The first ODI of the ICC Women’s Championship 2025 between New Zealand Women’s National Cricket Team vs Sri Lanka Women’s National Cricket Team was played at McLean Park, Napier. However, the match had to be abandoned due to rain, leaving the three-match series opener without a result.
New Zealand won the toss and opted to bowl first, after which Sri Lanka managed to score 147/5 in 36.4 overs before rain interrupted play. Despite waiting for a long time, the weather did not improve, and the match was eventually called off.
Sri Lanka’s Innings: Harshitha Samarawickrama Stays Unbeaten
Sri Lanka had a slow start as captain Chamari Athapaththu was dismissed for just 9 runs, leaving the team at 25/1 in 6.4 overs. However, Vishmi Gunaratne (30) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (66)* stabilized the innings with a crucial partnership.
Samarawickrama played an excellent knock, remaining unbeaten on 66 off 96 balls, hitting 7 boundaries. Kavisha Dilhari (6) and Manudi Nanyakkara (1) were dismissed cheaply, but Nilakshi de Silva (17) supported Samarawickrama in guiding Sri Lanka to a respectable total. The innings also included 16 extra runs.
New Zealand’s Bowling Performance
For New Zealand, Briarley Illing was the most successful bowler, taking 2 wickets for 42 runs in 10 overs. Jess Kerr (6.4 overs, 21 runs, 1 wicket) and Suzie Bates (6 overs, 18 runs, 1 wicket) also made key contributions. Hannah Rowe and Eden Carson remained wicketless.
Sri Lanka’s innings was progressing when rain interrupted play at 36.4 overs, and after a long delay, the match was abandoned without a result. With the series still open, both teams will now focus on the second ODI, scheduled for March 7. Both New Zealand and Sri Lanka will be eager to secure a win and gain an early lead in the series.
