Netball World Cup 2019- Sri Lanka went down fighting to Zimbabwe in World Cup opener
By Hishan Welmilla (Liverpool)
Sri Lanka lost their first match in their quest to conquer the Netball World Cup at Liverpool in United Kingdom when they were beaten by a strong Zimbabwe team who showed superior quality netball in all aspects of the game. The final score read 79 points to 49 to a Zimbabwe victory.
Lankan lasses battled it hard from the first quarter to have a lesser margin in the score board between the two sides. It was a tough challenge for the Islanders as African super power controlled the ball most of the time in the first quarter but the defenders made a solid wall making it hard to progress to the goal post all the time. The first quarter score read 19-14 favouring Zimbabwe.
The twist battle continued in the second half as Sri Lankan resistance to the opponents was as in the first quarter. One time the score margins were thin between the sides, Lankans were able to turn around the Zimbabwe rally to a certain extent and keep the score moving as well. But Zimbabwe scored 19 goals to 15 in the second quarter to read the total score 38-29 at the half way.
Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka battled it out for third place in Group A and the opening match played a significant role in determining their position in the group. Zimbabwe competed in their first World Cup but they arguably have the edge in quality here so expect the Gems to win their first game against Sri Lanka who are ranked five places below them in the world rankings.
Silver Ferns beat Malawi in World Cup opener
The Silver Ferns shut the door on last year’s shock loss to Malawi with an emphatic 64-45 win over the African side in their opening Netball World Cup match in Liverpool.
The Silver Ferns scored first off the back of a mistake from Malawi.It was then close for a while as the Silver Ferns got used to the unorthodox style of the Malawians.
It wasn’t until the later stages of the first quarter that New Zealand pulled away.
The Ferns led 17-11 after the first quarter thanks in part to a perfect 12/12 from Folau.
The Silver Ferns took a 32-17 half-time lead and Taurua took the opportunity to make some changes.
It was goal for goal for a time in the third quarter as Malawi put up more resistance, but New Zealand pulled away again in the later stages. The Silver Ferns went into the final quarter leading 49-30.
The final quarter was Malawi’s best, with them drawing 15-all with the Silver Ferns.
Well done!!! Zimbabwe Netball team winning your match against Sri Lanka. We are proud of you. We will support you through out the World cup Netball.
Where did you see a fight? Sri Lanka went down sheepishly.
This was a game which Sri Lanka Netball was going to win!