In a high-octane sixth ODI of the 2025 Sri Lanka Women’s Tri-Nation Series at the R. Premadasa Stadium, South Africa Women posted a commanding total of 315/9 in their allotted 50 overs after Sri Lanka Women opted to bowl first. The innings was headlined by Annerie Dercksen’s stunning century and a blistering late onslaught from Chloe Tryon, placing the visitors in a dominant position in this key encounter.
Dercksen’s Maiden ODI Century Anchors SA Innings
After a stuttering start where South Africa Women were reduced to 85/5 inside 20 overs, it was Annerie Dercksen who played the role of savior with a scintillating knock of 104 off 84 balls. Her innings featured nine boundaries and five sixes and was built with composure and aggression in equal measure. Coming in at a crisis point, Dercksen stitched a game-changing partnership with Chloe Tryon that shifted the momentum completely.
Tryon Turns Up the Heat
Tryon, who has a reputation for being one of the most explosive batters in women’s cricket, unleashed her full range with a 51-ball 74 that included four fours and five sixes. Her aggressive intent in the final overs not only lifted South Africa past 300 but also deflated Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, which started brightly but failed to sustain pressure.
Early Wickets Rocked SA Top Order
South Africa’s innings began with a 68-run opening stand between Laura Wolvaardt (33) and Tazmin Brits (38), but the innings quickly derailed as Dewmi Vihanga ripped through the middle order. Vihanga finished with outstanding figures of 5/43 in 9 overs, including the wickets of Brits, Wolvaardt, Goodall, Smit, and Jafta. Captain Chamari Athapaththu also chipped in with two wickets, including the dangerous Tryon, and Manudi Nanayakkara took one scalp.
Sri Lanka Women’s Bowling Falters in Death Overs
Despite Vihanga’s brilliance and a disciplined spell from Inoshi Priyadharshani (10-0-46-0), the Sri Lankan bowlers struggled at the death. Malki Madara was expensive with 59 runs conceded in 7 overs, and Nanayakkara’s short spell leaked 40 runs in just 4 overs. Their inability to contain Dercksen and Tryon in the latter half allowed South Africa to finish with a daunting 315.
Fall of Wickets:
South Africa’s collapse from 68/0 to 85/5 inside seven overs could have spelled doom, but Dercksen’s calm and Tryon’s fire ensured a strong finish. The wickets fell at regular intervals:
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68/1 (Brits, 13.4)
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72/2 (Wolvaardt, 15.1)
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82/3 (Smit, 17.3)
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85/4 (Goodall, 19.1)
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85/5 (Jafta, 19.3)
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127/6 (Shangase, 28.6)
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239/7 (Dercksen, 43.4)
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305/8 (Tryon, 48.4)
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314/9 (Naidu, 49.5)
Match Situation and What Lies Ahead
With a target of 316, Sri Lanka Women face a daunting chase, especially considering their recent batting performances. The home side will rely heavily on experienced batters like Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama to anchor the innings. Given South Africa’s current form and the momentum built by their dominant batting display, the visitors currently have a 78% win probability as per live match analytics.
The result of this match is critical in shaping the final standings of the Tri-Nation Series, where South Africa, Sri Lanka, and West Indies are battling for the top spot.
Venue: R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
Match: ODI 6 of 7, Sri Lanka Women’s Tri-Nation Series 2025
Toss: Sri Lanka Women won the toss and chose to bowl
Live Status: Sri Lanka Women yet to bat
