On-song SL look to extend run

After knocking out hosts India with a stunning win, giant-killers Sri Lanka will lock horns with former champions New Zealand here on Friday after the two teams made the Super Six stage by finishing second in their respective groups of the Women’s cricket World Cup.

Super Six is the next stage of the eight-team event, where six teams from the preliminary round — three each from Group A and Group B — play a game each against the other group qualifiers to spot the finalists.

Teams will carry the points earned against Super Six qualifiers from the same group into the second stage.

Sri Lanka, who started as underdogs, have proved their detractors wrong after they stunned defending champions England in a last-ball one-wicket win and routed out hosts India by 138 runs.

Starting as minnows, the last edition’s wooden spoon holders would try to upset the plans of the last World Cup runners up at the BKC ground.

Siriwardene said entering the super six stage was a dream come true for her side. “I can’t believe it, it’s dream come true for us. We finished eighth in the last World Cup. I got a call from my home. The people are excited over there. This is the second match they have seen live. Everything is changing for us,” she said.