In a game that brought smiles across the island nation, Sri Lanka Women chased down a stiff 236-run target with grit and flair to clinch a five-wicket victory over South Africa Women in the third ODI of the series at Colombo’s iconic R. Premadasa Stadium. Chasing 236, the Lankan side crossed the finish line in 46.3 overs, thanks to a composed 77-run knock by Player of the Match Harshitha Samarawickrama and a solid 61 from Kavisha Dilhari.
The win, achieved with 21 balls to spare, marks a significant moment for the Sri Lankan side in a closely contested series, where both teams have shown flashes of brilliance. It was a collective batting effort under pressure, with Harshitha anchoring the innings and Dilhari giving the chase much-needed momentum in the middle overs.
South Africa’s Early Promise Fizzles Despite Dercksen’s Brilliance
Earlier in the day, after being put into bat by Sri Lanka, South Africa Women posted a competitive total of 235/9 in their full quota of 50 overs. All-rounder Annerie Dercksen stood out with a fighting unbeaten 61 off 60 balls, holding the innings together in the latter stages when wickets were tumbling.
Lara Goodall added 46 off 63 balls at the top, but the Proteas never really broke free from the disciplined Lankan bowling unit. Middle-order contributors like Chloe Tryon (35 off 40) threatened to push the score further, but regular wickets pegged them back.
The Sri Lankan bowlers were commendable throughout, with Malki Madara delivering her best performance, grabbing 4 wickets for 50 runs in 10 overs. She was ably supported by Dewmi Vihanga who claimed 3/41 and Inoka Ranaweera, who added vital control with her 1/33 in six overs.
Harshitha and Dilhari Script the Perfect Chase
Sri Lanka’s chase didn’t start without hiccups, but Hasini Perera’s calm 42 off 55 balls laid the platform before the star duo of Harshitha and Dilhari took charge. Their partnership not only repaired early damage but also accelerated smartly as the innings progressed.
Harshitha’s 77 from 93 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression and composure. She rotated the strike with ease and punished anything loose. Dilhari, on the other hand, provided the perfect foil, pacing her innings smartly with 61 runs off 75 balls. Together, they stitched a match-defining partnership that sucked the life out of the South African bowling attack.
South Africa tried to claw their way back with Nonkululeko Mlaba’s 2/44, but lacked the breakthroughs when it mattered most. Nadine de Klerk and Masabata Klaas picked up a wicket each, but the momentum had already shifted by then.
Turning Point
The stand between Harshitha and Dilhari tilted the balance completely. At 84/3, the match was evenly poised. But their 100+ run stand kept Sri Lanka firmly in control, blunting out the South African bowling attack.
What This Means
This victory gives Sri Lanka a massive confidence boost going into the next game. It also highlights the growing maturity and balance in their lineup. South Africa, on the other hand, will need to reflect on their middle-over bowling and late-innings batting strategy.
Looking Ahead
With the series finely poised, both teams will now regroup for the fourth ODI. Sri Lanka will look to build on this momentum, while South Africa will be eager to bounce back and prove their mettle.
Cricket fans, especially in Sri Lanka, will remember this day not just for a victory, but for the courage, skill, and unity shown by their women’s team.
Stay tuned for more match updates, player insights, and in-depth coverage of the Women’s ODI series!
