By Razeen Gutta
A record attendance made for a thrilling low-scoring affair in Cape Town as the South African women’s team kicked off their home ICC T20 World Cup.
Sri Lanka showed that they were not in the Mother City just to make up the numbers; and the 8,000 plus spectators (the most ever for a women’s cricket game in South Africa) were certainly in for some entertainment.
South Africa won the toss and opted to field first, doing well to restrict their opposition to 129 in their 20 overs.
Sri Lanka captain Chamari Athapaththu made a memorable half century, top scoring with 68 off 50 balls before being dismissed by Marizanne Kapp.
It looked an easy total for the Proteas, but boy were they surprised once the visiting spinners got a hold of the ball.
The first five overs showed signs of a solid start for the hosts, who should have known that keeping wickets in hand was key.
Laura Wolvaardt did well to bat through to the midway mark, while Tazmin Brits and Kapp both got starts but lacked the patience to stay at the crease.
Despite batting into the 10th over, Wolvaardt only faced 23 balls, making 18. And instead it would be captain Sune Luus who would be the only South African batter to cross the 20 run mark.
Left-armer Inoka Ranaweera picked up 3/18 in her four overs as the wickets continued to tumble.
South Africa only just managed to bat out the overs, but at nine wickets down they missed the target by three runs.
Games against New Zealand and Australia next await the hosts, who will need some big performances if they are to reach the knockout stages of the tournament.
Pictured above: Sri Lanka the victors in World Cup opener
Image source: @ICC
