Cricket

West Indies' Stafanie Taylor and Afy Fletcher played pivotal roles in securing a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the second T20I in Hambantota, leveling the three-match series 1-1.Chasing a DLS-adjusted target of 99 in 15 overs, Taylor's unbeaten 28 off 26 balls and Fletcher's four-wicket haul proved decisive. Taylor and captain Hayley Matthews provided a solid start with a 44-run partnership, keeping West Indies ahead of the DLS-par score.After Matthews' dismissal, Taylor anchored the chase, partnering with Shemaine Campbelle for 24 runs. Despite losing Campbelle, Qiana Joseph, and Chedean Nation, West Indies maintained a comfortable run rate. Aaliyah Alleyne sealed the victory with three boundaries in the penultimate over.Sri Lanka's innings was characterized by a slow start, with Vishmi Gunaratne and Chamari Athapaththu scoring 44 runs in 6.5 overs. Fletcher's spin proved effective, dismissing Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama. Gunaratne's 24 off 35 was ended by a Fletcher googly.Dilhari's late cameo of 14 not out off six balls hinted at a potential counterattack, but rain intervened, ending the innings after 15.2 overs.West Indies' victory marks their first of the tour and sets up an intriguing decider in the final T20I.

West Indies' Hayley Matthews continued her exceptional form in Pakistan, leading her team to an emphatic eight-wicket victory in the final T20I in Karachi. Matthews' scintillating 78 off 59 deliveries propelled the visitors to a comfortable win, securing a 4-1 series triumph.Pakistan, batting first, made a promising start with a 38-run opening partnership between Ayesha Zafar and Sidra Ameen. However, West Indies' bowlers, led by legspinner Afy Fletcher, orchestrated a dramatic collapse. Fletcher claimed three wickets, while Qiana Joseph and Matthews chipped in with two each, restricting Pakistan to a modest 134 for 8.In response, West Indies displayed their dominance from the outset. Matthews, who had scored a century in the series opener, once again played a pivotal role. She shared a 103-run partnership with Shemaine Campbelle (33*), guiding her team towards victory with ten balls to spare.Matthews' innings was a masterclass in power-hitting. She struck 11 boundaries, including three sixes, and reached her half-century in just 34 deliveries. Campbelle, playing a supporting role, ensured that West Indies maintained a steady run rate throughout their chase.Pakistan's bowlers struggled to contain Matthews' onslaught. Sadia Iqbal dismissed Rashada Williams early on, but Matthews and Campbelle proved too strong for the home side's attack. Nashra Sandhu eventually dismissed Matthews, but by then, West Indies were on the cusp of victory.The win capped off a memorable tour for Matthews, who emerged as the standout performer for West Indies. Her consistent brilliance with both bat and ball played a crucial role in her team's series triumph.