Women's T20 World Cup: SL defeat SA in opening match

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka beat hosts South Africa in the opening match of the Women's T20 World Cup on Friday (10) in Cape Town.

South Africa failed to chase a 130-run target and lost the opener by three runs.

Sri Lankan captain Chamari Athapaththu made a hard-hit half-century against South Africa. Athapaththu's 68 enabled Sri Lanka to make 129 for four after they were sent in to bat by the hosts. Athapaththu hit 12 fours and shared a second-wicket partnership of 86 with 17-year-old Vishmi Gunarathne, who made 35.

South Africa managed 126/9 in 20 overs. 

Sri Lanka will take on Bangladesh on Sunday (12), while South Africa will be aiming to bounce back in a key encounter against New Zealand on Monday (13).