Hayley Matthews sizzles as West Indies thrash Sri Lanka in Women’s T20 World Cup 2026

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West Indies Women produced a disciplined all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka Women by five wickets in Match 17 of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the County Ground in Bristol. After opting to bowl first, the Caribbean side restricted Sri Lanka to just 98 before chasing down the target with 23 balls to spare, thanks to a composed knock from Stafanie Taylor and a clinical bowling effort spearheaded by captain Hayley Matthews.

Choosing to field after winning the toss proved to be the right decision for West Indies Women as their bowlers never allowed Sri Lanka to settle. Hayley Matthews struck three crucial blows, finishing with outstanding figures of 3 for 15 from her four overs and setting the tone for the innings.

Sri Lanka endured a disastrous start, losing Vishmi Rajapaksha Gunaratne and Chamari Athapaththu cheaply before Harshitha Samarawickrama was dismissed without scoring. Imesha Dulani attempted to rebuild with 17 runs, while Kavisha Dilhari added a fighting 21. Nilakshi de Silva top-scored with 30 from 26 deliveries, providing brief resistance through some elegant stroke play.

However, regular wickets prevented any momentum from developing. Chinelle Henry, Ashmini Munisar, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher and Karishma Ramharack all chipped in with a wicket each as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 98 in 19.4 overs. Kawya Kavindi’s patient 17 from 28 balls offered some support in the lower order, but the innings never recovered from its shaky beginning.

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The chase was not entirely straightforward for West Indies as Sri Lanka’s bowlers managed to create a few anxious moments. Matthews made 17 before departing, while Deandra Dottin contributed 12. Shemaine Campbelle also failed to convert her start, leaving the innings briefly under pressure.

Experienced campaigner Stafanie Taylor then steadied the chase with a measured 27 off 25 deliveries, striking one boundary and a six while ensuring the required rate remained under control. Although Jahzara Claxton and Henry fell during the pursuit, Jannillea Glasgow’s unbeaten 10 helped guide the side across the finish line.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers battled hard despite defending a modest total. Dilhari impressed with 2 for 22 from four overs, while Athapaththu and Nimasha Madushani claimed one wicket apiece. Mithali Ayodhya also bowled economically, conceding only seven runs in her three-over spell.

West Indies eventually reached 99 for 5 in 16.1 overs to complete a five-wicket victory. The result highlighted the team’s bowling depth and ability to handle low-pressure chases, with Matthews’ all-round influence and Taylor’s experience proving decisive in another important win in the tournament.

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This article was first published at WomenCricket.com, a Cricket Times company.