Sri Lanka Women began their 2026 tour of West Indies with a thrilling 10-run victory over West Indies Women in the first ODI at Grenada National Cricket Stadium. A standout performance from Inoka Ranaweera played a key role in deciding the match.
After being asked to bat, Sri Lanka Women scored 240/6 in their 50 overs. The West Indies Women put up a strong fight but were bowled out for 230 in 49.4 overs, narrowly missing the win.
Harshitha Samarawickrama and Hasini Perera solidify Sri Lanka’s total
Sri Lanka’s innings relied on steady partnerships. Opener Hasini Perera set a strong foundation with 61 runs off 86 balls, hitting six fours. Although captain Chamari Athapaththu scored 27 runs off 37 balls without going on, she provided early momentum.
The core of the innings was Harshitha Samarawickrama, who made 66 runs from 105 deliveries. She managed the innings during the middle overs, allowing other players to build around her. Contributions from Nilakshi de Silva and Kavisha Dilhari, each scoring 22 runs, kept the score moving.
A late burst by Dewmi Vihanga, who scored 14 runs off just six balls including a six, gave Sri Lanka an important boost in the final overs, raising the total to a strong 240.
For West Indies Women, captain Hayley Matthews and off-spinner Karishma Ramharack took two wickets each. Aaliyah Alleyne and Deandra Dottin contributed with a wicket apiece. Despite good bowling from Shawnisha Hector and Chinelle Henry, the West Indies struggled to control runs in the final overs.
Stafanie Taylor and Jannillea Glasgow fight back, but Inoka Ranaweera shines
In their chase of 241, West Indies Women struggled to gain full control. Early wickets affected their chase, with Matthews and Qiana Joseph falling early. Veteran Stafanie Taylor steadied the innings with a solid 66 runs off 83 balls.
Jannillea Glasgow added support with a well-made 50 from 67 balls, hitting seven boundaries, keeping West Indies in the game. At one point, the hosts were closely positioned for a win.
However, Inoka Ranaweera turned the match with a remarkable spell of 4 wickets for 44 runs in her 10 overs, taking apart the middle order and disrupting essential partnerships. Kavisha Dilhari added to her efforts with three crucial wickets, while Dewmi Vihanga and Malki Madara chipped in with one each.
With tension rising in the final overs, Sri Lanka maintained their composure. West Indies Women lost their final wickets in an attempt to accelerate, finishing at 230 all out. Ranaweera’s excellent performance earned her the Player of the Match title.
