In a dramatic opening to their three-match One Day International series, Sri Lanka Women emerged victorious by a narrow 10-run margin against West Indies Women at the National Stadium in Grenada on Friday. The match culminated in high tension as the hosts were bowled out for 230 with just two deliveries remaining in their innings.
The visitors established a competitive total of 240/6, built upon a solid foundation laid by Harshitha Samarawickrama’s masterful 66 from 105 deliveries. She partnered effectively with opener Hasini Perera, who contributed a fluent 61 from 81 balls, creating a crucial 86-run stand that stabilized the innings after an early wicket. Despite disciplined bowling from West Indies captain Hayley Matthews (2-46) and Karishma Ramharack (2-57), Sri Lanka’s lower order provided vital runs to push the total beyond 230.
West Indies’ response began disastrously as left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera wreaked havoc with her magical spell of 4/44 from ten overs, reducing the hosts to 80/5. The match appeared to be slipping away until a spectacular 89-run partnership between veteran Stafanie Taylor and emerging talent Jannillea Glasgow revived hopes. Taylor’s elegant 66 from 83 balls seemed destined to guide her team to victory until a catastrophic run-out turned the tide.
The dismissal triggered a late collapse as Kavisha Dilhari (3/49) returned to dismantle the lower order, despite Aaliyah Alleyne’s unbeaten 24. Ranaweera’s match-winning performance earned her well-deserved Player of the Match honors, with the teams set to reconvene for the second ODI on Sunday.