‘Oh my god’: Alyssa Healy’s sledge on rival captain just too good
Alyssa Healy can lay claim to the crucial dismissal of Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu after a sledge that worked miracles.
Australian captain Alyssa Healy can lay claim to the crucial dismissal of Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu during Saturday’s T20 World Cup clash in Sharjah.
Sri Lanka never recovered from the dismissal and Australia went on to win by six wickets in Sharjah’s extreme heat.
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After winning the toss and choosing to bat first, Athapaththu notched three runs from her first 11 deliveries in a patient start against the reigning champions.
However, Healy was not impressed with the Sri Lankan’s effort, muttering from behind the stumps: “Oh my God, play a shot Chamari.”
And Athapaththu dutifully obliged.
The following delivery, the left-hander was struck on the pads by Australian spinner Ash Gardner after attempting a slog towards cow corner.
Healy immediately called for a review after umpire Sue Redfern shook her head, with ball-tracking replays confirming that Athapaththu was absolutely plumb.
The 34-year-old trudged off for 3 (12), leaving Sri Lanka in a spot of bother at 2-6 in the fourth over.
Huge moment, good review from Australia who were extremely confident #T20WorldCup
— Laura Jolly (@JollyLauz18) October 5, 2024
Hitting middle and leg 3/4 of the way up but not out they reckon?
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) October 5, 2024
The Aussie attack continued to frustrate the Sti Lankans for the rest of the innings.
Megan Schutt equalled the highest wickets for a bowler in Women’s T20 World Cup, returning figures of 3-12 to move level with former South African quick Shabnim Ismail on 43 wickets in the tournament.
Schutt’s efforts kept Sri Lanka down to 93-7, a total the Australian batters overhauled with 34 balls to spare after losing four wickets.
Opener Beth Mooney, player of the tournament in the 2023 edition, hit an unbeaten 43 and took regular drinks breaks to beat the heat.
Sri Lanka slumped to their second loss in the tournament and are still looking for their first victory against Australia in women’s T20 matches.
Originally published as ‘Oh my god’: Alyssa Healy’s sledge on rival captain just too good