How Did Dercksen and Tryon Propel SA to a 76-Run Victory Over SL in the Women’s ODI Tri-Series?

Colombo, May 9 (NationPress) Annerie Dercksen celebrated her inaugural ODI century, while Chloe Tryon showcased an exceptional all-round performance with 74 runs and 5 wickets for 34 runs, including a remarkable hat-trick, leading South Africa to a victorious finish in the Women’s ODI tri-series with a 76-run triumph over Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium on Friday.

Opting to bat first after the toss, South Africa faced early setbacks, finding themselves at 127/6 in 29 overs. However, Annerie surged forward with a stunning 104 runs off just 84 balls, striking nine fours and five sixes, effectively reversing the match's momentum in South Africa’s favor. She was well-supported by Chloe, who contributed a swift 74 runs from 51 balls, including four boundaries and five sixes.

The duo forged a critical seventh-wicket partnership, amassing 112 runs off 88 balls, which marks South Africa’s record for the highest partnership for that wicket in Women’s ODIs, surpassing the previous record of 94 set by Cindy Eksteen and Ally Kuylaars. Nadine de Klerk later added a rapid 32 runs off 19 balls, propelling South Africa to a formidable total of 315/9 in their allotted 50 overs.

For the hosts, off-spinner Dewmi Vihanga emerged as the standout bowler, achieving a career-best of 5-43 in nine overs. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu secured two wickets, but the rest of the Sri Lankan bowling unit failed to make critical breakthroughs during the middle overs. To compound their struggles, they dropped six to seven catches in a dismal fielding display.

During the chase, Sri Lanka never appeared to be in contention. Openers Hasini Perera and Vishmi Gunaratne established a 52-run opening stand before Chloe intervened. Chamari and Harshitha Samawickrama also combined for a third-wicket partnership of 52 runs before the latter became Seshnie Naidu’s first ODI wicket.

Despite Chamari reaching her 17th ODI fifty, her dismissal at the hands of Ayabonga Khaka effectively sealed the match for South Africa, culminating in Chloe's hat-trick and personal best figures in ODIs. Ultimately, Sri Lanka was bowled out for 239 in 42.5 overs; however, they will face India in the tri-series final at the same venue on Sunday.

Brief scores:

South Africa 315/9 in 50 overs (Annerie Dercksen 104, Chloe Tryon 74; Dewmi Vihanga 5-43, Chamari Athapaththu 2-70) defeated Sri Lanka 239 in 42.5 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 52, Anushka Sanjeewani 43 not out; Chloe Tryon 5-34, Ayabonga Khaka 2-30) by 76 runs.