New Zealand kept their pursuit of a Women’s T20 World Cup semi-final berth alive with victory over already-eliminated Sri Lanka in the heat of daytime Sharjah.
Set a target of 116 to win, New Zealand comfortably chased it down in 17.3 overs but may rue not having the power and positivity to get the job done sooner.
New Zealand’s inferior net run-rate remains a potential barrier to their progression ahead of India after they were unable to accelerate quickly enough to a potentially decisive victory.
Opener Georgia Plimmer and all-rounder Amelia Kerr took a while to get going but batted beautifully in a partnership of 46.
Earlier, Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu found form for the first time in a disappointing tournament to score 35 from 41 balls but her side’s threat left with her.
Sri Lanka did at least reach triple figures for the first time in their four matches but were unable to create chances with the ball in punishing temperatures touching 39C.
New Zealand remain third in Group A behind Australia and India, while winless Sri Lanka stay bottom.
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