The ongoing Women's ODI Tri-Nation series between India, Sri Lanka and South Africa has seen a lot of great performances already and there have been some great moments of athleticism on the field by the players as well. One such moment of a great fielding effort was on display in the game between Sri Lanka and South Africa on Friday, May 02, where pulled off a brilliant catch.
The game had started with the visitors batting first at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo and with just 120 runs on the board, they had lost half the side. Thereon, Annerie Dercksen and built a solid half-century partnership for the sixth wicket. However, just as the ship seemed to have been saved from sinking, Tryon went for a big hit down the ground off Dewmi Vihanga, the debutant.
Nilakshika, who was stationed at the long-on region, ran in towards the ball, and timed her dive to perfection, while also managing to get a hold of the ball. The fielder also managed to keep her body away from the boundary, as the catch was executed inches away from the ropes, handing the bowler her second wicket in international cricket. For a moment, Nilakshika herself seemed to be in a state of shock after the moment of brilliance by her to pull off a blinder.
Check the video of Nilakshika's blinder of a catch hereMeanwhile, a decent batting effort by the Laura Wolvaardt-led side helped them post 235 after losing nine wickets in their 50 overs. Dercksen, the young batter, was the star with the bat for her brilliant 61 off just 60 balls, contributing a much-needed flow of runs under pressure. Her knock consisted of four boundaries and a solitary six. Tryon, with whom she stitched a 66-run partnership, also made 35 off 40 balls.
With the ball, Malki Madara completed an exceptional spell with the ball for her four-wicket haul, whereas, Vihanga also took three crucial wickets. Sugandika Kumari and Inoka Ranaweera also shared a wicket each against their tally.
As of writing, the game is evenly poised after 32 overs into the Sri Lankan innings. With the scoreboard reading 153-3, the Chamari Athapaththu-led side needs a further 83 runs from 18 overs with seven wickets in hand. Harshitha Samarawickrama and Kavisha Dilhari are currently batting and their partnership has already reached 63 runs, after the side was in some spot of bother having lost three wickets for just 90 runs.