NZ vs SL: Rain Forces No-Result In Decisive T20I As Series Ends In A 1-1 Draw

NZ vs SL: New Zealand and Sri Lanka’s third and final T20I at the University Oval in Dunedin ended in a frustrating no-result due to rain, leaving the three-match series drawn at 1-1. 

The match saw promising starts, particularly from the hosts, but persistent showers ultimately had the final say, denying a potentially thrilling conclusion to the contest.

Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to field first, aiming to make early inroads in a match reduced to 15 overs per side due to wet conditions. 

New Zealand’s innings was anchored by their experienced opener and captain, Suzie Bates, who combined well with Georgia Plimmer in a steady start. The pair ensured a solid foundation, taking the team to 42 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket. The breakthrough for Sri Lanka finally came in the eighth over when Bates, having made 31 off 28 balls, fell to Chamari Athapaththu, caught by Sugandika Kumari.

Despite the wicket, Plimmer continued her fluent strokeplay, reaching 50 runs in just under seven overs alongside Bates. She was the standout performer for New Zealand, crafting an unbeaten 46 off 37 balls, including three fours and two sixes. Emma McLeod, coming in at No. 3, couldn’t build on the platform and was bowled for four by Kavisha Dilhari. 

Things took a further hit for New Zealand when Brooke Halliday fell for a golden duck, trapped lbw by Udeshika Fernando after an unsuccessful review. However, Izzy Sharp provided late support with a handy 17 off 14 balls as New Zealand moved past the 100-run mark in the 15-over contest.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers had mixed results in their short spell. While Athapaththu (1/19) and Dilhari (1/21) controlled the middle overs, Inoshi Priyadharshani proved expensive, conceding 27 runs in her three overs despite picking up a wicket. Malki Madara was the most economical of the Sri Lankan attack, giving away just 13 runs from her three overs without taking a wicket.

Just as New Zealand reached 101/3 in 14.1 overs, rain returned, halting play for the final time. With further interruptions making it impossible to restart the game, the match was abandoned, resulting in a no-result. 

This left the series tied at 1-1, meaning both teams shared the spoils after Sri Lanka’s win in the opening match and New Zealand’s victory in the second.

Despite the abrupt ending, the series saw some strong individual performances, with Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu earning the Player of the Series award for her consistent contributions. 

While both teams would have hoped for a decisive result in the final game, the drawn series highlighted the competitive balance between the two sides as they continue to build towards future international assignments.

Brief Scores: NZ vs SL 3rd T20I

New Zealand: 101/3 in 14.1 overs (Georgia Plimmer 46*, Suzie Bates 31; Kavisha Dilhari 1/21, Chamari Athapaththu 1/19) match abandoned and no result due to rain.

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