The second ODI clash between New Zealand women vs Sri Lanka women had it all — early collapses, rescue missions, rain-free cricket (thank you, weather gods), and a whole lot of Maddy Green magic. In the end, Green century and Rowe four-for give New Zealand unassailable series lead, and with it, the bragging rights in Nelson.
Green to the Rescue – From 59 for 4 to a Fighting 245
If there was ever a “help, we’ve fallen and can’t get up” moment for the White Ferns, it was at 59 for 4 after 18 overs. With the top order crumbling faster than a stale cookie, Maddy Green strapped on her superhero cape (or maybe just her helmet) and decided to save the day.
Partnering with Isabella Gaze, whose contribution of 19 might not break records but definitely broke Sri Lanka’s early momentum, Green got down to work. The pitch wasn’t exactly screaming “run fest,” but Green’s 109-ball 100 was the cricketing equivalent of baking a gourmet cake with whatever’s left in the fridge.
Middle Order Misfits Turned Power Hitters
Just when Sri Lanka thought they had things under control, Jess Kerr showed up with a cameo worthy of a Broadway curtain call — 38 off 44 balls. Not to be outdone, Polly Inglis played T20 cricket in an ODI, smashing 34 off just 21 balls, including five gorgeous boundaries.
Green century and Rowe four-for give New Zealand unassailable series lead, but Green’s final-over run-out — while trying to pinch an extra run — felt like a comedy blooper. Nevertheless, New Zealand managed a respectable 245 for 7, a score that felt just a touch out of reach for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka’s Chase – Samarawickrama’s Solo Show
When Sri Lanka’s innings began, the script felt eerily similar to the White Ferns’ earlier struggles. Chamari Athapaththu, the one-woman wrecking crew of Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, didn’t make it past the fifth over, thanks to Bree Illing.
Then came Harshitha Samarawickrama, who clearly missed the memo that her job was to collapse under pressure. With a cool, composed 58, she held things together like duct tape on a falling-apart IKEA shelf.
Partnering with Kavisha Dilhari for a 68-run stand, Samarawickrama gave Sri Lanka a glimmer of hope — the kind you get when you find an unclaimed shopping cart with four working wheels.
Rowe’s Wrecking Ball and Carson’s Clean-Up Crew
But Sri Lanka’s hope didn’t last long. Enter Hannah Rowe, who was clearly in the mood to collect wickets like they were rare Pokémon cards. Her 4 for 31 was the bowling performance New Zealand needed, breaking partnerships and spirits alike.
Once Samarawickrama fell, the rest of the Sri Lankan lineup crumbled faster than overcooked toast. Eden Carson chipped in with 2 for 30, including the final wicket in the 47th over, sealing a 78-run win for the home side.
Green Century and Rowe Four-For Give New Zealand Unassailable Series Lead — Mission Accomplished
With this win, the new zealand women vs sri lanka women series is all but done and dusted. After a frustrating rain-ruined first ODI, New Zealand’s performance in the second ODI gives them an unassailable 1-0 lead with just one match left to play. Even if Sri Lanka pull off a miracle in the third ODI, it’ll only be a consolation.
Player of the Match: Maddy “One-Woman Recovery Team” Green
Let’s face it — without Maddy Green dragging New Zealand out of the mud, this article could have been about Sri Lanka’s famous win in Nelson. Instead, Green’s 100 stood tall, turning a potential disaster into a platform for victory.
Player of the Match (Bowling Edition): Hannah “The Wrecking Rowe” Rowe
There’s nothing more satisfying than a seam bowler on a mission, and Rowe’s 4-for was exactly that. She didn’t just take wickets — she took momentum, hope, and Sri Lanka’s fighting spirit.
FAQs
New Zealand Women won by 78 runs, giving them an unassailable 1-0 series lead.
Maddy Green scored a century, and Hannah Rowe took 4 wickets.
New Zealand scored 245 for 7, while Sri Lanka was bowled out for 167.
The third and final ODI will be played on Sunday at the same venue.
Maddy Green scored 100 off 109 balls, anchoring the innings after New Zealand’s poor start.
Conclusion
The new zealand women vs sri lanka women series may not have started with fireworks (thanks to the rain gods), but the Green century and Rowe four-for give New Zealand unassailable series lead headline sums it up perfectly. From batting rescue missions to bowling destruction, the White Ferns showed that even when they stumble, they can find heroes to steady the ship.
With one match to go, Sri Lanka will need a miracle, a lucky charm, and probably a prayer circle to salvage some pride. Meanwhile, New Zealand can enjoy a well-earned victory BBQ, hopefully with Green and Rowe sitting at the head of the table.
