ST GEORGE’S, Grenada — Chamari Athapaththu delivered a decisive all-round performance to propel Sri Lanka women’s national cricket team to a four-wicket victory over West Indies women’s cricket team in the second T20 International at the National Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
Leading from the front, the Sri Lankan captain dismantled the hosts with the ball before anchoring the chase with the bat, earning Player-of-the-Match honors and guiding her team to a 1-0 lead in the three-match series after the rain-affected opener ended without a result.
Windies’ batting falters under spin pressure
After being sent in, the home side again struggled to build momentum, posting 101 all out in 20 overs, their second subpar display in as many days. While the total represented an improvement on Saturday’s collapse for 49, it rarely threatened to test the visitors.
Captain Hayley Matthews attempted to steady the innings with a cautious 28 off 36 deliveries, but support was scarce as wickets fell steadily around her.
Athapaththu set the tone early by removing Qiana Joseph, while Malki Madara dismissed Jahzara Claxton soon after, leaving West Indies wobbling at 22 for two. When Athapaththu later accounted for Matthews to break a developing partnership with Stafanie Taylor, the innings unraveled rapidly.
The hosts lost their final seven wickets for just 37 runs as Sri Lanka’s spinners tightened their grip. Madara and Nilakshika Silva each claimed three wickets, while Athapaththu’s two scalps underscored her influence on the match.
Explosive opening stand sets the foundation
Sri Lanka’s pursuit began with authority as Athapaththu combined with Vishmi Gunaratne Perera in a fluent 62-run opening partnership that all but settled the contest.
The stand finally ended when Matthews struck back for the hosts, removing Perera for 18. Momentum briefly shifted as Afy Fletcher trapped Athapaththu leg before wicket in the following over, triggering a cluster of dismissals that left Sri Lanka wobbling at 74 for five.
Late composure seals the chase
With tension rising, Kavisha Dilhari provided the calm required to finish the job. Her unbeaten 18 from 13 balls steered the visitors safely to 102 for six with 11 deliveries remaining, extinguishing any hopes of a dramatic comeback.
Joseph and Fletcher were the pick of the West Indies bowlers with two wickets apiece, but the modest target offered little margin for error.
Series on the line in final encounter
Sri Lanka’s victory hands them a crucial advantage ahead of Tuesday’s series finale in Grenada. For the West Indies, the challenge is now clear: rediscover batting stability and respond with urgency to avoid surrendering the series on home soil.
For Sri Lanka, meanwhile, their captain’s commanding display has shifted momentum firmly in their favour, a reminder that when Athapaththu fires, matches can turn decisively in her team’s direction.
