Sri Lanka Women produced a disciplined all-round performance to register a hard-fought win over West Indies Women in the second T20I of the three-match series played in Grenada, taking a 1-0 lead with one game to spare.
Having won the toss, the visitors opted to bowl first and their decision paid immediate dividends as the Sri Lankan bowlers kept the hosts under constant pressure. West Indies Women never managed to gain any real momentum with the bat and were restricted to a modest total of 101 runs.
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Malki Madara and Nilakshika Silva were the chief destroyers with the ball, claiming three wickets apiece in impressive spells that derailed the West Indian innings. Skipper Chamari Athapaththu provided excellent support with her handy off-spin, finishing with outstanding figures of 2 for 13 to cap off a clinical bowling effort.
Despite the modest target, Sri Lanka’s chase was far from straightforward. The West Indies bowlers fought back strongly and made the visitors work hard for every run, ensuring the game remained alive deep into the innings.
Athapaththu led from the front and laid the foundation for the chase with a brisk 39 off 26 deliveries, striking seven boundaries and a six. Her positive approach at the top of the order eased the early pressure and gave Sri Lanka the early momentum they needed.
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However, regular wickets meant the result was not sealed until the closing stages. Showing composure in the crunch moments, Sri Lanka eventually crossed the line in the 19th over with four wickets in hand to complete a tight and crucial victory.
With the series now tilted in their favour, Sri Lanka Women will head into the third and final T20I at the same venue tomorrow brimming with confidence as they look to seal the series, while West Indies Women will be determined to bounce back and level the contest.
Brief Scores
West Indies – 101 (20) Hayley Matthews 28, Malki Madara 3/16, Nilakshika Silva 3/20, Chamari Athapaththu 2/13
Sri Lanka – 102/6 (18.1) Chamari Athapaththu 39, Qiana Joseph 2/13, Afy Fletcher 2/16
Result – Sri Lanka Women won by 4 wickets
