On May 3rd, Sri Lanka overcame a tough fight by United States of America to maintain their unbeaten streak of four wins in as many matches. The Chamari Athapaththu led team won by 18 runs at Tolerance Oval, they will now face the UAE in the second semi-final on Sunday, with Ireland going up against Scotland in the first semi-final.
Sri Lanka, who won the toss and opted to bat first, found it tough to score quick runs up front against some disciplined and probing USA bowling. Geetika Kodali clinched the massive wicket of Sri Lanka captain, Chamari Athapaththu (4) in the opening over of the match.
Athapaththu’s dismissal made Sri Lanka look for consolidation early on as Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Madavi took time to settle. The two shared 49 runs for the second-wicket in eight overs. Gunaratne fell for 25 (22 balls, three fours). Madavi (23) was dismissed off the next delivery, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 55/3 in 9.1 overs.
USA kept the scoring rate in check in the second half of the Sri Lankan innings. Middle-order batter, Hansima Kunaratne, occupied the crease for the remainder of the innings, consuming 27 balls for her 25 runs (three fours). Nilakshi De Silva scored 21 off 29.
Sri Lanka ended their innings at 123/4. Saanvi Immadi, Aditiba Chudasama and Kodali returning a wicket each for the USA.
USA got off to a solid start and looked in contention for an upset until the 13th over of their innings. They tumbled from 63/1 to 87/5 as the Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Athapaththu, made some crucial breakthroughs. The skipper led the charge, taking 3/14 in her four overs, she was later named the player of the match.
Udeshika Prabodhani and Inoka Ranaweera took one wicket apiece.
Opener, Disha Dhingra (28 off 29 balls, four fours) was the leading run scorer for the USA. Captain, Sindhu Sriharsha chipped in with 27 (three fours), while Pooja Shah remained unbeaten on 20. They were eventually restricted to 105/6 at the end of their allotted overs, ending their tournament at the bottom of Group A after being unable to secure a win in any of their matches.
Sri Lanka beat USA by 18 runs
Sri Lanka 123 for 4, 20 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 25, Hansima Kunaratne 25, Harshitha Madavi 23; Saanvi Immadi 1-14, Aditiba Chudasama 1-22)
USA 105 for 6, 20 overs (Disha Dhingra 28, Sindhu Sriharsha 27, Pooja Shah 20 not out; Chamari Athapaththu 3-14)
Player of the Match – Chamari Athapaththu