CINEHIND

Breaking News

Mock drills announced in states on May 7 amid Indo-Pak tensions: 'Air raid sirens, civilian training'

New Zealand wins the series thanks to a century from Maddy Green and a four-wicket haul from Hannah Rowe.

Richa Pandey
07 Mar, 2025

In a commanding display of skill and determination, New Zealand's women's cricket team clinched a decisive 78-run victory over Sri Lanka in the second One Day International (ODI) at Saxton Oval, Nelson. This triumph not only secured the match but also granted the White Ferns an unassailable 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with the first ODI having been abandoned due to rain.

Maddy Green's Resilient Century

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, New Zealand faced early setbacks. Veteran opener Suzie Bates was dismissed cheaply for 5 runs, and her partner, Georgia Plimmer, managed 28 runs before falling to the disciplined Sri Lankan bowling attack. The middle order wobbled as Emma McLeod and Brooke Halliday were sent back to the pavilion with minimal contributions, leaving New Zealand in a precarious position.

Amidst this turmoil, Maddy Green emerged as the anchor of the innings. Demonstrating composure and technical proficiency, Green constructed a masterful century, scoring 100 runs off 109 balls, embellished with seven boundaries. Her innings not only stabilized the team's performance but also laid a solid foundation for a competitive total. Green's century was her second in ODI cricket, underscoring her growing stature in international cricket.

Lower-order contributions further bolstered New Zealand's innings. Jess Kerr added a valuable 38 runs off 44 deliveries, while Polly Inglis accelerated the scoring with a brisk 34 off 21 balls. These efforts propelled New Zealand to a total of 245 for 7 wickets at the conclusion of their 50 overs. Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu was the standout bowler for her side, claiming 2 wickets for 42 runs in her 10-over spell.

Hannah Rowe's Bowling Masterclass

Chasing a target of 246 runs, Sri Lanka's innings faltered early. Bree Illing struck in the fifth over, dismissing the dangerous Athapaththu for 11 runs. Hannah Rowe then dismantled the top order, claiming the wicket of opener Vishmi Gunaratne in the eighth over. Rowe's incisive bowling continued to trouble the Sri Lankan batters, leading to a collapse from which they couldn't recover.

Despite a resilient half-century from Harshitha Samarawickrama, who scored 58 runs, and a supportive 25 runs from Kavisha Dilhari, Sri Lanka struggled to build momentum. Rowe's disciplined line and length yielded her career-best ODI figures of 4 wickets for 31 runs, effectively stifling the opposition's chase. The Sri Lankan innings concluded at 167 runs in 46.4 overs, handing New Zealand a comprehensive victory.

Player Profiles

Maddy Green

Maddy Green made her international debut in 2012 at the age of 19. Her breakthrough performance came in 2018 when she scored a rapid 121 off 77 balls against Ireland, contributing to New Zealand's record total of 490 for 4. Known for her powerful stroke play and versatility as an off-spinner, Green has been a pivotal figure in New Zealand's batting lineup. Her recent century against Sri Lanka further cements her reputation as a dependable middle-order batter.

Hannah Rowe

Hailing from Palmerston North, Hannah Rowe debuted for the White Ferns in 2015. A right-arm medium pacer, Rowe utilizes her height to extract bounce and movement, making her a formidable presence on the field. Her consistent performances have earned her central contracts and selections in major tournaments, including the ICC Women's World Cup and the Commonwealth Games. Rowe's recent four-wicket haul against Sri Lanka highlights her evolution into a leading bowler for New Zealand.

Series Outlook

With this victory, New Zealand leads the series 1-0, rendering the final ODI a formality in terms of series outcome but an opportunity for both teams to fine-tune their strategies. The White Ferns will aim to maintain their dominance, while Sri Lanka will seek to salvage pride and gain momentum for future contests. The final match is scheduled at the same venue, Saxton Oval, Nelson, promising another exciting encounter between the two sides.

Conclusion

The second ODI between New Zealand and Sri Lanka showcased the hosts' resilience and skill, with standout performances from Maddy Green and Hannah Rowe. Green's century anchored the innings, while Rowe's bowling dismantled the Sri Lankan chase, exemplifying the depth and talent within the New Zealand squad. As both teams prepare for the final match, the series has already highlighted the competitive spirit and evolving dynamics of women's cricket on the international stage.