ST GEORGE’S, Grenada — In a finale defined by individual brilliance rather than series consequence, West Indies Women closed their campaign with authority, defeating Sri Lanka Women by six wickets in the third One-Day International at the National Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.
The emphatic chase, however, was not enough to alter the broader narrative, as the hosts conceded the three-match series 1-2. Still, the performance offered a stirring reminder of their pedigree, driven by a commanding display from captain Hayley Matthews.
Matthews produced a captain’s innings of the highest order, crafting a magnificent 100 to anchor the pursuit of 218 and secure Player of the Match honors, ensuring her team departed the series on a winning note.
Early blow sets the tone
After choosing to bat, Sri Lanka’s hopes suffered an immediate jolt. Matthews struck in her opening over, trapping star batter Chamari Athapaththu leg-before-wicket without scoring.
Yet resistance came through Harshitha Samarawickrama, whose composed 70 anchored the innings. Contributions from Hasini Perera (27) and Vishmi Gunaratne (26) added substance, before Kavisha Dilhari delivered a late surge with an unbeaten 45 to carry the visitors to 217 for seven.
Matthews capped a complete all-round effort with economical figures of 2 for 33, while off-spinner Karishma Ramharack provided crucial support with two wickets.
From collapse to control
The chase began shakily. Qiana Joseph fell for two and Shemaine Campbelle departed for a six-ball duck, leaving the home side wobbling at 12 for two.
What followed was a lesson in composure and class.
Matthews found an ideal ally in veteran Stafanie Taylor, and together they orchestrated a match-defining 124-run stand for the third wicket, calmly reversing the momentum.
Taylor’s measured 38 carried historic significance, as she became only the second player to surpass 6,000 runs in Women’s ODI cricket, a milestone achieved amid the rebuilding effort.
Freed by Taylor’s assurance, Matthews accelerated toward her 10th ODI century, asserting her status among the format’s elite.
Finishing flourish
After Taylor’s departure, the task was completed with authority. Chinelle Henry struck an unbeaten 32, while the powerful Deandra Dottin added an explosive 24 not out. Their unbroken 49-run partnership carried West Indies to 218 for four with four overs remaining.
Though the trophy went elsewhere, the victory delivered a valuable morale boost and a timely reminder of the team’s capabilities ahead of the upcoming T20 series.
Individual honors reflect series story
In the post-match awards, Samarawickrama’s consistency earned her Player of the Series honors for Sri Lanka, underscoring the visitors’ overall superiority across the three matches.
For West Indies, however, the final encounter offered something equally significant: belief restored by their captain’s brilliance and a glimpse of the form they hope to carry forward.
