A commanding all round display from Chamari Athapaththu guided Sri Lanka women's national cricket team to a four wicket win over West Indies women's national cricket team and a 1-0 lead in the three match T20I series.
Athapaththu first starred with the ball, claiming 2 for 13, as West Indies were bowled out for 101. The innings ended in unusual fashion when Karishma Ramharack was given out obstructing the field off the final delivery, the second such dismissal involving West Indies on this tour.
Malki Madara and Nilakshika Silva did the bulk of the damage with three wickets each, ensuring the hosts never gathered momentum. Captain Hayley Matthews top scored with 28, but only four batters reached double figures in a faltering effort.
In response, Athapaththu set the tone with a brisk 39 off 26 balls, sharing a 62 run opening stand with Hasini Perera. Her aggressive strokeplay put Sri Lanka firmly in control before a sudden collapse of 6 for 29 briefly revived West Indies hopes.
Qiana Joseph and Afy Fletcher picked up two wickets apiece to keep the contest alive, but Kavisha Dilhari’s composed unbeaten 18 steadied the chase. Sri Lanka reached 102 for 6 with 11 balls to spare to seal victory.
With the first T20I washed out, Sri Lanka now hold the advantage heading into the final match of the series, while West Indies must win to avoid conceding it.