West Indies women win series 2-1

West Indies bowling and fielding charged them to a series win against Sri Lanka with a 33-run victory in the third ODI in Dambulla. After they managed to score only 191 for 9 in their 50 overs, West Indies defended their modest target led by Tremayne Smartt’s figures of 2 for 26 from her 10 overs and four run-outs.

The West Indies cricket team with their Champion’s trophy after winning the ODI series with Sri Lanka yesterday at the Dambulla Cricket Stadium – Pic by Shantha Rathnayake

Sri Lanka took advantage of their decision to field when they reduced West Indies to 51 for 4 within 15 overs. Eshani Kaushalya and Chamani Seneviratna struck twice each and devoid the West Indies of a healthy run-rate. Merissa Aguilleoira and Deandra Dottin stayed together for 14 overs and scored 42 runs but Dottin was then dismissed for 16, and soon Aguilleira was stumped for 29. Shemaine Campbelle continued her good form with a 37 and after partnerships with Kyshona Knight and Shakera Selman, took the team to 191.

Sri Lanka got off to a cautious start but both their openers were dismissed within a span of four runs, at 31 and 35. West Indies did not let the hosts settle down from there, striking at regular intervals. Smartt took two wickets out of the five which also included three run-outs, of Dilani Manodara, Eshani Kaushalya and Chamani Seneviratna. Sri Lanka were now 128 for 7 and a long way from winning the match and West Indies continued their habit of defending low scores from the World Cup. Only Shashikala Siriwardene provided resistance with a 78-ball 29 but could not avoid the series defeat.

West Indies’ Shemaine Campbelle was voted the player of the series.