Fletcher's four-wicket haul propels West Indies Women to series-levelling win

The West Indies Women leveled their Twenty20 International series against Sri Lanka Wednesday, securing a six-wicket victory under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method in a rain-affected match.

The win, which ties the series at 1-1, was spearheaded by Afy Fletcher, along with key contributions from their most experienced players.

Chasing a revised target of 99 from 15 overs due to rain interruptions at the Rajapaksa Stadium, the Caribbean side was led by captain Hayley Matthews, who scored 29, and former captain Stafanie Taylor, who remained unbeaten on 28 to guide them to their first win of the tour.

Fletcher's destructive bowling spell of four wickets for 23 runs from 3.2 overs had the Sri Lankans struggling at 89 for four in 15.2 overs when rain halted the innings, and time considerations came into play.

Solid foundation

Matthews provided a solid foundation with an opening partnership of 44 with Taylor before being bowled by left-arm spinner Sachini Nisansala in the seventh over. The chase of quick runs also saw the cheap dismissals of vice-captain Shemaine Campbelle, left-hander Qiana Joseph, and Chedean Nation. However, Taylor and Aaliyah Alleyne managed to steer the visitors to the finish line.

Earlier in the match, Fletcher disrupted a promising first-wicket stand between Sri Lanka Women's captain Chamari Athapaththu and opener Vishmi Gunaratne. The Grenadian leg-spinner bowled Athapaththu for a top score of 26 in the eighth over and dismissed Imesha Dulani for six in the 10th over, leaving Sri Lanka wobbling at 52 for two.

Fletcher then struck twice in the 14th over, removing Harshitha Samarawickrama for 14 and Gunaratne for 24 within three balls, effectively containing the scoring before the rain interruption.

The West Indies Women had lost the first T20I by four wickets on Monday at the same venue, where the final T20I will be played tomorrow, setting up an exciting series decider.