West Indies Women secured a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women in a tense, low-scoring encounter at the County Ground, Bristol, in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026. Sri Lanka’s batting collapse proved costly as they were restricted to just 98 all out in 19.4 overs, before West Indies chased down the target with 23 balls to spare, finishing on 99/5 in 16.1 overs.
Sri Lanka’s innings never gathers momentum
Opting to set a total in helpful conditions for bowlers, Sri Lanka Women never found stability at the crease after early setbacks. The innings began shakily with Vishmi Gunaratne and captain Chamari Athapaththu both falling cheaply inside the first three overs, leaving Sri Lanka under immediate pressure.
Despite the early collapse, Imesha Dulani (17 off 19) and Kavisha Dilhari (21 off 20) attempted to rebuild with cautious intent. However, West Indies’ disciplined bowling attack continued to chip away at regular intervals, preventing any meaningful partnership from developing.
The only substantial resistance came from Nilakshika Silva, who top-scored with a fluent 30 off 26 balls, striking three boundaries. Kawya Kavindi also contributed 17 off 28 deliveries, but Sri Lanka’s innings lacked the acceleration needed in the final overs.
The team eventually folded for 98 in 19.4 overs, with extras contributing 4 runs. West Indies skipper Hayley Matthews led the bowling effort with 3 wickets for just 15 runs, while Chinelle Henry, Aaliyah Alleyne, Ashmini Munisar, and Karishma Ramharack also chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
West Indies wobble but hold nerve in chase
Chasing a modest target of 99, West Indies Women also faced early resistance from Sri Lanka’s bowlers, who struck back with regular wickets to keep the contest alive.
Hayley Matthews (17 off 17) and Deandra Dottin (12 off 16) provided a steady start, but both were dismissed before they could fully settle. Sri Lanka briefly sensed an opportunity when they reduced West Indies to 70/5 in the 12th over.
However, experienced batter Stafanie Taylor anchored the chase with an unbeaten 27 off 25 balls, guiding her side through a tricky phase. She was supported by Jannillea Glasgow, who remained not out on 10 off 15 deliveries as the pair calmly saw West Indies over the line.
Sri Lanka’s bowling effort was spirited, with Kavisha Dilhari taking 2 wickets for 22 runs and Mithali Ayodhya conceding just 7 runs in her spell. Despite their discipline, the lack of runs on the board ultimately left them with too little to defend.
Clinical finish from West Indies
West Indies Women eventually reached 99/5 in 16.1 overs, sealing a comfortable victory and collecting two crucial points in Group 2. The win was built on disciplined bowling and composed batting under pressure, particularly from Stafanie Taylor, whose experience proved decisive in a tight chase.
For Sri Lanka Women, it was a missed opportunity after a promising start in the tournament. Their batting inconsistency continues to be a concern, especially against high-quality pace and spin attacks.
🏏 CHIEF SCORES – ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
Sri Lanka Women – 98 all out (19.4 ov)
Nilakshika Silva 30 (26)
Kavisha Dilhari 21 (20)
Imesha Dulani 17 (19)
Kawya Kavindi 17 (28)
West Indies Women – 99/5 (16.1 ov)
Stafanie Taylor 27* (25)
Hayley Matthews 17 (17)
Deandra Dottin 12 (16)
Jannillea Glasgow 10* (15)
🏆 West Indies Women won by 5 wickets (23 balls remaining)
