South Africa continue to be too good for the tourists.South Africa 123-3 (Chetty 51no) beat
Sri Lanka 119-4 (Madushani 63no) by 7 wickets
First Twenty20 International, Potchefstroom
Sri Lanka Women remain winless on their tour of South Africa after the hosts followed up their 2-0 triumph in the ODI series by winning the opening T20 International at Senwes Park.
Trisha Chetty batted throughout South Africa’s run chase, ending on 51 not out of 54 balls as they got home with three balls to spare. Lasanthi Madushani had earlier batted throughout the Sri Lankan innings after they had been asked to bat by Proteas skipper Mignon du Preez.
The 26 year-old reached her maiden 50 off 51 balls and helped Sri Lanka post a modest 119 for four from their 20 overs. Unfortunately, she lacked much support from her colleagues. The opening stand with Chamari Attapattu yielded 30 runs in 38 balls, but she was stumped off Dane van Niekerk for 14.
Captain Shashikala Siriwardene made 15 of a second-wicket partnership of 42 but she was run-out. Yasoda Mendis and Eshani Kaushalya both fell in single figures as the Sri Lankan innings lacked any real late charge.
The South Africa bowlers were all fairly tidy, with Suné Luus (two overs for 24) perhaps the only exception. The wicket takers were Marizanne Kapp (1-15), Marcia Letsoalo (1-16) and van Niekerk (1-11).
South Africa’s opening pair of Lizelle Lee and Chetty then got their side off to an excellent start to put the result beyond any real doubt. Lee made a sprightly 28 off 22 balls, hitting five boundaries, as the pair shared 42 in 35 balls for the first-wicket.
It was then over to Chetty to guide the rest of the chase. She lost her skipper Mignon du Preez for just two, but received adequate support from Marizanne Kapp (15) and Dane van Niekerk (19 not out).
The Sri Lankan bowlers, like their counterparts, were all relatively economical. Siriwardene was the pick of them, getting through her four overs at a cost of 14 runs and picking up the wicket of Kapp.
The second of the three T20 Internationals is on Saturday, again at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.
© Cricket World 2013
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