Sri Lanka registered a convincing win over West Indies in the first Women’s ODI of the three-match series played today (15th June) at Hambantota.
Having won the toss, Sri Lanka Skipper Chamari Athapaththu invited the visitors to take the first lease of the wicket and managed to restrict the strong West Indies batting lineup for 195 runs.
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The spin twins Sugandika Kumari and Kavisha Dilhari stood out with the ball for the hosts, claiming 3 wickets each.
In reply, Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne gave Sri Lanka a solid start, stitching together 88-run stand for the first wicket before the latter was dismissed by Afy Fletcher in the 14th over of the innings.
Fletcher claimed Athapaththu’s scalp in her next over, giving some hope for the visitors. Gunaratne made 40 runs off 51 balls with 5 fours, while Athapaththu contributed with 38 runs off 36 balls with 6 fours.
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Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hasini Perera also chipped in with useful knocks of 40s helping Sri Lanka cross over the line comfortably at the end.
The second ODI between the sides will be played on the 18th June at the same venue.
Brief Scores
West Indies – 195 (47.1) Hayley Matthews 38, Stafanie Taylor 33, Shemaine Campbelle 27, Sugandika Kumari 3/30, Kavisha Dilhari 3/41
Sri Lanka – 198/4 (34.1) Harshitha Samarawickrama 44*, Hasini Perera 43, Vishmi Gunaratne 40, Chamari Athapaththu 38, Aaliyah Alleyne 2/22, Afy Fletcher 2/31
Result – Sri Lanka won by 6 wickets
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