Sri Lanka sprung a surprise by beating hosts South Africa in the opening match of the Women's T20 Cricket World Cup ©Getty Images

Sri Lanka sprung a surprise by upsetting hosts South Africa to win the opening match of the Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup in Cape Town.

Currently ranked eighth in the women's T20 international rankings, Sri Lanka won a dramatic contest at the Six Gun Grill Newlands in Cape Town by just three runs.

Following an Opening Ceremony featuring South African music and dancing and a parade of flags of the competing countries, action got underway with Sri Lanka posting 129 for four after being put in to bat.

Sri Lanka’s total was built around captain Chamari Athapaththu, who scored 68, which included 12 fours.

South Africa struggled in reply losing regular wickets throughout their innings, with captain Sune Luus top scoring with 28.

Hosts South Africa suffered a three-run defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in the tournament opener at Cape Town ©Getty Images
Hosts South Africa suffered a three-run defeat at the hands of Sri Lanka in the tournament opener at Cape Town ©Getty Images

Inoka Ranaweera impressed for Sri Lanka with the ball, taking three wickets for 18 runs off her four overs.

As desperation crept in for the hosts, some poor decision-making proved costly with two run-outs late in the innings, proving crucial as they fell short of the target required, posting 126 for nine.

The victory was a notable scalp for Sri Lanka with South Africa three places above them in fifth in the women's T20 international rankings, going into the tournament.

The tournament is due to continue with a double bill of matches at Eurolux Boland Park in Paarl, with England taking on the West Indies before holders Australia face New Zealand.