Sri Lanka’s Record-Breaking Performance in Final T20I

Sri Lanka’s final T20I match against New Zealand in Colombo was a display of sheer dominance and a remarkable comeback after facing a series defeat. In a bid to avoid a whitewash, the Sri Lankan team delivered an outstanding performance, clinching a resounding 10-wicket victory over the visitors.

A Spirited Performance

Heading into the final game, Sri Lanka had already lost the series but had their pride at stake. Determined to avoid a whitewash, the team showcased a spirited performance, starting with their bowlers who put up an excellent display to restrict New Zealand to a modest total of 140 runs. This set the stage for a thrilling chase by the Sri Lankan batsmen.

Chamari Athapaththu’s Explosive Innings

Chasing a target of 141 runs, Chamari Athapaththu, the Sri Lankan skipper, took charge from the outset and unleashed a flurry of attacking strokes. Within the powerplay overs, Sri Lanka raced to 64 runs without losing a wicket, thanks to Athapaththu’s blistering knock of 45 runs. In just 25 balls, she reached her half-century, marking the fastest fifty by a Sri Lankan women’s player in T20Is.

Athapaththu’s onslaught did not end with her fifty. She continued to pile on the runs, finishing unbeaten on a magnificent 80 off just 42 deliveries. Her innings was adorned with 13 boundaries and two sixes, leaving the opposition bowlers helpless and the spectators in awe of her exceptional stroke play.

Harshitha Madavi’s Crucial Support

While Athapaththu stole the limelight with her sensational knock, Harshitha Madavi played a crucial role as the silent second fiddle for the most part. She patiently supported Athapaththu’s aggressive approach, rotating the strike and providing stability to the innings. In the 14th over, Madavi unleashed a flurry of boundaries, smashing three fours to swiftly finish off the chase with 33 balls to spare.

Record-Breaking Partnership

With a boundary to seal the victory, Sri Lanka reached an extraordinary milestone. They finished the match with a flawless 143/0, setting a new record for the highest 10-wicket run-chase in Women’s T20I history. Surpassing New Zealand’s previous record of 142/0 against Ireland in 2018, Sri Lanka etched their names in the annals of women’s cricket.

The partnership between Athapaththu and Madavi was a crucial factor in Sri Lanka’s historic win. They stitched together an unbeaten stand of 143 runs for the first wicket, which now stands as the highest partnership for any wicket by the Sri Lankan women’s team. This incredible feat not only highlights the talent and potential within the team but also showcases the growing prowess of Sri Lankan women’s cricket on the international stage.

The final T20I match against New Zealand witnessed several significant milestones for Sri Lanka. It marked only the third instance of a 100+ run partnership by the Sri Lankan women’s team in T20Is, and Harshitha Madavi has been a key contributor in all three partnerships. Her consistent performances underline her importance as a vital cog in the team’s batting lineup.