Vishmi Gunaratne, Spinners Shine as Sri Lanka Secures 2-0 Series Victory
Sri Lanka Women’s cricket team showcased an impressive performance, clinching a 2-0 series victory against the West Indies. The second One Day International (ODI) took place on February 22 in St. George’s, where Sri Lanka continued its strong campaign with a narrow win.
Match Overview
The second ODI mirrored the first, featuring a tense chase. The West Indies, needing to surpass a low target, faced a daunting task after being bowled out for 208 runs. Sri Lanka had set a target of 241 in the first match, falling just short by 10 runs, but managed to secure this win with a total of 208.
Key Performers
- Vishmi Gunaratne: Top-scored for Sri Lanka with a resilient 58 runs.
- Jannillea Glasgow: The West Indies’ main contributor, scoring 50 runs.
- Sugandika Kumari: Shined with the ball, taking three wickets for 38 runs.
- Inoka Ranaweera: Also excelled with three wickets, contributing to a challenging bowling performance.
Crucial Moments
The match saw Sri Lanka at a promising 166-4 at one stage, but they faltered towards the end. Gunaratne’s efforts were vital, as she anchored the innings. In contrast, the West Indies lost their top five batsmen for under 100 runs once again, stressing their difficulties in the early part of the innings.
Controversial Dismissal
A notable incident occurred involving Deandra Dottin. In the 30th over, facing Chamari Athapaththu, Dottin attempted a sweep but inadvertently tapped the ball back, leading to an obstruction appeal from Sri Lanka. After reviewing the situation, the umpires declared her out, adding further pressure on the West Indies.
Era of Dominance
This victory marks the second consecutive bilateral ODI series win for Sri Lanka over the West Indies. This achievement ends a streak of four successive series losses against them, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s resurgence in women’s cricket.
Final Scores
| Team | Score | Top Scorer | Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka | 208 all out (47.1 overs) | Vishmi Gunaratne 58 | Karishma Ramharack 3-26 |
| West Indies | 194 all out (48 overs) | Jannillea Glasgow 50 | Sugandika Kumari 3-38, Inoka Ranaweera 3-44 |
Sri Lanka’s victory in the second ODI not only secured the series but also highlighted their growing capabilities as a competitive team on the international stage.
