Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari’s heroics steer Sri Lanka to victory over South Africa in Women’s ODI tri-series

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Malki Madara’s four-wicket haul halts South Africa’s gritty first innings
Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari shine in the chase

Sri Lanka delivered a memorable performance in the third match of the Women’s ODI Tri-Series against South Africa at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, securing a thrilling five-wicket win with 21 balls to spare. After winning the toss and electing to bowl, Sri Lanka restricted South Africa to a competitive 235 for 9 in their 50 overs, setting the stage for a gripping chase that was ultimately defined by a match-winning partnership between Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari.

Malki Madara’s four-wicket haul halts South Africa’s gritty first innings

South Africa’s innings was anchored by a fighting half-century from Annerie Dercksen, who remained unbeaten on 61 off 60 balls, and useful contributions from Lara Goodall (46) and Chloe Tryon (35). However, their progress was frequently checked by disciplined Sri Lankan bowling, especially from Malki Madara, who finished with exceptional figures of 4 for 50 in her 10 overs. Madara’s crucial breakthroughs included the dismissals of captain Laura Wolvaardt and key middle-order batters, keeping the South African scoring rate in check throughout the innings. Supporting roles from Dewmi Vihanga (3/41) and Inoka Ranaweera (1/33) ensured that South Africa’s total, while respectable, never spiraled out of reach.

South Africa’s innings unfolded in phases: a shaky start with two early wickets in the first powerplay, a steadying partnership between Goodall and Sune Luus, and a late flourish led by Dercksen and Tryon. Despite these efforts, Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained pressure, with regular wickets and tight spells, especially in the death overs. The total of 235, on a good batting surface, seemed challenging but not insurmountable.

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Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari shine in the chase

Sri Lanka’s chase began cautiously after the early loss of skipper Chamari Athapaththu. Hasini Perera (42) and Vishmi Gunaratne (29) provided a solid platform, taking the team to 78 for 2. However, the defining partnership of the match was between Samarawickrama and Dilhari. The duo added 128 runs for the fourth wicket, blending caution with aggression to keep the required rate well within reach.

Samarawickrama, the leading run-scorer for Sri Lanka in 2025, showcased her composure and class with a well-paced 77 off 93 balls, steering the innings through the middle overs. Dilhari, on the other hand, played a fluent knock of 61 off 75 deliveries, punctuated by six fours and a six, bringing her team within touching distance of the target. Their partnership not only stabilized the innings after a minor wobble but also accelerated at the right moments, taking the game away from South Africa.

By the time Dilhari was dismissed in the 44th over, Sri Lanka needed just 18 runs from 38 balls. Nilakshika Silva’s quickfire 11* ensured there were no late jitters, as the hosts completed the chase with five wickets and over three overs to spare.