Sri Lanka Women won first ODI against WI women
2024.06.17
Sri Lanka Women thrashed West Indies Women by six wickets in the first ODI of the three-match series.
Sugandika Kumari and Kavisha Dilhari claimed three wickets each to set up Sri Lanka’s first women’s ODI victory over the West Indies since 2015, as the hosts seized a 1-0 lead in the three-match series in Hambantota on Saturday (June 16). Sri Lanka’s choice to bowl first paid off, with their spinners dismantling the West Indies squad.
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl, putting early pressure on the West Indies. The visitors had a good start, reaching 75/1 due to a 68-run second-wicket partnership between Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle. However, Kumari, a left-arm spinner, broke the partnership in the 19th over, precipitating a collapse in which the West Indies lost their final eight wickets for 120 runs. Despite Matthews’ 38 and Stafanie Taylor’s 33, the West Indies hitters struggled against the spin combo of Kumari and Dilhari, being bowled out for 195 in 47.1 overs.
Sri Lanka’s top order led the chase with composure, with four batsman scoring more than 35. Captain Chamari Athapaththu (38) and Vishmi Gunaratne (40) laid the groundwork, setting up an 88-run opening partnership in only 13.2 overs. Although Sri Lanka suffered a minor setback, losing three wickets for 13 runs to Aaliyah Alleyne’s medium-pace, they maintained control of the game.
Following the initial loss, Harshitha Samarawickrama (44*) and Hasini Perera (43) kept the ship afloat with an important 63-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Despite Afy Fletcher’s late wicket, Sri Lanka’s calm batting kept them on pace for victory. The hosts chased down the goal with little hassle, recording a big victory in their ODI campaign.
@charith
