Windies women win T20 series 2-1 against Sri Lanka

WEST INDIES women completed the comeback by clinching the three-match T20 series against hosts Sri Lanka 2-1, after sealing a six-wicket victory in the final game in Hambantota on June 28.

The visitors successfully chased Sri Lanka’s score of 141/7 as Windies captain Hayley Matthews (49) and Shemaine Campbelle (41 not out) guided them to a series-winning 142/4, with one ball to spare.

Sent in to bat, a 53-run first-wicket stand from Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu (38) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (28) was instrumental in the hosts producing a strong start. Kavisha Dilhari also scored 26 while Ama Kanchana struck 19 runs.

Leg-spinner Afy Fletcher and medium-pacer Aaliyah Alleyne snapped up two wickets for 25 runs each and both right-arm pacer Chinelle Henry and (1/16) and off-spinner Karishma Ramharack (1/20) grabbed one apiece.

In reply, West Indies built a firm 60-run opening partnership courtesy Matthews and Stafanie Taylor (33), which was followed by another 51-run stand from Campbelle and Matthews.

The top three batters set the stage for victory as Campbelle and Chinelle Henry (four not out) took them over the line.

The result saw the Windies complete the series on a high after losing the opening contest on June 24. The maroon won the second match by six wickets two days later.

Before the T20 series, the Caribbean women were trounced 0-3 by Sri Lanka in a three-match One-Day International series.

Scores:

SRI LANKA WOMEN 141 for seven off 20 overs (Chamari Athapaththu 38, Harshitha Samarawickrama 28, Kavisha Dilhari 26; Aaliyah Alleyne 2-25, Afy Fletcher 2-25) vs
WEST INDIES WOMEN 142 for four off 19.5 overs (Hayley Matthews 49, Shemaine Campbelle 41 not out, Stafanie Taylor 33; Kawya Kavindi 2-27).