Three-wicket hauls from Sugandika Kumari and Kavisha Dilhari set the stage for Sri Lanka‘s first women’s ODI victory over West Indies since 2015, as the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the three-match series in Hambantota on Saturday (June 16). Opting to bowl first, Sri Lanka’s decision paid off as their spinners dismantled the West Indies lineup.
West Indies batting collapse
Sri Lanka won the toss and elected to bowl, putting early pressure on the West Indies. The visitors made a strong start, reaching 75/ 1 thanks to a 68-run second-wicket stand between Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle. However, left-arm spinner Kumari broke that partnership in the 19th over, sparking a collapse that saw West Indies lose their last eight wickets for just 120 runs. Despite Matthews’ 38 and Stafanie Taylor‘s 33, the West Indies batters struggled against the spin duo of Kumari and Dilhari as they ultimately bowled out for 195 in 47.1 overs.
Sugandika Kumari and Kavisha Dilhari led a 🔥 bowling attack, restricting the Windies to 195! Time to chase this down, girls! 💪
🔴 LIVE | https://t.co/b9QqJbMwky #SLvWI #WomensCricket pic.twitter.com/MqEv2RRU5N
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) June 15, 2024
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Sri Lanka’s steady chase
Sri Lanka’s top order managed the chase with poise, with four batters scoring over 35. Captain Chamari Athapaththu (38) and Vishmi Gunaratne (40) provided a solid foundation, putting up an 88-run opening stand in just 13.2 overs. Although Sri Lanka faced a brief stumble, losing three wickets for 13 runs to the medium-pace of Aaliyah Alleyne, they remained in control of the match.
After the initial setback, Harshitha Samarawickrama (44*) and Hasini Perera (43) steadied the ship with a crucial 63-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Their composed batting ensured that Sri Lanka was on track for victory, despite a late wicket from Afy Fletcher. The hosts chased down the target with minimal fuss, marking a significant win in their ODI campaign
Sri Lanka defeated West Indies by 6 wickets in the first ODI 🏏#women #cricket #SLvWI #srilankacricket #CricketTwitter #WomenCricket pic.twitter.com/FDA8tS9sbw
— WomenCricket.com (@WomenCricketHQ) June 15, 2024
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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.
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