Rain wreaked havoc on what promised to be the thrilling finale of the T20I series between New Zealand Women and Sri Lanka Women, as the third match at University Oval, Dunedin, on March 18, 2025, ended without any result due to persistent rain interruptions. This inclement weather left both teams sharing honors as the three-match series concluded with the score tied at 1-1.
With Sri Lanka having claimed the first T20I victory by seven wickets, the New Zealand squad came back strong to win the second match. This constructed anticipation for the final decider, where both teams were vying for dominance. Chamari Athapaththu led Sri Lanka's charge during the first match, scoring 64 runs and spearheading her team’s outstanding bowling performance, which bundled out New Zealand for just 101 runs.
For the third T20I, Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl first, which seemed to pay off as New Zealand’s players were forced to contend with the ominous rain clouds hanging overhead. New Zealand started their innings briskly; by the end of the powerplay overs, they had accumulated 42 runs without losing a wicket. Experienced batters Suzie Bates and Georgia Plimmer showcased their class during this period. Bates was aggressive from the start, and Plimmer found her rhythm quickly.
Unfortunately, as the rains fell again, play was interrupted after 14.1 overs, with New Zealand at 101 for 3, thanks to the foundations laid down by Plimmer, who ended the match unbeaten on 46 runs, including three boundaries and two sixes, and Bates, who contributed 31 runs before being dismissed by Athapaththu.
Despite their promising start, the match was curtailed to 15 overs per side due to rain delays, resulting in heightened tensions and interruptions. The White Ferns had hoped to build upon their momentum, but the breaks saw Sri Lanka’s bowlers returning refreshed and picking up wickets, significantly shifting the match’s dynamics.
Chamari Athapaththu proved to be Sri Lanka's standout player once again, not only during this match but throughout the series. Her bowling figures of 1 for 19 across three overs demonstrated her skill and control under pressure, which likely contributed to her being named Player of the Series for her remarkable contributions—scoring 64 not out and 23 runs across the matches, alongside her impactful bowling.
While the absence of results means both teams will carry the weight of victory and disappointment respectively, the series showcased competitive cricket, allowing both teams to recognize their strengths and areas for improvement. Both New Zealand and Sri Lanka were spirited, unmatched, and determined to claim series supremacy, which is what made this decider so highly anticipated.
The inability to complete the match raises several questions for both teams as they head toward future competitions. Fans will certainly look forward to future encounters as both teams cultivate their rosters and refine their strategies based on lessons drawn from this series. Whether it be batting depth for New Zealand or asserting more control over their bowling for Sri Lanka, the series offered invaluable experiences for both sides.
One notable takeaway from the third T20I was the presence of significant pressure on individual players like Bates and Plimmer, who have proven track records. Being unable to finish the match perhaps leaves both players and their coaching staff with work to do before next time. Nonetheless, fans remain hopeful for both teams, rooting for more exciting matches to come.
With the rain-drenched fields now dry, the curtain falls on this chapter of T20I cricket between Sri Lanka and New Zealand, prompting reflections on what could have been. Both teams will take away valuable insights, and they are equally poised for fanfare and fervor when they clash again.
