West Indies fought back to level the three-match Women’s T20I series 1-1 against Sri Lanka as they claimed a 6-wicket win (DLS Method) in the second T20I played today (26th June) at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium.
West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews won the toss and invited the hosts to take the first lease of the wicket. Sri Lanka made two changes to their playing XI, bringing in Imesha Dulani and Sachini Nisansala, replacing Nilakshi de Silva and Sugandika Kumari.
The opening pair, Chamari Athapaththu and Vishmi Gunaratne, provided a decent start for Sri Lanka, adding 44 runs for the first wicket before the former was bowled by Afy Fletcher for 26 runs. In her next over, Fletcher scalped Sri Lanka’s No. 3 batter, Imesha Dulani, for 6 runs. The in-form batter, Gunaratne, looked good again, but her stay at the crease was shortened to just 24 runs.
When Sri Lanka were 89/4 after 15.2 overs, the heavens opened up, causing a long stoppage of play. After the rain break, the play resumed with the visitors set a target of 99 runs in 15 overs.
West Indies got off to a strong start in the run chase as their skipper Matthews and experienced opening batter, Stafanie Taylor, put on 44 runs for the first wicket. Sri Lanka fought back in the middle phase of the innings, picking up 4 quick wickets for 40 runs, but Taylor (28*) and West Indies No. 6 batter, Aaliyah Alleyne (15*), ensured the visitors crossed the line without any hiccups in the final overs of the innings.
The third and final match of the three-match T20I series between the sides will be played on the 28th of June at the same venue.
Brief Scores
Sri Lanka – 89/4 (15.2) Chamari Athapaththu 26, Vishmi Gunaratne 24, Afy Fletcher 4/23
West Indies – 99/4 (14.1) Hayley Matthews 29, Stafanie Taylor 28*
Result – West Indies won by 6 wickets (DLS Method)
 in the second T20I played today (26th June) at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium.){kind=link}