Hayley Matthews century powers West Indies to consolation win over Sri Lanka

A superb all-round performance from captain Hayley Matthews guided West Indies to a six-wicket victory over Sri Lanka women's national cricket team in the final ODI of the series, earning the hosts their first points in the new ICC Women’s Championship cycle.

Although West Indies women's national cricket team had already conceded the series, Matthews ensured they avoided a whitewash with a commanding display. She struck her 10th ODI century — a composed 100 off 118 deliveries — to anchor the chase of 218 and seal a comfortable win.

Matthews made her mark from the outset, removing opposing captain Chamari Athapaththu in the opening over to dent Sri Lanka’s top order. She later returned to dominate with the bat after West Indies slipped to 12 for 2, losing Qiana Joseph and Shemaine Campbelle early to Malki Madara.

After taking 12 deliveries to find her first boundary, Matthews settled into her rhythm and stitched together a crucial 124-run partnership for the third wicket with veteran Stafanie Taylor. Taylor, in the process, climbed to second on the all-time women’s ODI run-scorers list.

Matthews reached her half-century in just 48 balls before pacing her innings smartly through the middle overs. Though she offered a return catch on 70 — spilled by Nilakshika Silva — the reprieve proved costly. She eventually fell shortly after bringing up her century, picking out deep midwicket, but the outcome was all but secured.

A steady 49-run stand between Deandra Dottin and Chinelle Henry guided West Indies over the line with ease.

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s innings was anchored by Harshitha Samarawickrama, who scored a patient 70 off 112 balls. She shared a 78-run partnership with Vishmi Gunaratne for the third wicket, but the visitors struggled to accelerate in the closing stages.

Off-spinner Karishma Ramharack turned the tide by dismissing Gunaratne and Samarawickrama within four overs, stalling Sri Lanka’s progress and restricting them to a manageable total.

In the end, Matthews’ composure and class proved decisive, giving West Indies a morale-boosting win to close out the series on a positive note.