South Africa defeated Sri Lanka in the second ODI by 7 wickets.

2024.04.16

Laura Wolvaardt’s stunning century propels South Africa to comfortable win over Sri Lanka in 2nd WODI

At Kimberley’s Diamond Oval, South Africa recently welcomed Sri Lanka for the second Women’s ODI. The Proteas Women won the match by 7 wickets thanks to a masterful effort. Notably, the rain during the first WODI had little effect.

Sri Lanka Women chose to bat first and had a rough start, losing opener Vishmi Rajapaksha Gunaratne early. But with a tenacious combination, Chamari Athapaththu (51 runs) and Nilakshi de Silva (36 runs) steadied the ship. Hasini Perera (15 runs) and Kavisha Dilhari (42 runs) contributed to Sri Lanka’s decent 229 runs total, despite the fact that they lost all of their wickets in 49.5 overs.

The best bowlers for South Africa were Ayabonga Khaka (3 wickets for 28 runs) and Nadine de Klerk (3 wickets for 23 runs), who held the Sri Lankan hitters in check.

With a brilliant century (110 runs off 141 balls) from Laura Wolvaardt, South Africa Women’s reply got off to a fast start. Marizanne Kapp (80 runs off 84 balls) provided Wolvaardt with good assistance as they stitched together an important 158-run stand for the third wicket, thus securing the Proteas Women’s victory.

Achini Kulasuriya (1 wicket for 35 runs) was the only bowler for Sri Lanka who was able to restrict the South African hitters.

With 2.2 overs remaining and only 3 wickets lost, South Africa Women managed to chase down the goal. With her knock that changed the game, Wolvaardt was rightfully named Player of the Match. With one game left in the ODI series, South Africa Women lead the series 1-0 after to their resounding win.

@charith