ZCZC
BSP-07
CRICKET-WOMEN-T20-WC-2020
Retiring Siriwardena bowls Sri Lanka to emphatic T20 World Cup win
MELBOURNE, March 2, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Sri Lanka ended their women’s
Twenty20 World Cup on a high Monday with a crushing victory over Bangladesh
in a fitting farewell to retiring veteran Shashikala Siriwardena, who bagged
a tournament-best 4-16.
The clinical nine-wicket win was their first of the event to leave them
fourth in Group A, with Bangladesh crashing to defeat in all four games to
prop up the table.
India, England and South Africa have all qualified for the semi-finals with
a crunch match between defending champions Australia and arch-rivals New
Zealand later Monday determining the last berth.
While Pakistan and Bangladesh couldn’t reach the knockouts, there was
plenty riding on the outcome with the winner avoiding having to qualify for
the 2022 tournament in South Africa by virtue of finishing as one of the top
eight sides.
“Really happy with the performance. This game was always going to be tough
for us, but our players, particularly the bowlers, did very well,” said Sri
Lanka captain Chamari Atapattu, who paid tribute to Siriwardena.
“She’s a legend in Sri Lanka and she’s the big sister of the Sri Lankan
team. I will miss her a lot, but she retired like a champion.”
Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat on a cool day at Junction Oval in
Melbourne, but again failed to fire.
None of their players has managed a half-century during the tournament,
with Nigar Sultana Joty once more the standout, smacking 39 in their 91 for
eight with no one else managing more than 13.
Allrounder Siriwardena grabbed 4-16 in her last match after a 17-year
international career.
“I’m feeling so happy because I could contribute to my team in my last
match, so really proud,” said the 35-year-old. “It was emotional but you
cannot keep emotions on the field.”
Sri Lanka made a good start with Atapattu crunching 30 before being
stumped.
Fellow opener Hasini Perera (39 not out) and Anushka Sanjeewani (16 not
out) kept the momentum going to cruise home against a lacklustre bowling
attack with 27 balls remaining.
BSS/AFP/MSY/1010 hrs