Sri Lanka loses to West Indies

Saturday, 26 November 2011 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

In the second semi-final, at Khanshaheb Osman Ali Stadium (KSOAS), West Indies took on Sri Lanka for a place in the final of the ICC Women’s World Cup Qualifier.

West Indies took its time to get into the swing of things with the bat after winning the toss and electing to bat and it was a day for Stafanie Taylor, captain Merissa Aguilleira and top-scorer Deandra Dottin.

Taylor took to the crease with her usual calm demeanour and to set the Americas side on its way to an impressive total of 235 for five in its 50 overs. Taylor provided early runs, but it was Dottin who put in the performance of the innings, the petite Barbadian hitting 73. Dottin has seen a return to form in this event after a dip in her batting prowess since she scored her maiden T20I century back in 2010 at the ICC Women’s World Twenty20 in St Kitts.

Aguilleira came down the order but the batter from Trinidad didn’t let that stop her scoring runs, finishing the innings at 52 not out.

In reply, Sri Lanka’s batters were always going to find it a tough task to chase down a high score and despite a valiant effort by opener Chamani Atthappathu of 47, the rest of the side failed to spark. Anisa Mohammed’s off-spin proved key once again for the West Indies bowling attack, Mohammed claimed 3-29 and the important run-out of opener Yashoda Mendis.

West Indies’ unbeaten run in the tournament continued as Mohammed claimed the seventh wicket, top order batter Inoka Galagedara who came in down the order today and some tight bowling and fielding from the athletic side ensured that by the time the 50th over arrived Sri Lanka were still 58 runs short of the target, despite having wickets in hand.

The victory will see West Indies play Pakistan on Saturday in the 1st/2nd play-off, as previously stated, the victor of the match will claim fifth place in the Reliance ICC Women’s ODI Team Rankings which is currently topped by England.