Sri Lanka’s slow bowlers delivered a masterclass in control and composure, squeezing out a tense 10-run victory over the West Indies women in the opening One-Day International at the National Stadium Friday to seize a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
In a match that lurched dramatically between ascendancy and anxiety, the visitors assembled a sturdy 240 for six before their spinners methodically dismantled the chase, dismissing the hosts for 230 with only two balls remaining. The late collapse left the sparse Grenadian crowd in stunned quiet.
Measured beginnings, explosive foundation
Sri Lanka’s innings was anchored by a superb 66 from Harshitha Samarawickrama, whose 105-ball effort blended patience with purposeful aggression. Opener Hasini Perera matched her composure, striking a fluent 61 from 81 deliveries to ignite the early momentum.
Together, the pair lifted Sri Lanka from a cautious 49 for one to a commanding 135 in the 32nd over before Perera fell to Aaliyah Alleyne.
When the West Indies threatened to seize control through disciplined spells from captain Hayley Matthews (2-46) and Karishma Ramharack (2-57), Samarawickrama shifted gears, guiding the lower order through a crucial late push that carried the total beyond the 230 mark.
Captain Chamari Athapaththu contributed 27, Kavisha Dilhari added a brisk 22, and Vishmi Gunaratne remained unbeaten on 16 as Sri Lanka’s tail wagged effectively.
Ranaweera turns the screw
The West Indies reply never settled. Early losses left the hosts wobbling at 49 for three and later reeling at 80 for five as veteran left-arm spinner Inoka Ranaweera tightened the vise.
The 40-year-old delivered a spell of relentless accuracy, finishing with exceptional figures of 10 overs, one maiden, four for 44, a performance that drained momentum and belief from the chase.
A revival that rekindled hope
Just as the contest appeared to be slipping away, 22-year-old Jannillea Glasgow announced herself on the international stage with a poised maiden ODI half-century. Alongside the experienced Stafanie Taylor, she orchestrated a stirring recovery.
Their 89-run, sixth-wicket partnership transformed the atmosphere, lifting the crowd and restoring belief. Taylor, elegant and authoritative, seemed destined to steer her side to victory before calamity struck, a run-out ended her superb 66 from 83 balls, an innings decorated with five boundaries and a six.
Collapse under pressure
Taylor’s dismissal proved decisive. As the required rate climbed, the pressure intensified. Glasgow reached her milestone in style but soon followed, and the lower order faltered under the weight of expectation.
Sri Lanka sensed their moment. Dilhari returned to claim three for 49, dismantling the tail as the final four wickets fell for just 61 runs. Alleyne remained stranded on 24 not out when the innings ended.
Ranaweera, whose middle-overs mastery suffocated the chase, was deservedly named Player of the Match.
With Sri Lanka holding the advantage, the teams will meet again Sunday in the second ODI, the West Indies seeking redemption and the visitors aiming to seal the series.
