Sri Lanka's women's cricket team secured a historic victory over West Indies in the first ODI of their three-match series in Hambantota on Saturday. The hosts triumphed by six wickets, marking their first ODI win against the Caribbean side since 2015.
West Indies, sent in to bat, made a promising start with a 68-run partnership between Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle. However, the introduction of left-arm spinner Sugandika Kumari proved pivotal. Kumari broke the second-wicket stand in the 19th over, triggering a collapse that saw West Indies lose their last eight wickets for just 120 runs.
Matthews top-scored for West Indies with 38, while Stafanie Taylor contributed 33. Kumari and Kavisha Dilhari were the standout bowlers for Sri Lanka, claiming three wickets each.
In response, Sri Lanka's top five batters played with composure and determination. Captain Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne laid the foundation with an 88-run opening partnership. After a brief wobble that saw Sri Lanka lose three wickets for 13 runs, Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hasini Perera steadied the ship.
Samarawickrama remained unbeaten on 44, while Perera scored 43 as the pair put on a crucial 63-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Afy Fletcher picked up a late consolation wicket for West Indies, but it was too little too late as Sri Lanka cruised to victory with six wickets in hand.
The win gives Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second ODI will be played on Monday, July 11, at the same venue.
Tags: #SriLankaWomen, #WestIndiesWomen, #ODICricket, #Hambantota, #SugandikaKumari
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