The first ODI between West Indies and Sri Lanka in Grenada was a proper nail-biter that set a fantastic tone for this series. Sri Lanka managed to post a solid 240, largely thanks to disciplined half-centuries from Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hasini Perera. It looked like West Indies might pull off a spectacular chase when veteran Stafanie Taylor and youngster Jannillea Glasgow were at the crease, but a late-game collapse saw them fall just 10 runs short. Inoka Ranaweera’s four-wicket haul proved to be the difference, leaving the hosts frustrated but clearly aware that they have the firepower to compete if they can just sharpen their execution at the death.
Squads:
West Indies Women’s Cricket Team
Hayley Matthews, Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Shawnisha Hector, Qiana Joseph, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Shunelle Sawh, Stafanie Taylor
Sri Lanka Women’s Cricket Team
Chamari Athapaththu, Kavisha Dilhari, Imesha Dulani, Vishmi Gunaratne, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Kawya Kavindi, Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Nimasha Meepage, Hasini Perera, Inoka Ranaweera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Rashmika Sewwandi, Nilakshika Silva, Dewmi Vihanga
Players to watch out:
Stefanie Taylor
Stefanie Taylor continues to be the pillar of the West Indies batting lineup, proving her class with a gritty 66 off 83 balls in the series opener. She anchored a vital 89-run partnership that nearly dragged the hosts across the finish line, striking 5 fours and a six along the way. Despite her efforts to revive the chase from a shaky start, her dismissal in the 40th over proved to be the turning point that shifted the momentum back to the visitors.
Harshitha Samarawickrama
Harshitha Samarawickrama played a classic anchor role for Sri Lanka, top-scoring for her side with a composed 66 off 105 deliveries. Her patient approach provided the foundation for a competitive total of 240, as she focused on finding gaps and rotating the strike with 5 boundaries to her name. It was a disciplined knock that allowed the middle order to play with more freedom, eventually setting up a winning score for her team.
Inoka Ranaweera
Inoka Ranaweera was the undisputed star with the ball, delivering a match-winning spell of 4 for 44 that dismantled the West Indian pursuit. The veteran left-arm spinner showed great control over her 10 overs, including a crucial maiden, and struck at vital moments to remove dangerous middle-order threats. Her ability to maintain an economy of 4.40 while taking wickets under pressure ensured that Sri Lanka defended their total in a tense finish.
Hayley Matthews
Leading from the front, Hayley Matthews made a significant impact with both ball and bat, finishing with figures of 2 for 46 in her 10-over quota. While she couldn’t convert her start into a massive score this time around, her tactical bowling and leadership kept the Sri Lankan scoring rate in check during the middle overs. As the heartbeat of this West Indies side, her all-round presence remains the biggest hurdle for the Lankans throughout this tour.
Pitch:
The National Cricket Stadium in St. George’s traditionally offers a surface that favors seam bowlers, especially with the new ball where visible movement can make life difficult for the top order. However, once the initial shine wears off, the track typically flattens out, allowing batters to play their strokes freely as the ball comes nicely onto the bat.
Weather:
The conditions in Saint George’s will experience sunny skies with a high of 27°C and a low of 26°C. There is a 15% chance of rain during the day, with east winds at 18 mph.
Fantasy Playing XI:
Hayley Matthews, Chinelle Henry, Deandra Dottin, Realeanna Grimmond, Qiana Joseph, Stafanie Taylor, Chamari Athapaththu, Kavisha Dilhari, Kawya Kavindi, Inoka Ranaweera, Harshitha Samarawickrama
Match Details:
Date – February 22, 2026
Time – 7:00 PM IST
Venue – National Cricket Stadium, St George’s, Grenada
Broadcast – The game will be live-streamed on the FanCode app and website.
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