Sri Lanka kicked off their three-match T20I series against West Indies with a convincing four-wicket victory in Hambantota. This win marks their first triumph over the Caribbean side in women’s T20Is since 2015.
The architects of Sri Lanka’s success were bowlers Chamari Athapaththu and Inoshi Priyadharshani. Athapaththu, the veteran pacer, scalped a career-best 4 for 29, while the off-spinning Priyadharshani chipped in with a crucial 3-wicket haul (3-28). Their combined efforts restricted a strong West Indies batting line-up to a manageable 134 for 8.
West Indies’ innings started on a shaky note as Stafanie Taylor, their star batter, suffered a leg injury early on. Though she returned to bat later, the early scare seemed to disrupt their rhythm. Hayley Matthews, with a fighting 30, was the only batter to show some resistance against Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack. Tight bowling from the spinners, especially Priyadharshani, ensured West Indies were never able to accelerate freely. A late cameo from Aaliyah Alleyne (26) and Afy Fletcher (14*) helped them reach a somewhat respectable total.
In reply, Sri Lanka chased down the target with relative ease, winning with four wickets and eight balls to spare. Openers Vishmi Gunaratne (35) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (35) provided a solid foundation with a 46-run stand for the second wicket. Gunaratne, the aggressor in the partnership, played some delightful strokes, including a reverse sweep. The middle order experienced a brief hiccup, losing three wickets for 20 runs. However, the experienced Nilakshi de Silva (17*) remained calm and guided Sri Lanka home.
This dominant victory gives Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the series. They will be looking to carry this momentum forward in the remaining matches.