SL-W vs WI-W 2nd T20I Review: Afy Fletcher shines as West Indies draw level

WestIndies Womens Cricket Team. (Photo Source: Jan Kruger-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

After losing four games in a row, including the three-match ODI series and the first T20I match of the ongoing series, West Indies stunned the Sri Lanka to register a brilliant six-wicket win at Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium in Hambantota, leveling the three-match T20I series 1-1.

The Caribbean team won the toss and chose to field first. The hosts started well in pursuit of setting a competitive total, scoring 36 runs in the powerplay. Openers Vishmi Gunaratne (24 off 35) and skipper Chamari Athapaththu (26 off 25) stitched a 44-run stand before Athapaththu was sent back to the pavilion in the eighth over by Afy Fletcher.

The middle order of Imesha Dulani (6 off 5), Harshitha Samarawickrama (14 off 16), and Hasini Perera (3 off 5) all had a poor outing with the bat as they couldn’t add to the tally. Kavisha Dilhari played a quick cameo, scoring 14 runs off six deliveries before rain stopped the play. At that point, Sri Lanka’s scorecard read 89/4 in 15.2 overs. For West Indies Fletcher was the wrecker-in-chief with the ball, picking all four wickets.

Stafanie Taylor shines to give visitors first win of series

The visiting team’s target was to 99 runs in 15 overs after the rain break. Chasing the target, skipper Hayley Matthews partnered with Stafanie Taylor (28* off 26) to give the side a solid start. Both the batters were smashing the Lankan bowlers to all the corners of the park, as they managed to score 35 runs in five overs without losing any wickets.

Also read: Sri Lanka Women to welcome West Indies for three ODIs & T20Is in June

While Matthews walked back after scoring 29 runs, Taylor continued the onslaught. After a great opening partnership, West Indies witnessed a middle-order collapse as none of Shemaine Campbelle, Qiana Joseph, and Chedean Nation could be a good support to Taylor. In the end, it was Aaliyah Alleyne’s 15-run knock that helped the side secure a six-wicket victory with five balls to spare.

With the series now level at 1-1, the decider will take place at the same venue on Friday, June 28. Both teams will be eager to claim victory and clinch the series.