NZ ‘A’ unofficial WODI series an eye-opener for selectors, coaches

• Women’s cricket chief selector expects tough WT20I series

By Sa’adi Thawfeeq

In the recently concluded Women’s unofficial ODI series, New Zealand ‘A’ Women proved that they were the better equipped side and they proved it in the third and final match by convincingly beating Sri Lanka ‘A’ Women by 84 runs (DLS method) to clinch the three-match series 1-0 (2 No-Results).

The series however for Sri Lanka ‘A’ was a learning curve from an experienced side although the result did not come out in their favour.   

Due to several players who would have made the Sri Lanka ‘A’ squad being selected for the Sri Lanka T20 World Cup squad and being unavailable, the team was slightly short of experience and it showed on the field.

The absence of players like Kawya Kavindi, Chetana Vimukthi, Imesha Dulani and Kaushini Nuthyanga who are in the Sri Lanka 15 for the T20 World Cup in England next month made a big difference to the ‘A’ squad.

“In their absence we gave the opportunity to the Under19 girls so we were a bit of a weak side compared to New Zealand ‘A’,” said women’s cricket head selector Hemantha Devapriya. “New Zealand ‘A’s batting is very good and they have power in their shots and improvisation. They are playing a very mature game.”

“We managed to get Vishmi (Gunaratne) to play because she was coming after an injury (wrist) and we wanted to test her fitness. She came out okay.”

“It was a good experience and exposure for our girls, especially the under19 players and a test for the other girls who are on the fringe for us to get a benchmark of how much they can go further. We are giving the Under19 girls a little bit of experience against international opposition for them to become better players.”

“We also wanted to really see players like Sumudu (Nisansala), Rashmika (Sewwandi), Piumi (Wathsala) and Sathya (Sandeepani) who have been there in the ‘A’ squads, how much they have improved. We cannot see any noticeable improvements, but the WODI series was a good challenge for them. Even for the coaches it is a good experience because they know what areas they need to develop,” Devapriya said.

The Sri Lanka ‘A’ Women’s team is handled by Sampath Perera.

Devapriya expects the three-match unofficial WT20I series starting on 21 May at Dambulla to be much tougher for the local side.

“T20 is going to be very hard for our players. New Zealand play a lot of T20 cricket and they have also played T10 cricket as well, so their approach and style of play is different. They know how to play with the field, their structure and improvisation and they have the power,” said Devapriya.

“They play the shorter games very well. We had a glimpse of it in the second WODI where they were in a position to win after they were set a target of 123 in 20 overs. They scored more than half the runs in half the number of overs before rain ended the contest. They were not the least worried about losing wickets because they bat very deep. Their bowlers can hit the ball hard.”  

“Compared to the Sri Lankan girls’ physique the New Zealanders are much bigger and stronger. Although they are big made and chubby their mobility and flexibility on the field is much greater than ours. They are better in technique also.”

“We are limited in power, you can’t match theirs, but their improvisation of how to play to the field, the way they enjoy the game is something that we can learn. The way they set the fields it’s hard to pick the gaps. Their bowling, the spinners are very well disciplined and they bowl wicket to wicket and use variations. The fast bowlers hit the deck, and bowl a lot of short balls and back of the length balls. It’s a good learning curve for the girls.”