March 18, 2025: After a tough 2-0 loss in the ODI series, Sri Lanka Women (SLW) bounced back in the T20I series against New Zealand Women (NZW), leveling the series 1-1 with a dominant performance in the second match. The third and decisive T20I was scheduled for March 18, but the match was unfortunately washed out due to rain. The toss was delayed as well, and despite both teams' efforts, the weather conditions played spoilsport.
Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bowl first. New Zealand started strong, scoring 42 runs in the powerplay without losing a wicket. Suzie Bates led the charge for the Kiwis, playing an aggressive knock in the early stages. However, after a second rain delay, the match was reduced to 15 overs per side. When play resumed, Sri Lanka's bowlers made a comeback, taking three wickets in three overs and reducing New Zealand from 60/0 to 75/3.
Dunedin's weather the only winner as the three-match T20I series between New Zealand and Sri Lanka ends tied at 1-1
— ICC (@ICC) March 18, 2025
Scoreshttps://t.co/7NBoQwdU7r pic.twitter.com/loTCgdEjaN
Chamari Athapaththu was key in this fightback, dismissing Bates for a crucial wicket. At the time of the third rain interruption, New Zealand was at 101/3 in the 14.1 over, and the match was eventually abandoned.
Georgia Plimmer was the top scorer for New Zealand, making 46 off 37 balls, while Bates contributed 31 off 28. For Sri Lanka, Chamari Athapaththu was the standout performer, not only with the bat but also with the ball. She was awarded Player of the Series for her consistent all-round contributions across the matches.
With the final game being washed out, the series ended in a draw. Both teams had their moments, but the weather prevented a conclusive finish. The third T20I will go down as an unfortunate rain-impacted match, with Sri Lanka Women managing to draw the series with New Zealand Women.
Last Updated on March 18, 2025 by Disha Rojhe
