16 Mar 2016

White Ferns off to winning start in T20 World Cup

8:50 am on 16 March 2016

The White Ferns have opened their World Twenty20 campaign with a comfortable seven wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Delhi.

New Zealand White Ferns Captain Suzie Bates

New Zealand White Ferns Captain Suzie Bates Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Sri Lanka, electing to bat against New Zealand, suffered a dramatic collapse after a promising start to be restricted to 110 for eight from 20 overs.

Yasoda Mendis hit 30 and Dilani Manodara made 37 as Sri Lanka moved to a competitive 82 for one in 13 overs before seven wickets crashed for 25 runs, three of them through run outs.

Leigh Kasperek finished with two for 19 as seven Sri Lankan batters failed to reach double figures.

New Zealand coasted home with 25 deliveries to spare following an opening stand of 64 runs between skipper Suzie Bates (37) and Rachel Priest (28).

Both openers were dismissed in the space of five balls to make it 68 for two in the 11th over, but an unbeaten 21 by Sara McGlashan ensured New Zealand had no trouble in chasing down the modest target.

"It is really pleasing to get the first one," said Bates. "And the way we came back after Sri Lanka put us under pressure in its innings was very good.

"We play Ireland next on Friday. Every game is like a final for us and we will prepare well for it."