Australia’s bowlers have created the platform for an emphatic first victory again Sri Lanka in Dambulla, in the first of four one day internationals.
Holly Ferling and Megan Shutt wreaked havoc early, with the Sri Lankan top order left reeling at 5/3 just five overs in. Shutt took two quick wickets and Ferling three more, including the Sri Lankan captain Chamari Atapattu.
Slumped at 8/38 Sri Lanka were on track to surpass their worst ever ODI total of 57 before Inoka Ranaweera, batting at No9, blasted a 43-ball knock of 32-not-out to restore some respectability to the host’s innings.
Ellyse Villani fell first ball of the second over to set up a nervy start to the runchase for the Southern Stars, but captain Meg Lanning and Nicole Bolton put together a solid second-wicket partnership of 45 to go most of the way to running down the Sri Lankan total.
Ranaweera then took three wickets in the space of six balls to create some flutters in the Australian dressing room, dismissing both Bolton and Lanning as well as Ellyse Perry, before the Australians regathered, with Erin Osborne striking the winning runs.
The second ODI takes place in two days time with three of the four matches part of the ICC women’s championship, a competition Australia currently leads ahead of West Indies and England.
