Sri Lanka levelled the three-match T20 International series against the Proteas Women with a 7-wicket win in Potchefstroom on Saturday.

The Proteas had a bat first at the JB Marks Oval, but they started the game with the news that the captain Laura Wolvaardt had been withdrawn at the 11th hour due to illness. This saw the allrounder, Nadine de Klerk being named as the skipper.

Upfront, the former Free State batter, Anneke Bosch, who plays for North West, scored a brilliant 50-runs off 32 balls, in an innings where she hit 4 fours and 2 sixes.

She was well supported by Marizanne Kapp scored s 44 off 36 as the pair put on a 60-run partnership for the second wicket.

A batting collapse saw South Africa limp to 137/8 in their 20-over, with only other player to score double figures being De Klerk with 16.

Achini Kulasuriya was the pick of the Sri Lanka bowlers with 2/26 in her four overs, while captain Chamari Athapaththu applied good pressure with 1/18 in her four overs.

In reply, Vishmi Gunaratne score 65 not out in the run-chase as Sri Lanka reached the target in 18.5 overs.

Kavisha Dilhari in turn scored a rapid 45 off 28 to lead the visitors from the subcontinent to 138/3 and the series-levelling victory.

The first a decisive T20 International will be played on Wednesday at Buffalo Park in East London.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport