August 3, 2024

 Amy Jones Hits 51, Then Takes Six Catches to Keep Brave Winless

Birmingham Phoenix secured their first home win of the season with a 16-run victory over Southern Brave at Edgbaston, ending a 12-match losing streak.

Captain Ellyse Perry was the show’s star, taking three wickets in her first six balls to dismantle the Southern Brave lineup.

Batting first, Phoenix scored 137 for 7, thanks to a solid 51 from Amy Jones. Birmingham Phoenix struggled early on, with 16-year-old Tilly Corteen-Coleman taking crucial wickets, including Sophie Devine and Sterre Kalis.

Phoenix Post Strong Total; Perry’s Key Wickets Seal Victory

Birmingham Phoenix scored 137 for 7, with Amy Jones contributing a solid 51 and Emily Arlott adding a quick 22 from 12 balls, including two sixes. Despite losing Ellyse Perry for 23, Phoenix accelerated their scoring after a slow start, reaching a competitive total.

Southern Brave’s chase started brightly in response, with Smriti Mandhana hitting three boundaries. However, Ellyse Perry quickly turned the game, taking three crucial wickets—Mandhana, Maia Bouchier, and captain Georgia Adams—in her first ten balls.

Though Danni Wyatt (43) and Freya Kemp tried to steady the Brave innings, the Phoenix bowlers maintained their pressure. Charis Pavely and Hannah Baker took key wickets as the required run rate climbed, leaving Southern Brave struggling and ultimately falling short at 121.

“Emily Arlott’s innings was the difference, clearing the fence with ease,” Jones said. “And Pez’s start was unbelievable. When you have someone like that, who can deliver such performances, it is a huge lift for the team. We were really good in the field and backed up the bowlers.”

Athapaththu to Miss Ireland T20Is; Nuthyangana Included in Sri Lanka Squad

Nuthyangana Added to Sri Lanka Squad; Athapaththu Missing for T20I Series

Sri Lanka’s victorious Asia Cup squad has been updated with the addition of wicketkeeper Nuthyangana. Chamari Athapaththu will miss Sri Lanka’s T20I series in Ireland due to her commitment to Oval Invincibles in the Women’s Hundred. Her team’s final group match is on August 14, while the T20Is against Ireland are on August 11 and 13. Athapaththu will rejoin the Sri Lankan team for the ODI series starting August 16, part of the ICC Women’s Championship.

Athapaththu, named Player of the Tournament in the Women’s Asia Cup 2024, will be absent significantly. However, this provides an opportunity for younger players to step up. Harshitha Samarawickrama, previously the vice-captain, might take on a leadership role in Athapaththu’s absence.

Wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana Joins Sri Lanka Squad for Ireland Series

Wicketkeeper Kaushini Nuthyangana is the only addition to Sri Lanka’s 16-member squad from the one that won last week’s Asia Cup. Nuthyangana, who is yet to make her ODI debut, will be the backup to regular wicketkeeper Anushka Sanjeewani.

With Chamari Athapaththu unavailable, the batting responsibilities will largely fall on 18-year-old Vishmi Gunaratne, who has scored the fifth-most runs in women’s T20Is in 2024, and Harshitha Samarawickrama, who was named Player of the Match in the Asia Cup final. Spin-bowling allrounder Kavisha Dilhari has also been consistent with the bat, highlighted by her quick 30 not out against India.

There is some uncertainty beyond these key players. However, Hasini Perera, Nilakshika Silva, and Sanjeewani have recently provided exciting performances. With a squad comprising four frontline spinners and three seamers, Nuthyangana might get game time as there is no direct batting replacement for Athapaththu.

Sri Lanka Squad for The Tour of Ireland

Chamari Athapaththu (capt), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Anushka Sanjeewani, Sugandika Kumari, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Kawya Kavindi, Sachini Nisansala, Shashini Gimhani, Ama Kanchana, Kaushini Nuthyangana