Cricket

Georgia Plimmer's scintillating half-century propelled New Zealand to a resounding 46-run victory over Sri Lanka in their ICC Women's T20 World Cup encounter in Sharjah. Plimmer's 53 off 44 deliveries, her second T20I half-century, laid the foundation for New Zealand's second win in three matches.Plimmer's innings was a masterclass in adaptability and shot selection. She used her feet effectively, advancing down the pitch to dispatch deliveries down the ground and creating space to access the off side. Her four boundaries showcased her range of strokes, including a powerful drive over mid-off and a deft placement just short of mid-off that left Chamari Athapaththu stranded.Plimmer's performance was particularly impressive given the challenging conditions in Sharjah, where the low bounce and slow outfield have made it difficult for batters to score freely. However, Plimmer's determination and skill allowed her to overcome these obstacles and play a match-winning knock.Her innings was complemented by a 49-run opening stand with Suzie Bates and a 46-run partnership with Amelia Kerr, who also contributed with 2 for 13 with the ball. Sophie Devine sealed the victory with the only six of the match, muscling Sugandika Kumari over cow corner.For Sri Lanka, Athapaththu finally showed glimpses of her class with a 41-ball 35, but her dismissal in the 14th over proved to be a turning point. Sri Lanka's campaign had already been effectively over before this match, and their coach, Rumesh Ratnayake, acknowledged that the team had failed to meet expectations.

Sri Lanka's Test squad for the second and final Test against New Zealand has undergone a change, with uncapped offspinner Nishan Peiris replacing injured seamer Vishwa Fernando. Fernando, who did not feature in the first Test, which Sri Lanka won by 63 runs, has developed a tightness in his right hamstring and will undergo rehabilitation.Peiris, 27, has been on the fringes of the Test team for several years, having been included in the squad twice previously but never making his debut. However, with Ramesh Mendis' performance coming under scrutiny after the first Test, Peiris may have an opportunity to break into the playing XI.Mendis, who has been Sri Lanka's leading spinner in recent years, took six wickets in the first Test but was criticized for his lack of control. His economy rate was the poorest of Sri Lanka's spinners, and he often allowed New Zealand batters to score freely.Peiris, on the other hand, has a strong first-class record, having taken 172 wickets in 41 matches at an average of 24.37. He recently represented Sri Lanka A in South Africa, where he picked up three wickets in the first unofficial Test.If Peiris does make his Test debut, he will be tasked with providing Sri Lanka with control and wicket-taking options. The offspinner has the ability to turn the ball sharply and generate bounce, which could be effective against New Zealand's right-handed batters.The second Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand will begin on Thursday, August 25, at the Galle International Stadium. Sri Lanka will be looking to secure a series victory after their impressive win in the first Test.