Match Preview: West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women – 1st ODI, 2026

Match Details

• Teams: West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women
• Format: One Day International (ODI)
• Date: February 20, 2026
• Time: 13:30 GMT
• Venue: Grenada National Cricket Stadium, St George's, Grenada
• Series: Sri Lanka Women's Tour of West Indies 2026 (1st of 3 ODIs)

Ground Insights

The Grenada National Cricket Stadium has historically favored run-scoring in Women's ODIs. The average first innings total at this venue is 243, while the average second innings total stands at 205. This suggests that the pitch is likely to offer a fair balance between bat and ball, with early assistance to seamers possibly giving way to a more batting-friendly surface as the game progresses.

Team Form and Rankings

West Indies Women

• ICC Women's ODI Team Rankings: 9th (Rating: 71)
• Recent Performance: West Indies Women suffered a 3-0 defeat in a recent ODI series against South Africa in June 2025, highlighting the need for a strong performance in this series.
• Strengths: The West Indies have a well-balanced squad with experienced players who can perform under pressure. Their spin attack and lower-order hitting could be key in tight contests.

Sri Lanka Women

• ICC Women's ODI Team Rankings: 6th (Rating: 82)
• Recent Performance: Sri Lanka finished 5th in the 2025 Women's ODI World Cup, falling short of the semifinals. They have shown promise in limited-overs cricket, with a strong middle-order and effective all-rounders.

Key Players to Watch

West Indies Women

• Deandra Dottin: A match-winner with her aggressive batting and handy off-spin. Dottin is expected to play a crucial role, especially if the team needs a quick recovery.
• Shamilia Connell: The veteran pacer brings experience and control, making her a key figure in the bowling department.
• Hayley Matthews (c): The captain's leadership and all-round ability will be vital for West Indies. She is expected to lead from the front with both bat and ball.

Sri Lanka Women

• Chamari Athapaththu (c): The captain and top-order batter, Athapaththu is the heartbeat of the Sri Lankan side. Her ability to anchor the innings and accelerate when needed could define the match.
• Sugandika Kumari: A consistent all-rounder with a knack for taking crucial wickets and providing late-order support.
• Vishmi Gunaratne: A powerful batter who can change the momentum of the game with her aggressive stroke play.

Squad Line-ups

West Indies Women

• Afy Fletcher
• Deandra Dottin
• Shemaine Campbelle
• Stafanie Taylor
• Chinelle Henry
• Hayley Matthews (c)
• Qiana Joseph
• Karishma Ramharack
• Shamilia Connell
• Aaliyah Alleyne
• Jannillea Glasgow
• Ashmini Munisar
• Rashada Williams
• Shabika Gajnabi
• Rashada Grimmond
• Sheneta Grimmond
• Shunelle Sawh
• Jahzara Claxton

Sri Lanka Women

• Chamari Athapaththu (c)
• Hasini Perera
• Vishmi Gunaratne
• Harshitha Samarawickrama
• Imesha Dulani
• Kavisha Dilhari
• Nilakshika de Silva
• Kaushini Nuthyanganha
• Dewmi Vihanga
• Rashmika Sewwandi
• Inoka Ranaweera
• Sugandika Kumari
• Nimesha Madushani
• Malki Madara
• Kawya Kavindi

Match Predictions

• Toss Prediction: Sri Lanka Women
• Winner Prediction: West Indies Women
• Top Batters:
  • West Indies: Hayley Matthews
  • Sri Lanka: Vishmi Gunaratne
• Top Bowlers:
  • West Indies: Afy Fletcher
  • Sri Lanka: Sugandika Kumari
• Most Sixes:
  • West Indies: Chinelle Henry
  • Sri Lanka: Nilakshika de Silva
• Player of the Match: Hayley Matthews (West Indies Women)
• Score Predictions:
  • West Indies Women: 255+
  • Sri Lanka Women: 210+

Final Thoughts

The 1st ODI of the 2026 series promises to be an exciting contest between two evenly matched sides. While Sri Lanka's higher ODI ranking and recent World Cup performance give them a slight edge in form, West Indies' home advantage and potent batting lineup could tip the scales in their favor.

The toss will be crucial, with the conditions likely to favor the chasing side. Look out for a thrilling battle between the experienced bowlers and the aggressive batters as the series kicks off in Grenada.

Predictions may be subject to change based on last-minute team announcements and in-play developments.
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