After achieving a competitive score of 258/6, Sri Lanka was prepared to face the New Zealand White Ferns in the Cricket World Cup 2025. However, continuous rain led to the abandonment of the match, resulting in both teams receiving one point each. This outcome leaves Sri Lanka with only two points from their CWC25 matches, both of which ended in unfortunate circumstances, as they continue to seek their first victory in the tournament. A highlight for Sri Lanka was a 28-ball unbeaten score, marking the fastest fifty of the event so far, which contributed to their respectable total despite some interruptions during play.
On New Zealand’s side, captain Sophie Devine led the bowling attack, accumulating 354 runs, with Bree Illing adding 239 runs. Sri Lanka’s captain, Chamari Athapaththu, won the toss and opted to bat, aiming to leverage the favorable conditions. The opening partnership of Athapaththu (53) and Vishmi Gunarathne (42) laid a solid foundation with a 101-run stand, both surpassing the 100-run mark in the tournament. Athapaththu maintained a steady performance, while Gunarathne found her rhythm, helping the team stabilize. Following the dismissal of the openers, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hasini Perera formed a strong third-wicket partnership, adding 58 runs and effectively rotating the strike until New Zealand claimed three quick wickets.