The West Indies Women will face off against the Sri Lanka Women in the first ODI of their three-match series at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada.
This match is crucial for both teams as they vie for important ICC Women’s Championship points, providing a key indicator of their performance as they approach a busy year ahead.
West Indies Women: Key Players Return
Captain Hayley Matthews is back after recovering from a shoulder injury, boosting the team’s strength. The lineup also features experienced players like Deandra Dottin and Stafanie Taylor. Head Coach Shane Deitz aims to recover from their last ODI series loss to Sri Lanka in 2024.
Key player: Matthews, with her strong batting and effective off-spin bowling, stands out as a pivotal player.
Sri Lanka Women: A Threatening Team
Ranked 6th in ODIs, ahead of West Indies, Sri Lanka arrives with confidence and key players in form. Under captain Chamari Athapaththu, they depend on her explosive batting. Their bowling is primarily spin-focused, which could challenge the West Indies if they do not manage to score quickly.
Key player: Kavisha Dilhari, an emerging all-rounder, is crucial for her finishing skills and bowling, particularly in the Caribbean conditions.
Match Details: West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women, 1st ODI
- Date and Time: February 20; 07:30 pm IST/ 02:00 pm GMT/ 10:00 am Local
- Venue: National Cricket Stadium, St Georges, Grenada
Pitch Report
The pitch at St. George’s is generally balanced, favoring bowlers as the game progresses. It offers good bounce initially, allowing batters to play freely. The track is expected to slow down, making spinners like Afy Fletcher and Inoka Ranaweera influential in the middle overs. Teams winning the toss usually prefer to bowl first, as the early moisture assists seamers and chasing teams have typically fared better here.
Squads
West Indies: Hayley Matthews (c), Chinelle Henry (vc), Aaliyah Alleyne, Shemaine Campbelle, Jahzara Claxton, Deandra Dottin, Afy Fletcher, Jannillea Glasgow, Realeanna Grimmond, Shawnisha Hector, Qiana Joseph, Ashmini Munisar, Karishma Ramharack, Shunelle Sawh, Stafanie Taylor
Sri Lanka: Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Imesha Dulani, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi De Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana, Dewmi Vihanga, Rashmika Sewwandi, Inoka Ranaweera, Sugandika Kumari, Nimasha Madushani, Malki Madara, Kawya Kavindi
Match Prediction
Case 1:
- West Indies Women win the toss and bowl first
- Sri Lanka Women’s powerplay score: 40-50
- Sri Lanka Women’s total score: 200-220
Case 2:
- Sri Lanka Women win the toss and bowl first
- West Indies Women’s powerplay score: 50-60
- West Indies Women’s total score: 220-250
Match result: Team bowling first likely to win
