West Indies Women Beat Sri Lanka Women by 5 Wickets to Stay Unbeaten in ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026
West Indies continue winning march as Hayley Matthews shines with bat and ball
The West Indies Women strengthened their bid for a place in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a clinical five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Women in Match 17 at the Bristol County Ground. Chasing a modest target of 99, the Caribbean side reached 99/5 in 16.1 overs, winning with 23 balls to spare after bowling Sri Lanka out for **98 in 19.4 overs.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Captain Hayley Matthews produced another all-round masterclass, claiming 3 wickets for just 15 runs before contributing 17 valuable runs at the top of the order to earn the Player of the Match award.
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West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women: Match Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women, Match 17 |
| Tournament | ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 |
| Venue | Bristol County Ground, Bristol |
| Toss | West Indies Women won the toss and elected to field |
| Sri Lanka Women | 98 all out (19.4 overs) |
| West Indies Women | 99/5 (16.1 overs) |
| Result | West Indies Women won by 5 wickets |
| Player of the Match | Hayley Matthews |
Sri Lanka Women Innings: Top Order Destroyed by Matthews
West Indies could hardly have asked for a better start after choosing to bowl first.
Captain Hayley Matthews immediately struck by dismissing Vishmi Gunaratne with a brilliant caught-and-bowled effort. Soon after, Sri Lankan skipper Chamari Athapaththu was cleaned up for just 2 runs before Matthews removed Harshitha Samarawickrama as well.
Within three overs, Sri Lanka had collapsed to 9/3, putting themselves under immense pressure.
The misery continued when Imesha Dulani (17) fell to Chinelle Henry, reducing the innings to 23/4 inside the powerplay.
Nilakshi de Silva fights back
With wickets tumbling around her, Nilakshi de Silva displayed admirable composure. She struck 30 runs off 26 deliveries, finding timely boundaries and trying to rebuild the innings.
She received support from Kavisha Dilhari, who compiled 21 off 20 balls, and later Kawya Kavindi, whose patient 17 from 28 deliveries helped Sri Lanka inch towards a respectable score.
However, the West Indies bowling attack never allowed any lasting partnership.
- Aaliyah Alleyne removed Dilhari.
- Afy Fletcher dismissed the dangerous Nilakshi.
- Ashmini Munisar trapped Kaushani Nuthyangana lbw.
- Karishma Ramharack wrapped up the innings by stumping Kawya Kavindi.
Sri Lanka were eventually dismissed for 98 in 19.4 overs.
Sri Lanka Batting Scorecard Highlights
- Nilakshi de Silva – 30 (26)
- Kavisha Dilhari – 21 (20)
- Imesha Dulani – 17 (19)
- Kawya Kavindi – 17 (28)
West Indies Bowling Figures
- Hayley Matthews – 3/15 (4 overs)
- Chinelle Henry – 1/12
- Afy Fletcher – 1/24
- Aaliyah Alleyne – 1/15
- Ashmini Munisar – 1/16
- Karishma Ramharack – 1/15
West Indies Chase: Experienced Campaigners Finish the Job
Needing only 99 for victory, West Indies started positively.
Hayley Matthews and Deandra Dottin added 28 runs for the opening wicket before Matthews was run out by an excellent direct hit from Nilakshi de Silva.
Dottin soon departed for 12, dismissed by Nimesha Madushani, while Shemaine Campbelle struggled for rhythm and managed only 4 before falling to Chamari Athapaththu.
Sri Lanka sensed an opportunity when Kavisha Dilhari struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Jahzara Claxton and Chinelle Henry, reducing West Indies to 70/5.
Stafanie Taylor Holds Her Nerve
Just when Sri Lanka threatened to force an upset, veteran all-rounder Stafanie Taylor showcased her vast experience.
Remaining calm under pressure, Taylor rotated the strike efficiently and punished loose deliveries, finishing unbeaten on 27 off 25 balls.
Alongside *Jannillea Glasgow (10 off 15)**, she guided West Indies safely to victory in the 17th over without further drama.
Interestingly, the chase was aided by 23 extras, including 13 wides and 8 byes, which significantly eased the target.
West Indies Batting Highlights
- Stafanie Taylor – 27 (25)*
- Hayley Matthews – 17 (17)
- Deandra Dottin – 12 (16)
- Jannillea Glasgow – 10* (15)
Sri Lanka Bowling
- Kavisha Dilhari – 2/22
- Chamari Athapaththu – 1/13
- Nimesha Madushani – 1/18
Turning Points of the Match
Hayley Matthews’ devastating opening spell
Her three early wickets reduced Sri Lanka to 9/3 and effectively decided the momentum of the contest.
Nilakshi de Silva’s resistance
Despite the collapse, Nilakshi’s composed 30-run innings prevented a complete batting disaster.
Sri Lanka’s disciplined fightback
Kavisha Dilhari’s double strike briefly made the chase interesting by reducing West Indies to 70/5.
Stafanie Taylor’s composure
Her unbeaten 27 ensured there would be no late drama as West Indies crossed the finish line comfortably.
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West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women: Player of the Match
Hayley Matthews (West Indies Women)
- 3 wickets for 15 runs in 4 overs
- Crucial opening breakthroughs
- 17 runs with the bat
- Outstanding leadership and fielding contribution
West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women: Match Statistics
- Sri Lanka Women: 98 all out (19.4 overs)
- West Indies Women: 99/5 (16.1 overs)
- Result: West Indies won by 5 wickets
- Margin: 23 balls remaining
- Highest scorer (Sri Lanka): Nilakshi de Silva – 30
- Highest scorer (West Indies): Stafanie Taylor – 27*
- Best bowling: Hayley Matthews – 3/15
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What This Result Means
The victory gives West Indies Women their third consecutive win in the tournament and places them in an excellent position to qualify for the semi-finals. Their bowling unit continues to impress, while experienced players like Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor are delivering when it matters most.
For Sri Lanka Women, another batting collapse exposed familiar weaknesses. While Nilakshi de Silva and Kavisha Dilhari offered resistance, the team struggled to build partnerships and posted a total that was always going to be difficult to defend.
With the tournament entering its decisive phase, West Indies appear to be peaking at exactly the right time, while Sri Lanka now face mounting pressure in their remaining fixtures.
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