Sri Lanka, embarking on a chase for the second back-to-back Group ‘A’ match in the ICC Women’s World Cup, ended way off course against West Indies on Sunday. Faced with a huge 368 for eight to overhaul, the former scrambled to 159 all out in 40 overs at the MIG ground in the suburbs, short by 209 runs.
Shashikala Siriwardena, banking on the batters’ ability boosted by an upset victory over defending champion England, put the West Indies in on a batting beauty and then spent the rest of the game catching up.
Stafanie Taylor, named the ‘best player’, powered 171 off 137 balls (18x4, 2x6) while Deandra Dottin joined the run feast with 50 off 22 balls (5x4, 4x6).
West Indies used slow bowlers, who did not allow the Lankan chase to get going. Leg-spinner Shaquana Quintye, 17, picked up three for 32 in nine overs.
Shashikala said: “We made fielding and bowling mistakes, which we have to be corrected in the next match.”
Sri Lanka faces India next, both teams have won a game each and lost the next.
West Indies captain Merissa Aquilleira expressed delight at her team playing to strength. “Once we got runs on board, we aimed for 350. Runs after that were a bonus.” She played her part in putting the total beyond Sri Lanka’s reach with 47 off 24 balls at No. 8 after Stafanie and Deandra went on the rampage.
The scores: West Indies 368 for eight in 50 overs (Stafanie Taylor 171, Deandra Dottin 50, Merissa Aquilleira 47, Kyshona Knight 44, Shashikala Siriwardena two for 58) bt Sri Lanka 159 in 40 overs (Deepika Rasangika 28, Prasadini Weerakkody 22, Dilani Manodara 17, Yashoda Mendis 17; Shaquana Quintye three for 32, Shanel Daley two for 35).
