White Ferns start with emphatic win
The White Ferns have made a confident start to their World Cup campaign with a comfortable win over Sri Lanka.
New Zealand restricted Sri Lanka to 188-9 in Bristol yesterday before cruising to the total with nine wickets and more than 12 overs to spare.
Opening bowler Holly Huddleston took 5-35 for New Zealand, while captain Suzie Bates scored an unbeaten 106 off 109 balls, combining well with Amy Satterthwaite (78 off 103) to ease their side to victory.
But it wasn’t always that easy for the Kiwis.
Sri Lanka made a confident and cautious start with the bat as opener Chamari Polgampola (49 off 113) and first-drop Chamari Atapattu (53 off 66) got their side through to 141-1 after 35 overs.
A few edges flew through the slips and New Zealand appeared jittery in the field, but recovered once Huddleston returned. She endured a wicketless opening spell of just three overs, but bowled seven on the trot to take her five- for as Sri Lanka collapsed with 47-8 off the final 15 overs.
Bates said the turnaround came through being patient.
‘‘We always knew if we could take a wicket we could really put the squeeze on and that’s what happened. Once they lost one we got our fielders in and created a bit of pressure that way.’’
It was then Bates’ turn to star, overcoming the early loss of her opening partner Rachel Priest to propel her side to victory. It was a welcome return to form from the skipper after going through a rough patch in the leadup matches.
‘‘It’s really pleasing. I felt a bit scratchy leading up to this game, but I worked hard in the nets and it’s just nice as captain to go out there and lead by example.’’
Huddleston said she didn’t expect to bowl seven overs in a row or take a five-for, but was happy to make a contribution to the team performance.
‘‘I just wanted one or two [wickets], I would’ve been happy with that. They just kept coming, which was awesome, to get the fifth one was on my mind, but I really just wanted the team performance and to do it for the girls.’’
New Zealand take on South Africa in their next pool match at the County Ground in Derby on Wednesday night (NZ time). Yesterday’s other match saw India beat hosts England by 35 runs.