West Indies Women produced a composed bowling effort followed by a calm chase to defeat Sri Lanka Women by five wickets in a tightly contested ICC Women’s T20 World Cup encounter. In a match where runs were difficult to come by and bowlers dominated the proceedings, the West Indies successfully chased down Sri Lanka’s modest total of 98 runs with three balls to spare, finishing at 99/5 in 16.1 overs.
Sri Lanka Women were put under immediate pressure after being asked to bat first. The West Indies bowling attack struck regularly during the powerplay, restricting Sri Lanka to just 23 runs for the loss of four wickets in the first six overs. Vishmi Gunaratne fell early for 1 off 4 balls, caught and bowled by Hayley Matthews, before captain Chamari Athapaththu managed only 2 runs from 6 deliveries before being dismissed by Matthews as well. Harshitha Samarawickrama also struggled, scoring 0 off 3 balls before falling to Matthews, leaving Sri Lanka in deep trouble at 9/3.
Imesha Dulani attempted to rebuild the innings and added a valuable contribution of 17 runs from 19 balls before being dismissed by Chinelle Henry. Sri Lanka’s middle order then tried to stabilize the innings through small partnerships. Kavisha Dilhari scored a useful 21 off 20 deliveries, striking three boundaries, while Nilakshi de Silva provided the biggest contribution of the innings with a fighting 30 off 26 balls, including three fours. Their partnership helped Sri Lanka recover from early setbacks and push the score closer to a competitive total.
However, West Indies continued to maintain control with disciplined bowling. Hayley Matthews was the standout performer with the ball, taking 3 wickets for just 15 runs in four overs. Chinelle Henry supported her with figures of 1/12 from three overs, while Aaliyah Alleyne, Ashmini Munisar and Afy Fletcher each picked up a wicket. Karishma Ramharack also played an important role, claiming 2 wickets for 15 runs in 2.4 overs. Sri Lanka eventually finished their innings at 98 all out in 19.4 overs, with extras contributing four runs.
Chasing 99, West Indies Women began cautiously but lost captain Hayley Matthews early after she scored 17 runs from 17 balls, including two fours, with Sri Lanka striking through Mitali Aroydhya. Deandra Dottin then added stability with a 12-run knock from 16 deliveries before she was dismissed by Kavisha Dilhari. The Sri Lankan bowlers continued to create pressure, and Shemaine Campbelle contributed four runs before being dismissed by Kaushini Nuthyangana, leaving West Indies at 34/3.
Despite the pressure, Stafanie Taylor played a match-winning innings. The experienced batter anchored the chase with an unbeaten 27 runs from 25 balls, hitting one four and one six. She found support from Jahzara Claxton, who scored six runs, and later from Jannillea Glasgow, who remained unbeaten on 10 off 15 balls. Their efforts ensured West Indies crossed the finish line without unnecessary risks.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought hard throughout the chase. Mitali Aroydhya was economical, taking 1 wicket for only 7 runs in three overs, while Nimasha Mepage claimed 1/18. Sugandika Kumari, Kavya Kavindi and Kavisha Dilhari also contributed with tight spells, with Dilhari finishing as Sri Lanka’s most successful bowler by taking 2 wickets for 22 runs in four overs. However, the target was too small for Sri Lanka to defend despite their consistent pressure.
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