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Aussie women still too strong
By Bernie Wijesekera
The visiting Australian women's cricket team registered their second successive win over Sri Lanka Women's team in their second one - day international by 60 runs played at R. Premadasa Stadium yesterday.

In the first game the Aussie girls won by 9 wickets. Winning the toss they elected to bat first on a true and lively pitch ideal for batting and bowling. They rattled 215 for 9 in their allotted overs. Opener Julie Woerner 50, off 51 balls with 6 fours highlighted their innings (adjudged the player of the match). Julie, was involved in an attractive 54 -run stand for the second wicket with Kate Blackwell who scored 28.

Sri Lanka spinners bowled well with Sashikala Siriwardene 2 for 30 (off -spin), and Sandamali Dolawatte (right arm leg spin) 3 for 39 proved most economical.

Sri Lanka women in reply were in dire straits losing their top order at 6 for 49. But a gallant fight back by Praba Udawatte 13 and Eshani Kaushalya a hard hit 41 with 7 fours off 72 balls shared a 47-run seventh wicket stand which brought respectability to their final tally. Finally Eshani was bowled by pacewoman Sarah Andrews for 41. Sri Lanka chasing the Australian score of 215/9 could manage only 155 for 9 in their 50 overs. Pacewomen Sarah Andrews 3 for 44 and Kirstan Pike 2 for 25 bowled with much hostility to rock the Lankan top order. The visiting team will play their third one-dayer tomorrow at the same venue.

Scores:-
Australian women 215 for 9 in 50 overs (Julie Woerner 50, Kate Blackwell 28, Kelly Applebell 35, Jodie Purves 30, Sandamalie Dolawatte 3 for 39, Swini de Alwis 2 for 45, Sashikala Siriwardene 2 for 30).
Sri Lanka Women 155 for 9 in 50 overs (Eshani Kaushalya 41, Thanuja Ekanayake 14 not out. Sarah Andrews 3 for 44, Kirstan Pike 2-35)

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