Women’s T20 World Cup: New Zealand beat Sri Lanka to stay in semi-final picture

Victory against Pakistan in Dubai on Monday could still be enough for the White Ferns to qualify for the semi-finals.

But much will depend on Sunday’s meeting between Australia and India – where a win for India would keep them in pole position because of their still superior net run-rate.

New Zealand struggled with the ball early on, some erratic bowling from Rosemary Mair abetting Athapaththu’s fluid knock.

The Sri Lanka captain hit five boundaries but the run rate was never too scary, and once Athapaththu was bowled trying to step on the accelerator her side collapsed somewhat.

A run of two wickets for five runs in 15 balls put the brakes on as excellent control from Kerr and a fine catch from captain Sophie Devine brought the game back into New Zealand’s control.

New Zealand needed to reach their target inside 15 overs to move ahead of India on net run-rate.

They struggled initially, only hitting their first four off the 25th ball of the innings, but once Plimmer found the fence the opener was able to cut loose.

Plimmer was put down on 33 by Inoshi Priyadharshani – a difficult caught and bowled chance – and made Sri Lanka pay, moving to her half century in 41 balls with a flurry of crisp shots down the ground.

Plimmer holed out to deep square shortly after but Devine came in and ended the match with the first six of it.