Haynes helps Oz survive scare against Sri Lanka

Perth : Rachael Haynes turned out to be the unlikely hero for Australia as she struck a classy half-century to help the hosts overcome a mighty scare against Sri Lanka in their Group A game at the WACA on Monday.

Earlier, Chamari Athapaththu's half-century set Sri Lanka on their way but two wickets apiece from Nicola Carey and Molly Strano held them at 122 for six.

Australian hearts were racing when Alyssa Healy, Ashleigh Gardner and Beth Mooney all fell within the first four overs of the chase.

But a stunning 60 from Haynes in a solid partnership with captain Meg Lanning ensured their tournament hopes stayed alive with a five-wicket victory at the WACA.

Australia did not hesitate in showing their intent as Megan Schutt struck early with her third ball to remove Hasini Perera for a duck.

It took until the end of the powerplay for Athapaththu to see her next partner fall as Umesha Thimeshani was removed by Carey for 20.

It was yet another impressive outing for Athapaththu against the Australians, her 38-ball half-century taking Sri Lanka to 91 but the hosts finally took their third wicket when the captain blasted the ball straight to her opposite number.

Anushka Sanjeewani's 25 helped Sri Lanka edge to three figures but the number four was caught by Delissa Kimmince off Strano's bowling before Ama Kanchana perished for a duck two balls later.

Two boundaries from Nilakshi de Silva in her late cameo helped Sri Lanka get to 120 but she was stumped by Healy in Jonassen's final over.Australia had a nightmare start to their chase as Udeshika Prabodani bowled Healy for a duck.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 122/6 (Chamari Athapaththu 50, Nicola Carey 2/18); Australia 123/5 (Rachael Haynes 60 Udeshika Prabodani 2/17).