Sri Lanka hold on for consolation win

Sri Lanka successfully defended a paltry total of 99 against Australia in Bangi, to register their second win of the Super Six phase. Sri Lanka, opting to bat, made a sedate start as their openers Sanjana Kavindi (19 off 35) and Sumudu Nisansala (18 off 15) took their time to get going. Australia, having finished second on the Group 1 table behind India, will now face Group 2 table-toppers South Africa in the semi-final on January 31, while India are set to face England.

At 77 for 2 in the 14th over, Sri Lanka might have been looking for a late flourish, but Lily Bassingthwaighte, Hasrat Gill and Tegan Williamson all struck at regular intervals to initiate a collapse, as Sri Lanka lost their next six wickets for just 22 runs.

Australia lost three early wickets in the chase, but a handy 27 from Caoimhe Bray had the team well-placed at 64 for 3, and within sight of victory. However, Bray was dismissed in the 15th over courtesy Player of the Match Limansa Thilakarathna, offering Sri Lanka a way back into the game. Chamodi Praboda, Pramudi Methsara and Aseni Thalagune picked up two wickets apiece, as Australia completely lost their momentum. They lost their next four wickets for only 23 runs, finishing their innings at 87 for 8.