Nilakshika and Nuthyangana Lead Sri Lanka to Dramatic Five-Wicket Victory Over New Zealand

Sri Lanka 153/5 (Nilakshika 54, Nuthyangana 24, Nensi 2-23) defeated New Zealand 150/6 (Devine 45, Kerr 45, Dilhari 2-35) by five wickets.

A decisive fifth‑wicket stand followed by a rapid sixth‑wicket partnership turned the chase in Sri Lanka’s favour, culminating in a tight final‑over win. Nilakshika Silva anchored the innings, arriving at 55/4 with the required run rate edging above nine. She crafted a flawless 54 not out off 37 balls, steering Sri Lanka home with two balls and five wickets to spare.
She received crucial support from her partners. Kavisha Dilhari added 50 runs, stabilising the innings, while Kaushini Nuthyangana contributed a fearless 24 not out off 14 balls, accelerating the scoring rate with a 48‑run stand off 28 deliveries.

New Zealand’s fielding lapses proved costly. A dropped catch in the 10th over could have dismissed Nilakshika early, and their ground fielding faltered in the death overs as Sri Lanka shifted the pressure.

New Zealand’s batting was restrained by tight Sri Lankan bowling, particularly from the spinners. Although Sophie Devine and Melie Kerr each struck 45, the total of 150/6 was modest on a slightly slow Southampton surface.

The defeat leaves New Zealand winless in their opening two matches, making upcoming games against England, Scotland and Ireland must‑wins. Sri Lanka, rebounding from an opening loss to England, now face the West Indies on Sunday, with a win positioning them strongly for a semi‑final push.

Nilakshika resurrects Sri Lanka

When Nilakshika came to the crease, Sri Lanka were three wickets down, needing 95 runs from 57 balls. She took a measured start, finding her first boundary on the 13th delivery, while Dilhari kept the required rate in check.

After the 12th over, Nilakshika began to exploit gaps, hitting fours through wide mid‑on and extra cover, and a six over deep mid‑wicket. A running mix‑up led to Dilhari’s dismissal, but Nilakshika responded by intensifying her assault in the final five overs, delivering crucial boundaries and singles.

With 28 runs required off the last two overs, Nilakshika struck two decisive boundaries off Kerr in the 18th over—a square drive through cover point and a sweep past Jess Kerr at fine leg—securing the win for Sri Lanka.

More to follow

Andrew Fidel Fernando is a senior writer at ESPNcricinfo. @afidelf

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