By Srian Obeyesekere

Sri Lanka A Women won a dramatic last over battle over New Zealand A Women yesterday in knocking off 10 runs with Piumi Wathsala whacking a boundary off the first delivery to a gripping finish by Shashini Gimhani who struck a six after they had crossed for a single to winning by 3 wickets with three balla to spare chasing130 in going 1-up in the 3 match unofficial T20 series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium.

It was a heady start by the Lankan lasses who restricted New Zealand to 129 for 6 in 20 overs having lost the final ODI game and the series last week after the first two 50 over games were rain abandoned.
Wathsala remained unbeaten on 21 off 16 balls inclusive of 3 boundaries and a six.

The Lankan innings was held together by the experienced Sri Lanka mainstream opener Vishmi Gunaratne who was making an injury comeback at this level by a watchful 27 off 31 balls, hitting five boundaries.

Rashmika Sewwandi lent the tempo by a 16 ball 26 with three fours and a six while Dewmi Vihanga was spot on with 14 in the chase down the line.

New Zealand’s top scorer was Prue Catton with 25 followed by J.A. Watkins 20 having won the toss.

Skipper Sathya Sandeepani took 2 wickets for 12 for the Player of the Match award.

Chief scores:

New Zealand A Women’s 129 for 6 wickets  in 20 overs Tash Wekelin 15, Prue Catton 25, JA Watkings  20, Hannah Rawe 10, Kate Gaging 35, Chamudi Praboda 2/28, Sathya Sandeepani  2/12 , Sachini Nisansala 2/12

Sri Lanka A Women’s A  131 for 7 wickets in 19.3 overs Vishmi Gunaratne 27, Dewmi Vihanga 14, Piumi Wathsala 21*, Rashmika Sewwandi 26, Hannah Rowe 2/22, Kayley Knight  2/ 27.