New Zealand have dominated the head‑to‑head T20I record – 13 wins to Sri Lanka’s solitary triumph, which came on home soil in 2023. That disparity added extra pressure on the Kiwi favourites, who entered Hagley Oval with a strong home‑ground pedigree and a batting‑friendly pitch that usually yields scores in the 140s.
Match Recap: How Sri Lanka Turned the Tide
In the opening spell, New Zealand’s top order faltered against disciplined swing from Sri Lanka’s bowlers. Jess Kerr and Fran Jonas couldn't contain the early run‑chase, allowing Harshitha Samarawickrama to pick up crucial wickets.
The innings wrapped up at 101/10 in 18.5 overs, a score that left New Zealand’s batting coach scratching his head. The pitch, though technically bat‑friendly, offered a little extra seam, and the visitors never managed to rotate the strike.
Chasing a modest target, Sri Lanka opened with Kavisha Dilhari and Harshitha Samarawickrama. Both women played with confidence, and by the end of the third over the scoreboard read 44‑0. The partnership set the tone: aggressive yet controlled.
At the 7.2‑over mark, Chamari Athapaththu unleashed a burst of 34 runs off 20 balls, spraying boundaries to the mid‑wicket and long‑on regions. With just three overs left, Sri Lanka needed 58 more runs; they achieved it in 1.1 overs, finishing at 102/3 in 14.1 overs.
Key Performances and Statistics
- Chamari Athapaththu – 54* off 32 balls, strike rate 168.75, with two fours and five sixes.
- Kavisha Dilhari – 28* off 12 balls, strike rate 233.33, anchoring the chase.
- Harshitha Samarawickrama – 15* off 8 balls, quick cameo.
- New Zealand’s top scorer – Maddy Green 30 off 28 balls, the only half‑century in the match.
- Best bowler for Sri Lanka – Udeshika Prabodhani 2/12 in 4 overs.
The win came with a hefty 0.82 run‑rate advantage and left Sri Lanka with more than five overs to spare – a statement of intent that will echo through the remaining two fixtures.
Reactions from Players and Coaches
Post‑match, Chamari Athapaththu said, “We believed in our game plan from the start. The conditions were perfect for our bowlers, and the batters executed the power‑play perfectly. This win is for the whole team and our supporters back home.”
New Zealand captain Suzie Bates was visibly disappointed: “We didn’t adapt to the early swing. Credit to Sri Lanka – they played with great composure. We’ll regroup and aim to bounce back in the second T20.”
New Zealand’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, admitted the team “underestimated the movement on the outfield” and promised adjustments to the bowling rotation for the next game.
Implications for the Series and Rankings
With the series now 1‑0 in Sri Lanka’s favour, the momentum has dramatically shifted. The win not only narrows the points gap in the ICC Women’s T20I rankings – catapulting Sri Lanka up two places – but also injects confidence into a side that had looked vulnerable after the ODI drubbings.
Analysts suggest the second T20I could become a decisive battle. If New Zealand recover, the series could still swing back; however, another win for the Lankans would clinch the series 2‑0, marking a historic turnaround on foreign soil.
Historical Context of NZ vs SL Women's T20Is
Before this match, the two teams had faced each other 14 times in the T20 format, with New Zealand winning 13 encounters. The only prior Sri Lankan triumph came at Colombo in 2023, a result that many still viewed as a fluke given the home advantage.
This newest victory breaks that pattern, proving that Sri Lanka can compete – and win – in conditions that traditionally favour the Kiwi side. It also signals a possible shift in the global balance of women’s cricket, where emerging nations are beginning to challenge the long‑standing powerhouses.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Sri Lanka Women’s chances in the series?
The victory puts Sri Lanka Women in a commanding 1‑0 lead with two games left. A second win would secure the series, while a loss in the next match would still leave them with a chance to level the series at 1‑1.
What were the key factors behind New Zealand’s low total?
Early swing from Sri Lankan pacers, a lack of rotating the strike and a few poor shot selections contributed. The pitch, though reputedly batting‑friendly, offered extra seam that the home team failed to exploit.
Who stood out for Sri Lanka Women in this match?
Captain Chamari Athapaththu with a 54‑run blitz, and all‑rounder Kavisha Dilhari who added 28 quick runs, were the most influential performers.
What does this result mean for the ICC Women’s T20I rankings?
Sri Lanka Women climb two places, moving into the mid‑teens, while New Zealand slip slightly, reflecting the unexpected shift in form.
When is the next match in the series?
The second T20I is scheduled for 17 March 2025 at the same venue, Hagley Oval, giving both sides a chance to adjust tactics before the final showdown.