A commanding all-round performance from Sri Lanka secured them a ten-wicket victory over Thailand in their final group match in Dambulla on Wednesday (July 24). The win propels Sri Lanka into the semi-finals, where they will face Pakistan on Friday. Earlier that day, India and Bangladesh will battle it out in the first semi-final, reports Live Cricket Score.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers set the tone, restricting Thailand to a modest total under 100. Nannapat Koncharoenkai’s unbeaten 47 off 53 balls was the sole bright spot for Thailand, accounting for over half of their team’s runs. Kavisha Dilhari’s 2 for 13 spearheaded a superb bowling performance, and Sri Lanka’s openers, Chamari Athapaththu (49* off 35) and Vishmi Gunaratne (39* off 34), completed the chase with 51 balls to spare, maintaining their unbeaten streak in the tournament.
The Difference: Dominance Across All Departments
Sri Lanka’s dominance was evident throughout the match, displaying their superiority over the inexperienced Thailand side. Despite favourable batting conditions, Thailand struggled to gain momentum, with Sri Lanka’s bowlers applying relentless pressure. Thailand’s batting and bowling lacked the edge to challenge their opponents effectively.
Thailand
Powerplay: A Rocky Start
Phase score: 28/2 [RR: 4.67, 4s/6s: 5/0]
Thailand’s innings began poorly, losing their top batter, Nattaya Boochatham, to the first ball of the game, courtesy of Achini Kulasuriya’s superb delivery. Aphisara Suwanchonrathi’s brief resistance ended with a run-out. This left Thailand’s innings in a precarious position during the powerplay.
Middle Overs: Collapse Ensues
Phase score: 26/4 [RR: 2.89, 4s/6s: 2/0]
The middle overs saw Thailand’s innings falter as Sri Lanka’s spinners tightened their grip. Despite Koncharoenkai’s lone fight, the lack of support from her teammates and a run rate under three runs per over spelt disaster for Thailand. Dilhari claimed two wickets, while Athapaththu and Sugandika Kumari took one, leaving Thailand dire.
Death Overs: A Modest Finish
Phase score: 39/1 [RR: 7.80, 4s/6s: 4/0]
Thailand’s batting showed some fight in the final overs, with Koncharoenkai hitting a few boundaries and partners contributing runs. Though they managed to end with a somewhat respectable score, the total was still insufficient against a dominant Sri Lankan side.
Sri Lanka
Powerplay: A Solid Start
Phase score: 40/0 [RR: 6.67, 4s/6s: 3/2]
Thanks to the low target, Sri Lanka’s openers, Athapaththu and Gunaratne, approached the chase without pressure. Athapaththu’s powerful hitting, including two sixes, and Gunaratne’s boundaries ensured a smooth start to the chase.
Middle Overs: Untroubled Chase
Phase score: 54/0 [RR: 8.31, 4s/6s: 3/3]
The Lankan openers continued dominating, with Athapaththu and Gunaratne hitting several boundaries and sixes. The chase was completed comfortably with over eight overs to spare, as Sri Lanka’s flawless group stage performance came to a fitting end.
Brief Scores:
Thailand 93/7 (Nannapat Koncharoenkai 47*; Kavisha Dilhari 2-13) lost to Sri Lanka 94/0 (Chamari Athapaththu 49*, Vishmi Gunaratne 39*) by ten wickets.
What’s Next?
Thailand’s campaign concludes here, as they needed a significant win to advance. While they fell short, their victory over Malaysia showed potential. This experience will benefit them moving forward. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, advanced to the semi-finals as a strong contender in the tournament.
