The New Zealand WHITE FERNS have made a perfect start in their new magenta T20 uniforms, dominating Sri Lanka by 102 runs at Hagley Oval and posting a record T20 total in the first of their three Twenty20 Internationals.
Scorecard
Openers Rachel Priest and Suzie Bates got the side off to their customary powerhouse start against the Sri Lankan visitors, the barnstorming Priest slamming three sixes as she put on a WHITE FERNS record with her captain for the first wicket against Sri Lanka, before Priest was trapped just one run short of a half-century.
The wicket brought vice captain Devine (54) to the middle in the ninth over. She quickly launched into her work, posting her half century in just 34 balls and add to Sri Lanka’s pain all round.
Both Devine and Sara McGlashan pounded their 1000th T20 International career run in the same innings, before McGlashan (who had gone into the match needing just six runs to pass the milestone) retired hurt after colliding with and tumbling over bowler Chamari Athapaththu.
After the WHITE FERNS had piled on their all-time T20 record tally of 188/3 (bettering 186/7 against South Africa at Taunton in 2007), the winless visitors were under pressure from the start, staring at an asking rate of 9.45 per over on the scoreboard.
They struggled to 86/6 in their 20 overs against a disciplined attack, pace bowler Lea Tahuhu taking 2-10 off four, including a wicket maiden.
Debutante Thamsyn Newton charged in and bowled well without reward to go 0-16 off her four overs, together with two catches and a hand in the final run out on a composed debut.
The victory also formed a T20 record winning margin for the WHITE FERNS in Twenty20 Internationals against allcomers (previous best: 97 runs against South Africa at Taunton in 2007).
The teams now head to Saxton Oval, Nelson, for the final two matches of the Series and tour. The second Twenty20 International starts at 4pm on Friday 20 November, entry is free.
