Sri Lanka women beat South Africa

Sri Lanka took on South Africa in the third/fourth play-off in what proved to be an exciting fixture in Fatullah. Dilani Manodara’s side lost the toss and were put into field as South Africa aimed to make a hefty target, but only Shandre Fritz provided the main runs of the innings.

Fritz’s opening partner, Tricia Chetty departed for just five runs, while the middle order stumbled, Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp and Kirstie Thomson all failing with the bat as Sri Lanka’s fielders showed their worth holding on to every ball that came their way. Ultimately, despite a good cameo with the bat by Shabnim Ismail (31 runs), the South Africans were all out for 190 in 50 overs.

In response, Sri Lanka put in its best performance with the bat in the tournament, thanks to the 116 run opening wicket partnership between Yashoda Mendis and Chamari Attappattu in the side’s play-off for seventh and eighth in the global rankings. Mendis departed for 47 after the 27th over and it was then up to Sandamali Dolawatte to stabalise the innings after Sri Lanka’s middle order failed to make runs.

Dolawatte stuck around on an unbeaten 29 and ensured Sri Lanka reached its target with the help of Eshani Kaushalya and then Chamani Seneviratna giving Sri Lanka a victory over South Africa and ensuring Du Preez’s side slipped from fifth to eighth globally and concluding the tournament in fourth place.

Third/Fourth play-off at Khanshaheb Osman Ali Stadium (ODI)

South Africa 192 all out, 50 overs (Fritz 68, Ismail 31; Dolawatte 3-23)

Sri Lanka 193-7, 49.4 overs (Attappattu 60, Mendis 47, Dolawatte 29; Nyiki 2-32, Kapp 2-32)

Sri Lanka won by three wickets

Player of the Match: Sandamali Dolawatte (SL)