Shashikala triggers collapse, guides SL women to victory

Shashikala Siriwardene put in a masterful all-round performance as her four wickets and composed knock of 42 not out helped Sri Lanka Women even the four-match series against West Indies Women at 1-1.

Siriwardene broke a threatening stand of 48 for the second wicket between Kycia Knight and Stafanie Taylor when she trapped Knight leg before for 28 and did the same to Shemaine Campbelle (5) a few overs later leaving West Indies on 95-3 - a position where they never recovered from, losing their last eight wickets for just 29 runs, to be bundled out for 124 in the 43rd over. She later compiled a sedate 72-ball 42 guiding Sri Lanka to victory, with a four.

Earlier on in the day West Indies women’s Captain Merissa Aguilleira won the toss and elected to bat first against the Sri Lanka women who were again minus their captain Chamari Attapattu due to injury. Sripali Weerakkody removed Hayley Mathews in the 10th over and until Siriwardene got the 2nd 17 overs later the Lionesses were unable to penetrate though they were in control.

Sripali Weerakkody ran out Stafanie Taylor for 43 opening the flood gates. Inoka Ranaweera then picked up the prized wicket of first match heroine Deandra Dottin for 9 as the visitors only managed a further 16 runs. Apart from Siriwardene, Maduri Samuddika wrapped a web around the West Indies women with an economical 2 for 16 in 9 overs including 2 maidens.

Knowing there was a manageable target to get Prasadini Weerakkody and Lasanthi Madushani gave a solid opening stand of 36. The openers were sent back to the pavilion within the space of 10 runs as the hosts finished the 14th over on 46-2. Dilani Manodara was out cheaply which brought in the vastly experienced former skipper Shashikala Siriwardene, who scored 42 of Sri Lanka’s final 55 runs.