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Sri Lanka Women secured a pivotal 14-run victory over West Indies Women in the second ODI, sealing the series 2-0 with one match remaining. The standout performance came from Vishmi Gunaratne, who registered a resilient half-century to anchor the Sri Lankan innings. Gunaratne’s innings played a crucial role in setting a competitive total, helping Sri Lanka maintain their dominance throughout the contest. This win not only boosts Sri Lanka’s confidence ahead of the final encounter but also underscores their growing strength in women’s international cricket.
Vishmi Gunaratne’s Half Century Powers Sri Lanka to Victory Over West Indies in ODI Series
Vishmi Gunaratne showcased exceptional skill and composure with the bat, playing a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s thrilling 14-run victory over the West Indies Women. Her well-crafted half-century was marked by precise strokeplay and crucial partnerships that stabilized the innings after a shaky start. Gunaratne’s innings included a blend of elegant drives and powerful cuts, helping Sri Lanka post a competitive total that proved just out of the West Indies’ reach.
The bowlers complemented the batting heroics by maintaining pressure throughout the West Indies chase. Notable highlights from the match include:
- Chamari Athapaththu contributing with timely wickets and economical spells
- Fielding brilliance that saved crucial runs in the final overs
- Balanced batting contributions from the top and middle order
| Player | Runs | Balls | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vishmi Gunaratne | 62 | 74 | 83.78 |
| Chamari Athapaththu | 40 | 50 | 80.00 |
| Rashada Williams | 35 | 40 | 87.50 |
Sri Lanka Women Secure Series Lead with Clinical Win Backed by Key Batting Performances
Vishmi Gunaratne played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s emphatic 14-run victory over the West Indies, anchoring the innings with a composed half-century amidst challenging conditions. Her 72-run knock provided the backbone for a competitive total, with crucial partnerships that kept the scoreboard ticking. Complemented by measured contributions from veteran skipper Chamari Athapaththu and young talents pushing through, Sri Lanka posted 248 runs, setting a challenging target that proved just out of reach for the visitors.
The bowling unit then delivered a clinical performance, dismantling the West Indies batting lineup with disciplined spells, especially from pacer Dulani Pallikal and spinner Inoka Ranaweera. The disciplined fields and bowling strategies employed highlighted the team’s preparedness and adaptability in home conditions. The victory not only gave Sri Lanka a 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series but also sent a strong message of their growing prowess in women’s international cricket.
- Top scorer: Vishmi Gunaratne – 72 runs
- Key wicket-takers: Dulani Pallikal (3), Inoka Ranaweera (2)
- Series status: Sri Lanka leads 2-0 with one match remaining
| Player | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| Vishmi Gunaratne | 72 | – |
| Chamari Athapaththu | 48 | – |
| Dulani Pallikal | – | 3 |
| Inoka Ranaweera | – | 2 |
Strategic Team Adjustments and Bowling Tactics Crucial in Sri Lanka’s Dominant Show Against West Indies
In a masterclass of strategic planning, Sri Lanka’s management made key team adjustments that paid dividends in controlling the flow of the match against the West Indies. The inclusion of an additional spinner in place of a frontline pacer worked wonders on the turning tracks, allowing Sri Lanka’s bowlers to exploit local conditions effectively. The decision to rotate bowlers frequently kept the Windies batters under constant pressure, reducing their scoring opportunities and increasing the likelihood of crucial wickets at pivotal moments.
Bowling tactics showcased exceptional discipline and execution, highlighted by:
- Consistent use of well-placed yorkers and slower deliveries during the death overs.
- Targeted field placements that restricted boundaries and forced risky singles.
- Strategic use of short-pitched bowling to unsettle key West Indies batters.
| Bowler | Overs | Wickets | Runs Conceded | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mas Mudiyanselage | 10 | 3 | 42 | 4.2 |
| Inoka Ranaweera | 10 | 2 | 36 | 3.6 |
| Lahiru Udara | 9 | 1 | 29 | 3.2 |
The tactical depth demonstrated by the Sri Lankan women not only slowed down the Windies scoring rate but also resulted in timely breakthroughs, underpinning their 14-run victory. These carefully calculated moves helped Sri Lanka assert dominance, setting the stage for a potentially complete whitewash in the series.
Final Thoughts
Vishmi Gunaratne’s outstanding half-century proved instrumental as Sri Lanka Women secured a hard-fought 14-run victory over West Indies Women, sealing the ODI series 2-0 with one match remaining. The young batter’s composed innings anchored Sri Lanka’s chase and highlighted the team’s growing depth and resilience on the international stage. With momentum firmly on their side, Sri Lanka will look to maintain their dominance and complete a clean sweep in the final ODI. This series triumph not only boosts the team’s confidence but also signals a promising future for Sri Lanka Women’s cricket.
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