Sri Lanka Women clinched a 10‑run victory over West Indies in the opening ODI of their series, posting 240/6 to chase 230. Left‑arm pacer Chamari Ranjith Ranaweera claimed four wickets, including a crucial double‑wicket burst that turned the match. The win sets Sri Lanka ahead 1‑0 as both sides gear up for the next two games.
Match Summary
West Indies posted 230 for 9 in 49.4 overs, anchored by a 68‑run opening stand from Hayley Matthews (45) and Stafanie Taylor (38). Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling, led by Shashikala Siriwardene (3/34) and Kavisha Dilhara (2/38), kept the run rate in check before Ranaweera’s decisive spell.
Key Performances
- Ranaweera’s four‑for: Dismissed Taylor (c & b), Connell (c & b) and Matthews (duck) in quick succession, reducing West Indies to 169/7.
- Chamari Athapaththu: Anchored the chase with a gritty 68, blending aggression and composure.
- Udeshika Prabath: Added a crucial unbeaten 45* to steer Sri Lanka home.
- Kavisha Dilhara: Finished unbeaten on 22, supporting the lower order.
Series Context
The opening win forms part of Sri Lanka Women’s 2025‑26 international calendar, offering a platform ahead of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifiers. West Indies, traditionally strong at home, will need to tighten middle‑order resilience after a faltering death‑overs performance.
Implications for the Series
With a 1‑0 lead, Sri Lanka gains a psychological edge. The result could nudge them closer to the ICC Women’s ODI top‑five, while West Indies risk slipping further unless they adjust their batting strategy in the final overs. Both teams will scrutinise their bowling units ahead of the next fixtures.
Coach Insights
Coach Shashikala Siriwardene (Sri Lanka) highlighted the importance of exploiting conditions and building partnerships, emphasizing the need to sharpen death bowling.
Batting Coach Marlon Samuels (West Indies) acknowledged the middle‑over collapse and stressed revisiting game plans to finish innings strongly.
Looking Ahead
The second ODI is set for February 24 at the same venue. West Indies will aim to reinforce their lower‑order batting, while Sri Lanka will look to replicate the disciplined bowling that secured the opener. The three‑match series promises a compelling showdown as both sides fine‑tune ahead of World Cup qualification.
