Chamari Athapaththu leads from the front with a classy half-century; match abandoned due to persistent rain in Wellington.
Cricket fans were left frustrated as rain had the final say in what promised to be an exciting Women’s ODI World Cup clash between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at the Basin Reserve, Wellington. Despite a strong batting display from Sri Lanka’s top order, led by captain Chamari Athapaththu’s composed 53, the contest ended in disappointment as persistent showers forced the game to be abandoned midway through the innings.
Sri Lanka’s Confident Start
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka’s openers walked out with clear intent. The surface at Wellington offered some early movement for the seamers, but the Sri Lankan batters applied themselves smartly, avoiding risks and rotating the strike with precision.
Chamari Athapaththu, once again the pillar of Sri Lanka’s batting, displayed her class right from the start. Her knock of 53 off 72 balls, laced with seven boundaries, combined power with grace. Her cover drives and back-foot punches drew applause even from the local crowd.
Partnering Athapaththu was Harshitha Samarawickrama, who complemented her skipper with patient shot selection. The duo put together a 72-run partnership that set a solid foundation for Sri Lanka before Samarawickrama (29 off 41) fell to an outswinger from Jess Kerr, edging behind to the keeper.
Athapaththu Anchors the Innings
Athapaththu continued to dominate the New Zealand bowlers with her timing and placement. She was particularly effective square of the wicket, punishing loose deliveries from Lea Tahuhu and Hannah Rowe. Her calm presence at the crease steadied Sri Lanka as they reached 100/1 in the 23rd over.
The Sri Lankan captain’s innings was marked by exceptional control — she rarely played a false shot and ensured that the scoreboard kept ticking. Her fifty came off 68 balls, a reflection of her balance between caution and aggression.
However, just when it seemed she was ready to accelerate, rain clouds gathered over the Basin Reserve. As drizzle turned into a downpour, play was halted with Sri Lanka on 126 for 2 after 27.4 overs.
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Middle Order Steps Up Before Rain Returns
Before the heavens opened, Sri Lanka’s No. 3, Nilakshi de Silva, had just begun to find her rhythm, striking consecutive boundaries through midwicket. The team appeared poised for a competitive total, possibly around 250 — a challenging score on the slightly sluggish Wellington pitch.
New Zealand’s bowlers, to their credit, had started to pull things back. Jess Kerr was the pick of the attack with figures of 1 for 25 in 6 overs, while Sophie Devine’s disciplined spell built pressure from the other end.
Unfortunately, just as the match entered a crucial middle phase, rain returned — heavier and more persistent this time. Ground staff battled to cover the pitch, but the outfield became unplayable. After several inspections, the umpires had no choice but to call off the match.
A Day of Frustration for New Zealand
For New Zealand, the washout was particularly disappointing. Coming off a loss in their previous fixture, they were eager to bounce back in front of their home crowd. Skipper Sophie Devine looked visibly dejected as she addressed the post-match press conference.
“It’s frustrating, especially when you know the game was evenly poised,” Devine said. “Credit to Sri Lanka — they batted really well. But that’s cricket; sometimes nature decides the outcome.”
The White Ferns’ fielding, however, remained sharp despite the slippery conditions. Suzy Bates took a spectacular diving catch at point early in the innings, while Maddy Green’s direct hit nearly ran out Athapaththu on 47.
Athapaththu’s Consistency Continues
Chamari Athapaththu’s performance once again underscored her status as one of the most dependable and stylish batters in women’s cricket. With this fifty, she now averages over 50 in her last 10 ODIs, continuing her fine run of form since 2023.
Her leadership on and off the field has been instrumental in Sri Lanka’s resurgence in women’s cricket. Known for her calm demeanor and fearless approach, Athapaththu has repeatedly delivered against top teams, often single-handedly keeping Sri Lanka competitive.
In her post-match remarks, she said, “It’s disappointing that the rain ended the game, but I’m proud of the way our top order batted. We were in a good position. These performances show that we’re improving as a unit.”
Sri Lanka’s Rising Confidence
Despite the no-result, Sri Lanka’s performance offered plenty of positives. The top order’s application, shot selection, and running between the wickets reflected growing confidence and maturity.
Coach Hashan Tillakaratne praised the batters, noting that the team’s preparation and mental strength have improved significantly. “We’re building consistency. Athapaththu’s leadership has brought belief into the squad,” he said.
Sri Lanka’s batting approach — calculated rather than reckless — signals a new phase for their women’s team. If the middle order can capitalize on the starts being provided by the top three, they could be dark horses in this World Cup campaign.
Impact on Points Table
With the game washed out, both teams shared one point each, slightly altering the tournament standings. New Zealand, who were seeking their first win after a slow start, remain in the lower half of the table, while Sri Lanka’s consistent performances have kept them in contention for a semifinal spot.
Cricket analysts suggest that every point will be crucial in what is shaping up to be one of the most competitive Women’s World Cups in recent years.
Weather: The Unwanted Decider
The 2025 Women’s ODI World Cup has already seen several matches affected by rain, raising questions about scheduling and venue selection. Wellington’s unpredictable weather struck again, cutting short what could have been a classic contest between two evenly matched teams.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) faced renewed calls from players and fans to include reserve days for key group matches, especially in rain-prone venues.
Looking Ahead
Sri Lanka will next face Australia in Auckland, a high-stakes match that could define their semifinal chances. Their batting form gives them momentum, but the team will need bowlers like Inoka Ranaweera and Sugandika Kumari to step up with the ball.
New Zealand, meanwhile, will regroup to face South Africa, hoping for better luck with the weather and an improved showing from their batting lineup.
