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Sport Nation
Weather spoils White Ferns' first ODI against Sri Lanka in Napier
Sport Nation • March 4th, 2025 7:15 pm
Photo: Photosport
The opening ODI between the White Ferns and Sri Lanka on Tuesday has been abandoned due to rain.
After losing the toss and being sent into bat by NZ captain Suzie Bates, the tourists amassed 147/5 in 36.4 overs before the ominous forecast delivered on its early promise with a deluge from above.
A return to play never genuinely looked likely, and the heavy covers at McLean Park remained in for the long haul.
One bright spot for the day for the Ferns was the performance of quick Bree Illing, who celebrated her debut with team-best figures of 2/41 through her allotted 10 overs - including the critical scalp of dangerwoman Chamari Athapaththu for just 9.
Illing was one of three debutants named in the NZ starting XI, alongside wicketkeeper Polly Inglis and batter Emma McLeod.
Harshitha Samarawickrama was the best of the Sri Lankan batters, finishing with an unbeaten 66 off 96 balls.
The teams now travel south to Nelson's Saxton Oval for the second ODI, which takes place on Friday.
Join us for live commentary of every match in the ODI and T20 series between the White Ferns and Sri Lanka via the Sport Nation app - found at the App Store or Google Play - or discover your local frequency here.
