Cricket: White Ferns end on winning note

The White Ferns have concluded their ICC World Twenty20 campaign with a five wicket victory over Sri Lanka, guaranteeing them automatic entry to the next tournament.

Sri Lanka made its biggest total of the tournament, with Yashoda Mendis (45) and Chamari Atapattu (46) seeing their side to 131 for seven. The White Ferns though put on a much improved batting display from their previous match against South Africa, surpassing the target with an over to spare.

Having been knocked out in the pool stages due to net run-rate, the White Ferns head home having lost just one match.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, Sri Lanka got off to a flying start through Mendis. The dynamic opener slammed six fours and two sixes in her 35 ball knock, immediately putting the White Ferns on the back foot.

Following her dismissal in the 11th over, Attapatu took the reins for Sri Lanka, anchoring the side right through until the final over. While the lower-order only made small contributions, it was still enough to set the White Ferns a very competitive target.

Nicola Browne was the best of the bowlers with two for 16, while four others took a wicket apiece and Sara McGlashan had a run out.

The White Ferns response was full of partnerships, despite the loss of Sophie Devine in the first over.

Suzie Bates continued her strong showing at the tournament with a team high 45 from 36 balls. After being dismissed in the 11th over, there was still plenty of work to be done though.

The middle-order pair of Katie Perkins (28) and Rachel Priest (42*) steadied the ship, putting on 34 for the fourth wicket.

Perkins departed with a further 25 needed, but Priest saw out the task until the end. In the process she made her career top score for the White Ferns and picked up Player of the Match.

The White Ferns finish the season with a win-loss record of 11-1.