By Srian Obeyesekere

Sri Lanka Women raced to an Over the Moon historic maiden T20 triumph over New Zealand by 7 wickets with debutant Malki Madara’s three-for 14 and skipper Chamari Athapaththu an unbeaten cameo 64 off 48 balls the main actors to achieving another first in the first of three series at Christchurch yesterday.

Madara was well supported by Kavisha Dilhari and Inoshi Priyadharshani who took two wickets apiece in dismissing New Zealand Women for 101 with the Lankan lasses getting home with consumate ease finishing it off on 102 for 3 in 14.1 overs.

It was Sri Lanka’s first T20I win in New Zealand and second win overall against New Zealand in the format.

New Zealand:s top scorer was Emma McLeod who made 44 with only two others reaching double figures.

New Zealand captain Suzie Bates made 21 off 14 before fourth change Madara got the prize wicket of Bates which checked the hosts scoring.

Dilhari then dealt double blows as New Zealand slipped from 39f for 1 to 52 for 4 and finally reaching 101.

Madara went on to add McLeod to her bag.

Athapaththu was to soon lead Sri Lanka’s victory charge hammering seven fours in taking the score to 46 for no loss at the end of the powerplay. Jess Kerr accounted for Vishmi Gunaratne and Harshitha Samarawickrama in successive overs while Dilhari was run out with Sri Lanka now 66 for 3.

But it was not to deter the Lankan captain from going on the offensive as
She hit Eden Carson for four soon after Dilhari’s exit and smacked two sixes and a four off Bree Illing in hoisting her half century, the first of those sixes taking her to it off 43 balls as Sri Lanka cruised to victory.