Ranaweera's Four-Wicket Haul Helps Sri Lanka Edge West Indies


Inoka Ranaweera's stellar four-wicket haul led Sri Lanka to a thrilling 10-run victory over West Indies in the first ODI at Grenada National Cricket Stadium. Sri Lanka posted a competitive 240/6, thanks to half-centuries from Hasini Perera (61) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (66). Ranaweera's 4/44, along with Kavisha Dilhari's 3/49, helped Sri Lanka defend their total, with West Indies falling short at 230 in 49.4 overs. Stafanie Taylor (66) and Jannillea Glasgow (50) put up a spirited fight for West Indies, but Sri Lanka's bowlers held their nerve. After being asked to bat, Sri Lanka posted 240 for 6, built on half-centuries from Hasini Perera (61 off 86) and Harshitha Samarawickrama (66 off 105). Captain Chamari Athapaththu made 27, while useful middle-order contributions from Nilakshika Silva and Kavisha Dilhari kept the innings moving at a controlled rate. A late cameo from Dewmi Vihanga, who struck 14 off six balls, ensured Sri Lanka pushed towards a competitive total in St George's in Grenada. Stafanie Taylor (66) and Jannillea Glasgow (50) gave West Indies a strong chance, but Sri Lanka's spinners held firm under pressure. Inoka Ranaweera's earlier four-wicket haul set up the tense finish, and Kavisha Dilhari sealed the deal with three wickets, including two in the final over. West Indies needed 12 from six balls, but Sri Lanka's bowlers didn't crack – a great team effort! West Indies were eventually bowled out for 230 in 49.4 overs. Sri Lanka have now won four of their last five ODIs against West Indies since 2017. Inoka Ranaweera was the game-changer! Her 4/44 was instrumental in Sri Lanka's 10-run win over West Indies. She dismantled West Indies' batting lineup with crucial wickets, including Shemaine Campbelle, Chinelle Henry, Stafanie Taylor, and Shawnisha Hector. Her best moment was breaking the 89-run stand between Taylor and Jannillea Glasgow, shifting the momentum in Sri Lanka's favor. A match-winning performance from the experienced spinner! Sri Lanka 240 for 6 (Samarawickrama 66, Perera 61, Matthews 2-46) beat West Indies 230 (Taylor 66, Glasgow 50, Ranaweera 4-44, Dilhari 3-49) by ten runs