West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women 2026 international women’s cricket season kicks off in the Caribbean with a high-stakes encounter as West Indies Women (WI-W) host Sri Lanka Women (SL-W) at the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada. This three-match ODI series is a crucial part of the ICC Women’s Championship, with both teams looking to climb the rankings.
While Sri Lanka (No. 6) currently outranks the West Indies (No. 9) in ODIs, the “Maroon Warriors” are bolstered by the return of legendary veterans and home advantage.
Match Details
- Match: West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women, 1st ODI
- Series: Sri Lanka Women tour of West Indies, 2026
- Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
- Time: 9:30 AM Local | 1:30 PM GMT | 7:00 PM IST
- Venue: National Cricket Stadium, St George’s, Grenada
Pitch Report & Ground Stats
The National Cricket Stadium is known for offering a balanced surface. Early on, the pitch provides decent bounce and carry, which should favor aggressive stroke makers. However, as the match progresses, the track tends to slow down, making it a paradise for spinners and disciplined medium-pacers.
- Avg 1st Innings Score: ~234
- Avg 2nd Innings Score: ~205
- Winning Pattern: Historically, teams bowling first have a better win percentage (62.5%) here, suggesting the captain winning the toss might opt to field.
Head-to-Head (ODI)
The rivalry is incredibly neck-and-neck:
- Matches Played: 35
- West Indies Won: 18
- Sri Lanka Won: 17
- Recent Encounter: Sri Lanka won the most recent ODI matchup in June 2024.
Team Analysis
West Indies Women
The return of captain Hayley Matthews from a shoulder injury is the headline story. Her presence, alongside the explosive Deandra Dottin (returning to the ODI fold) and the experienced Stafanie Taylor, makes this Windies side look far more dangerous than their current ranking suggests. Chinelle Henry has been named the new vice-captain, signaling a shift in leadership roles.
Sri Lanka Women
Led by the legendary Chamari Athapaththu, Sri Lanka arrives as “giant killers.” They have a settled core with Harshitha Samarawickrama and Vishmi Gunaratne in top form. Their strength lies in their spin department, with Inoka Ranaweera and the rising Kavisha Dilhari expected to exploit the turning track in Grenada.
Probable Playing XIs
West Indies Women: Hayley Matthews (C), Qiana Joseph, Stafanie Taylor, Deandra Dottin, Shemaine Campbelle (WK), Chinelle Henry (VC), Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Jannillea Glasgow, Shamilia Connell/Jahzara Claxton.
Sri Lanka Women: Chamari Athapaththu (C), Vishmi Gunaratne, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Hasini Perera, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana (WK), Sugandika Kumari, Inoka Ranaweera, Udeshika Prabodhani, Achini Kulasuriya.
Top Picks for Fantasy (Dream11 Prediction)
- Captain Choice: Hayley Matthews – A guaranteed 10 overs and a top-order batter.
- Vice-Captain Choice: Chamari Athapaththu – The heart of Sri Lanka’s batting and very handy with her off-breaks.
- Differential Pick: Deandra Dottin – Her “X-factor” ability with both bat and ball can change the game in a matter of overs.
- Bowling Must-Haves: Afy Fletcher (leg-spin will be key) and Inoka Ranaweera.
Match Prediction
While Sri Lanka has been the more consistent side in recent years, the West Indies have their full-strength squad back for this series. In home conditions, the Maroon Warriors have a slight 55-45 edge to win the 1st ODI.
