It Wasn’t Pretty, but it’s Two Points

The West Indies scored a five wicket victory over Sri Lanka at Bristol giving their finals chances a great boost heading into their last two games. For Sri Lanka it’s a different story. They now find themselves in a three way battle with Scotland and New Zealand, all on two points and four points off the pace.

Hayley Matthews won the toss for West Indies and ultimately Player of the Match (again!) She sent Sri Lanka in to bat and it proved to be a wise decision on a playing surface that wasn’t ideal for batting. Indeed, at the end of the Powerplay, Sri Lanka were in a pickle at 24/4.

Nilakshi de Silva (30) continued her good World Cup form, but was largely friendless as the Sri Lankans were bowled out for 98 in the 20th over. Matthews (3-15) again showing just what a nuisance her seemingly innocuous off-breaks are.

The Windies wobbled, losing Matthews (17) and Deandra Dottin (12) in the Powerplay. While they wobbled, Sri Lanka dropped catches and bowled 13 wides (23 extras in total), things one cannot afford to do in a low scoring encounter.

It was left to Stafanie Taylor (27*) to guide the innings home, the West Indies victors by 5 wickets and one foot in the door of the finals.

Scores

Sri Lanka 98 (Nilakshi de Silva 30, Hayley Matthews 3-15, Karishma Ramharack 2-15) lost to
West Indies 99/5 (Stafanie Taylor 27*, Kavisha Dilhari 2-22) by 5 wickets

POTM: Hayley Matthews