England women beat Sri Lanka women by five runs in the 1st ODI of the Series
England women were indebted to Claire Taylor and Jenny Gunn as they overcame their Sri Lankan hosts by just five runs in a tight last over finish in the 1st One Day International in Colombo today.
Taylor top-scored for the tourists with 73, earning herself the Player of the Match Award, while Gunn held her nerve to restrict the home team to just five runs off the final over as they came within touching distance of a victory target of 193.
An England side containing two international debutants in Lauren Griffiths and Fran Wilson batted first after being inserted by Sri Lanka and a wicket and outfield slowed by recent rain meant that boundaries were hard to find.
An 86-run fourth wicket partnership between Taylor and Gunn (39) gave England hopes of a significant total before off-spinner Deepika Rasanginka intervened - ending Taylor’s innings and then claiming three further wickets to leave the tourists defending a total of 192.
Off-spinner Danielle Hazell was the pick of the England bowlers when Sri Lanka batted finishing with a career best of 3-22 from her ten overs. But despite reducing the hosts to 86-7 at one stage – England were still left on tenterhooks as a late flourish from Sripali Weerakkody (19) brought the game right down to the last over.
The experienced Gunn was entrusted with the final six balls and she kept her cool under pressure as the Sri Lankan tail-enders proved unable to blast their way to victory.
Claire Taylor said: ‘We performed well in patches and had two good partnerships. It’s the first time we have been on grass for three months. Sri Lanka were well drilled and put in a good performance hitting some good boundaries.’
Danielle Hazell said: ‘It was great to get a win under our belts and good to be back on grass. I’m pleased with my performance and to pick up three key wickets, I’m happy with that. I’m looking forward to the second ODI on Wednesday where we’ll be looking for a 2-0 Series win.’
England women will play their 2nd One day International against Sri Lanka women on Wednesday 17th November at P Sara Oval, Colombo.
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