Hasini Perera notched up her maiden international half century as she helped the Lankan lasses to a comfortable 75 run win over hosts Thailand in their 3rd game of the Women’s Asia Cup 2016 earlier today.
Sri Lanka were coming off a record win against Nepal and had no hesitation in batting 1st after winning the toss. Captain Perera pushed herself up the order and her move paid rich dividends as the opening pair of Perera and Chamari Atapattu put on 77 for the opening wicket, giving Sri Lanka a solid base from which to launch. Hard hitting batter Eshani Lokusooriya was sent in at the dismissal of Atapattu to up the scoring rate but was unfortunately run-out for 9. None of the other batters got going, however, as Sri Lanka lost 6 wickets in the quest for quick runs. Apart from the openers, none of the others could get to double figures as Sri Lanka finished on 120/6 in their allotted overs.
Perera had played 13 T20Is with her highest score being 16* prior to this.
Sainammin Saenya picked up 3 wickets for the hosts, who did well to restrict Sri Lanka after the start they got.
Thailand’s batting performance was abysmal however as apart from Chanida Sutthiruang was the only one to make it to double figures. Sri Lanka’s bowlers were at the top of their game once again as 5 of the 6 bowlers used by Perera picked up wickets. Udeshika Prabhodini started things off for the Lankans as she claimed both openers in the very 1st over. Thailand managed to survive the 20 overs however and ended on 45/9.
Inoka Ranaweera was excellent once again, picking up 3 wickets for just 4 runs while Prabhodini picked up 3 for 8.
Sri Lanka will face tournament favourites in a must win game tomorrow.
