In East London on Wednesday, Sri Lanka‘s women’s cricket team etched their names in history by securing their maiden series victory over South Africa across any format. This significant milestone was achieved with a four-wicket win over the Proteas in the third and final match of their T20I series. It also marked Sri Lanka’s highest successful run chase ever in the shortest format of the game.

Laura Wolvaardt powers South Africa to a decent total

Sri Lanka Women won the toss and elected to bowl. South Africa Women posted a competitive total of 155/6 in their allotted 20 overs. Captain Laura Wolvaardt was the standout performer for the hosts. She smashed 56 from 47 balls, with the help of 8 boundaries.

Apart from the South African skipper, Nadine de Klerk and Anneke Bosch also made significant contributions. While Bosh scored 27 off 21, De Klerk remained unbeaten on 44 from 25 deliveries, including 4 boundaries and 3 sixes. For the visitors, Sugandika Kumari shined with the ball, taking a brilliant three-wicket haul while conceding 24 runs in her quota of 4 overs.

Chamari Athapaththu takes Sri Lanka home

Chasing 156 for victory, Sri Lanka Women chased down the target with 5 balls to spare, reaching 156/6 in 19.1 overs and registering history. Their captain Chamari Athapaththu, once again starred with the bat, smashing a scintillating helf-century.

Athapaththu smashed 73 runs off 46 balls, laced with 7 boundaries and 5 sixes. She was ably supported by Harshitha Samarawickrama, who contributed a vital 54 runs. Despite some resistance from the South African bowlers, Sri Lanka held their nerve to secure the win. Athapaththu was awarded the Player of the Match for her match-winning innings.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.

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