Matthews’ three-wicket powers West Indies to victory

The West Indies continued their unbeaten march through the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup after a commanding five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Bristol on Sunday, with captain Hayley Matthews producing a performance that shaped the entire contest.

Sent in to bat first, Sri Lanka struggled from the opening exchanges and never found the momentum required to challenge the West Indies attack. Matthews seized control almost immediately, ripping through the top order and leaving Sri Lanka reeling at 9 for 3 inside the third over.

The West Indies skipper needed only 12 deliveries to make her impact felt, claiming three wickets during a devastating opening Power Play spell that placed her team firmly in command.

Sri Lanka’s early collapse left their innings searching for stability, and although Imesha Dulani and Kavisha Dilhari attempted to rebuild, the pressure never disappeared.

Fast bowler Chinelle Henry added to Sri Lanka’s struggles before the end of the Power Play, forcing Dulani into a mistimed shot that ended the brief recovery effort.

Silva and Dilhari provide resistance, but West Indies maintain control

With wickets falling regularly, Sri Lanka finally found a measure of composure through Dilhari and Nilakshika Silva, who combined for a 34-run partnership to prevent the innings from completely collapsing.

However, the partnership was broken when Aaliyah Alleyne produced a smart caught-and-bowled dismissal, reopening the door for the West Indies attack.

Sri Lanka suffered another setback shortly afterward when Kashini Nuthyangana was dismissed without scoring, leaving their lower order with the difficult task of salvaging a competitive total.

Silva continued to fight, striking three boundaries on her way to the team’s highest score of 30, but her dismissal at 87 for 8 ended any realistic hopes of a late surge.

The West Indies eventually dismissed Sri Lanka for 98, with Matthews’ early intervention proving decisive.

West Indies stumble in chase but Stefanie Taylor provides composure

The chase appeared straightforward on paper, but Sri Lanka refused to surrender quietly.

Matthews, opening the innings, contributed 17 before being run out by a sharp direct hit from Silva, giving Sri Lanka a much-needed breakthrough.

The West Indies then experienced a moment of uncertainty as their innings slipped from 36 for 2 to 70 for 5, allowing Sri Lanka to briefly believe they could force a dramatic turnaround.

However, veteran Stefanie Taylor brought calm to the situation, absorbing the pressure and guiding the innings across the finish line.

Taylor remained unbeaten on 27, ensuring the West Indies avoided further trouble and completed the victory with five wickets in hand.

Unbeaten West Indies climb to the top of Group 2 race

The result keeps the West Indies’ perfect record intact and moves them level at the top of Group 2 alongside England women's cricket team.

While Sri Lanka showed moments of resistance, the match belonged to Matthews, whose early destruction with the ball gave the West Indies control before their chase had even begun.

For the Caribbean side, it was another statement victory, built on leadership, discipline, and a captain’s performance when it mattered most.