Twitter Reactions: Matthews, Campbelle set up West Indies’ series victory over Sri Lanka

Hayley Matthews and Shemaine Campbelle ( Source : Twitter )

The beginning of West Indies women’s white-ball tour to Sri Lanka was less than ideal, as they not only suffered a whitewash in the ODI series, but also found themselves trailing in the T20I leg. However, a resurgence marked by spirited and disciplined performances enabled them to secure a remarkable come-from-behind victory, clinching the third T20I by a six-wicket margin to win the T20I series 2-1. 

Having opted to bowl first, West Indies got off to a perfect start by dismissing Vishmi Gunaratne on just the second ball of the innings. The aggressive 18-year-old attempted a pull shot off Chinelle Henry, but top-edged it. Despite this early setback, Chamari Athapaththu and Harshitha Samarawickrama responded resiliently with a partnership of 55 runs off 54 deliveries.

Samarawickrama, however, returned a catch to Afy Fletcher shortly after. This was followed by a brisk 34-run stand off 25 balls between Athapaththu and Kavisha Dilhari. Athapaththu eventually fell, caught superbly in the deep by Shamilia Connell off Aaliyah Alleyne, redeeming herself after dropping the same batter moments earlier. Late contributions from Ama Kanchana and Nilakshi de Silva propelled the total to 141. Alleyne and Fletcher were the standout performers with the ball, with both returning figures of 4-0-25-2.

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Stephanie Taylor and Hayley Matthews forged a robust 60-run opening partnership in a brisk 48 deliveries. Following Matthews’ departure, Taylor combined with Shemaine Campbelle to produce a steady 51-run stand off 44 balls. When Mathews was dismissed lbw attempting a cross-line swipe against Kawya Kavindi, West Indies stood at 111 for 2 in 15.2 overs.

With the required run rate a-run-a-ball, Campbelle adeptly guided the rest of the chase. The late dismissals of Chedean Nation and Alleyne in the 18th and 19th overs, while attempting aggressive strokes, injected some late drama. However, smart running in the final over, where only six runs were needed, ensured there were no further hiccups to reward a well-deserved series win, with West Indies Women outstretching their dominance over Sri Lanka Women in T20Is by a 20-5 margin. 

Here’s how netizens reacted to the game:

Congratulations to West Indies Women on their victory in the 3rd T20I and clinching the series 2-1! 🏏🏆

The Sri Lanka Women’s team fought valiantly till the very end, showcasing their resilience and determination. 👏 #SLvWI #WomensCricket pic.twitter.com/4qAVxE6q4e

— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) June 28, 2024

🌴 2 – 1 🇱🇰

Captain Hayley Matthews takes the charge to guide West Indies to a 2-1 Series victory. 🫡 #CricketTwitter #SLvWI pic.twitter.com/oiN4zPaLFd

— Female Cricket (@imfemalecricket) June 28, 2024

West-Indies clinch the t20 series with 2-1. 👏👏
After getting clean sweep in odi series#slvwi #slvswi #womencricket #crickettwitter pic.twitter.com/v54PxwxImH

— Chetan Bhadu (@ChetanBhadu4) June 28, 2024

Highest successful women’s T20I chase in Sri Lanka:

146 BAN v SL at Colombo (SS), 2023
145 ENG v AUS at Galle, 2012
142 Wi v SL at Hambantota, today
141 SL v NZ at Colombo (PSS), 2023#SLvWI

— hypocaust (@_hypocaust) June 28, 2024

West Indies 142/4 (19.5) end the tour on the high, as they come back to win the T20I series 2-1.

Matthews 49 (40)
Campbelle 41* (30)

Kavindi 2-27
Dilhari 1-11

West Indies win by 6 wickets.#SLvWI https://t.co/qwC35iEzbo pic.twitter.com/9taq4NSLMS

— hypocaust (@_hypocaust) June 28, 2024

142 Comfortably chased down by WI . Shows how much having some intent makes a huge difference. Same team struggled badly when in the ODI’s when they had 50 overs to bat . The sooner the players evolve the better #SLvWI

— Cricket Tamizhan (@CricketTamizhan) June 28, 2024

Stefanie Taylor has the shots . Problem is last few years she has decided not to play them . Remember she used to be one of the top batters in the world about 5 years ago #SLvWI

— Cricket Tamizhan (@CricketTamizhan) June 28, 2024

Pleasing that from Lankan ladies . Much appreciated #SLvWI

— Cricket Tamizhan (@CricketTamizhan) June 28, 2024

Another stunner from WI women . This time by Henry . Just unreal ffs #SLvWI

— Cricket Tamizhan (@CricketTamizhan) June 28, 2024