Sri Lanka Girls pulled off a powerful five-wicket victory over New Zealand Girls in Match 7 of the ICC Girls’s T20 World Cup 2026 at The Rose Bowl, chasing down a goal of 151 with two balls to spare. Whereas New Zealand posted a aggressive 150/6 because of equivalent 45-run knocks from Sophie Devine and Amelia Kerr, Sri Lanka held their nerve through the chase as Nilakshi de Silva‘s unbeaten 54 guided the aspect house. Regardless of ending on the dropping aspect, Kerr produced one of many standout moments of the match with a sensational run-out that briefly lifted New Zealand’s hopes.
Amelia Kerr’s direct hit removes Hasini Perera
The second arrived on the ultimate ball of the eighth over when Kerr showcased distinctive consciousness and athleticism within the subject. Bowling across the wicket, she tossed the ball up and watched Hasini Perera work it in direction of mid-wicket earlier than trying a fast second run. Kerr instantly sprinted after the ball herself, gathered it cleanly in a single movement, spun round, and fired a throw on the striker’s finish with out hesitation. The ball crashed into the stumps with pinpoint accuracy as Perera desperately dived to make her floor, however the batter was comfortably in need of the crease.
The sensible piece of fielding diminished Sri Lanka to a different setback and briefly swung the momentum in direction of New Zealand. It was the form of particular person effort that underlined Kerr’s all-round worth, combining sharp anticipation, fast reflexes and flawless execution underneath strain. The dismissal additionally highlighted New Zealand’s dedication to remain within the contest regardless of Sri Lanka’s regular progress within the chase. The run-out rapidly grew to become one of many speaking factors of the sport, with followers praising Kerr’s presence of thoughts and accuracy in producing a direct hit that required excellent timing.
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Sri Lanka maintain agency to register a major victory
Though Kerr’s brilliance injected recent vitality into the New Zealand aspect, Sri Lanka recovered effectively by composed batting performances within the center and demise overs. Captain Chamari Athapaththu offered an aggressive begin, whereas Nilakshi de Silva anchored the innings with an unbeaten half-century that in the end earned her the Participant of the Match award. Kaushani Nuthyangana additionally chipped in with a precious cameo, serving to Sri Lanka preserve the required scoring price and end the chase at 153/5 in 19.4 overs. Earlier, New Zealand’s innings had been constructed round stable contributions from Kerr and Devine, however the complete proved simply brief on an excellent batting floor.
Additionally READ: Nilakshi de Silva guides Sri Lanka to memorable win over New Zealand at Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
This text was first revealed at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times firm.
