Sri Lanka Secures Semi-Final Spot in Group A, Netherlands Strives for Top Finish in Group B
In the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Qualifier, Sri Lanka confirmed their semi-final position in Group A with a commanding 67-run victory over Uganda at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Netherlands kept their semi-final hopes alive in Group B by defeating Zimbabwe by 14 runs in a closely contested match at Tolerance Oval.
Group A leaders, Sri Lanka, were led to victory by opener Vishmi Gunaratne (player of the match) and their spinners. In Group B, Netherlands showcased a balanced performance with captain Babette de Leede delivering a match-winning performance with the bat, thereby ending Zimbabwe’s semi-final aspirations.
Zimbabwe vs Netherlands: Match Summary
Scorecard
Choosing to bat first, Netherlands lost key batter Iris Zwilling early due to a direct hit by Pellagia Mujaji. However, Sterre Kalis and de Leede steadied the innings with a cautious partnership.
The Netherlands’ innings started slowly, reaching 29 in the first six overs. Kalis then accelerated with consecutive boundaries off Josephine Nkomo.
Sharne Mayers was introduced into the attack in the 13th over and immediately made an impact by dismissing de Leede for 37. Francis Chipare followed up by trapping Kalis LBW for 34 two overs later.
Robine Rijke led the final charge for Netherlands, remaining unbeaten on 39 off 25 balls, providing the much-needed late surge to the innings.
Zimbabwe’s chase was led by Modester Mupachikwa, but Netherlands struck crucial blows at the other end, reducing Zimbabwe to 29/3 in the Powerplay. Despite a solid partnership between Nkomo and Mupachikwa, Zimbabwe fell short by 14 runs, finishing on 121/4.
This victory marks Netherlands’ second win in three tournament games.
Sri Lanka vs Uganda: Match Summary
Scorecard
Vishmi Gunaratne’s career-best T20I knock and an excellent bowling performance led Sri Lanka to a comprehensive victory in Group A.
The Sri Lankan innings started strongly with Chamari Athapaththu and Gunaratne putting up a 50-run opening stand. Janet Mbabazi broke the partnership by dismissing Athapaththu for 24.
Despite a run-out, Gunaratne found support from Hasini Perera, who came in at number four. Gunaratne completed her half-century from 51 deliveries, with Perera playing the aggressor at the other end before being dismissed for 30.
Gunaratne finished unbeaten on 73, her highest T20I score, leading Sri Lanka to a strong total of 154/4.
In response, Sri Lanka’s bowlers dominated, reducing Uganda to 22/2 in the Powerplay. Inoka Ranaweera and Shashini Gimhani took two wickets each, leaving Uganda struggling at 35/5.
Despite Prosscovia Alako’s resistance, Uganda were bowled out for 87, handing Sri Lanka a comfortable victory. This win maintains Sri Lanka’s unbeaten run in the tournament with three wins in three matches.
Match Highlights:
Match 13:
Netherlands defeated Zimbabwe by 14 runs
Netherlands 135 for 6, 20 overs (Robin Rijke 39*, Babette De Leede 37, Sterre Kalis 34; Francisca Chipare 2-27)
Zimbabwe 121 for 4, 20 overs (Josephine Nkomo 39*, Modester Mupachikwa 39*; Caroline De Lange 1-17, Iris Zwilling 1-19)
Player of the Match – Babette De Leede
Match 14:
Sri Lanka defeated Uganda by 67 runs
Sri Lanka 154 for 4, 20 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 73*, Hasini Perera 30; Janet Mbabazi 1-19)
Uganda 87 all out, 19.2 overs (Prosscovia Alako 36; Inoka Ranaweera 2-10, Shashini Gimhani 2-23, Kavisha Dilhari 2-27)
Player of the Match – Vishmi Gunaratne