New Zealand Women vs. Sri Lanka Women: 2nd ODI Brings Drama and Determination
New Zealand Women vs. Sri Lanka Women: 2nd ODI Brings Drama and Determination
The second ODI of the three-match series between New Zealand Women and Sri Lanka Women kicked off today, March 7, 2025, at Saxton Oval in Nelson, and it’s already shaping up to be a gripping contest. After the series opener in Napier was washed out due to rain on March 4, both teams are eager to seize the advantage in this crucial encounter. As of 07:20 AM IST—early in the New Zealand day—live updates show a match filled with early twists, standout performances, and a fierce battle unfolding. Here’s the latest from the White Ferns’ clash with the Lankan Lionesses.
Early Setbacks for New Zealand: Bates’ Run-Out Shocks the Hosts
New Zealand Women, led by veteran Suzie Bates, won the toss and elected to bat first on what promises to be a batting-friendly surface at Saxton Oval. However, their innings got off to a nightmare start. Bates, a linchpin of the White Ferns’ batting lineup, was run out in calamitous fashion early in the game. Posts on X from Sport Nation NZ captured the moment: “Star skipper Suzie Bates runs herself out in calamitous fashion, as the Sri Lankans seize the momentum early.” This early blow handed Sri Lanka an unexpected edge, putting pressure on the hosts to rebuild.
As of the latest updates, New Zealand had reached 245/7 by the end of their 50 overs. Maddy Green anchored the innings with a brilliant 100 not out, her knock laced with resilience after the top-order wobble. Polly Inglis supported with a quickfire 34, helping the White Ferns post a competitive total. Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Chamari Athapaththu (2 wickets) and Inoshi Priyadharshani, kept the pressure on, but Green’s century ensured New Zealand had something to defend.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Fightback
Sri Lanka Women, under the dynamic leadership of Chamari Athapaththu, came into this game looking to capitalize on their disciplined bowling display from the rain-affected first ODI. In Napier, they’d struggled to 147/5 in 32 overs before the weather intervened, with Harshitha Samarawickrama’s unbeaten 66 showing their batting potential. Today, their bowlers stepped up early, with Achini Kulasuriya and Kavisha Dilhari making inroads. The dismissal of Bates was a turning point, and they’ll now aim to chase down 246—a target that tests their batting depth but is within reach if Athapaththu and Samarawickrama fire.
Key Moments So Far
Bates’ Early Exit: The run-out of Suzie Bates stunned the home crowd and set the tone for a shaky start. Her experience at the top is invaluable, and her absence left a gap.
Maddy Green’s Heroics: Green’s unbeaten 100 off 105 balls, including multiple boundaries, was a masterclass in composure. She turned the innings around after New Zealand were 158/5 at one stage, per live updates from Hindustan Times.
Sri Lanka’s Discipline: Athapaththu’s dual role as captain and bowler paid off, with her spin troubling the middle order. The fielding unit backed it up, with sharp work leading to Bates’ demise.
The Context: A Series on the Line
With the first ODI abandoned—Sri Lanka at 147/5 thanks to Samarawickrama’s defiance and Bree Illing’s debut 2/42 for New Zealand—both teams are yet to strike a decisive blow. New Zealand, despite missing key players like Amelia Kerr (at the WPL) and Lauren Down (ruled out with injury, replaced by Izzy Sharp), remain favorites at home. Their bowling attack, featuring Jess Kerr and debutant Illing, showed promise in Napier and will be key in defending 245.
Sri Lanka, meanwhile, are desperate to end a drought against New Zealand in ODIs—they’ve never beaten the White Ferns in this format on Kiwi soil. Athapaththu, a world-class talent, will need support from the likes of Vishmi Gunaratne and Nilakshika Silva to chase this down. Their batting has been inconsistent, but the Saxton Oval’s reputation for assisting batters could play into their hands.
What’s at Stake
As of now, Sri Lanka are preparing to bat, with the chase set to begin shortly after 07:20 AM IST (around 11:50 AM NZ time). A win here would give either side a 1-0 lead heading into the third ODI on March 9, also at Nelson. For New Zealand, it’s a chance to assert dominance at home after a tough run of three consecutive ODI losses to Australia late last year. For Sri Lanka, it’s an opportunity to make history and build momentum ahead of the T20I leg of this tour.
The Pitch and Conditions
Saxton Oval is known for its picturesque setting and balanced wickets. Early movement for seamers—like Jess Kerr, who’ll lead the attack—could trouble Sri Lanka’s top order, but the surface typically favors batters as the game progresses. With partly cloudy skies and temperatures around 22°C, per weather reports, it’s a perfect day for cricket.
Fan Buzz and Predictions
Posts on X reflect the early drama, with fans praising Sri Lanka’s fielding and lamenting New Zealand’s sloppy start. Fantasy cricket enthusiasts, per Sportskeeda and CricTracker, are backing Green and Athapaththu as key picks, with Bates’ exit shifting focus to the middle order. Analysts lean toward a New Zealand win, citing their depth, but Sri Lanka’s knack for upsets—recall their 2-1 series win over NZ in 2023—keeps this one intriguing.
Looking Ahead
As Sri Lanka begin their chase, all eyes will be on Athapaththu. Can she deliver a captain’s knock to stun the White Ferns? Or will New Zealand’s bowlers, buoyed by a vocal home crowd, defend their total? Stay tuned—this ODI is already living up to its billing as a must-watch clash. What’s your prediction? Drop it in the comments below!
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