Who Will Win West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women 1st ODI 2026 Match Prediction
The much-awaited West Indies Women vs Sri Lanka Women prediction for the 1st ODI of the three-match series will unfold at the National Cricket Stadium on Friday, 20 February 2026. Both teams enter this series looking to rebuild consistency in the 50-over format after mixed performances over the past year. West Indies Women narrowly missed out on qualification for the last ODI World Cup, falling short on net run-rate, while Sri Lanka Women struggled to progress beyond the group stage despite flashes of individual brilliance.
The Caribbean side will draw confidence from home conditions in Grenada, where historical data suggests chasing teams have enjoyed better success. Hayley Matthews remains the linchpin for West Indies, having dominated South Africa in her last ODI outing with 104 runs and four wickets across three matches. Her all-round ability provides balance and leadership in pressure situations.
Sri Lanka Women, meanwhile, rely heavily on Chamari Athapaththu, who scored 168 runs in five matches at last year’s World Cup. Although Sri Lanka were thrashed 0-3 during their last ODI tour of the West Indies in 2017, they have since improved their squad depth, particularly in spin bowling.
With both teams aiming to set the tone early in the series, this opener promises competitive cricket. West Indies Women hold a slight edge due to home advantage and experienced campaigners like Stafanie Taylor, but Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling attack ensures a tight contest.
Match Details
| Match | WIW vs SLW, 1st ODI |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, 20 February 2026 |
| Time | 7:00 PM Local |
| Venue | National Cricket Stadium, Grenada |
| Series | 3-Match ODI Series 2026 |
| Live Streaming | Fancode |
West Indies Women Preview
West Indies Women begin this ODI series with a point to prove. Missing the last World Cup qualification by a razor-thin margin was a significant setback, and this home series offers a fresh opportunity to rebuild confidence. Captain Hayley Matthews carries enormous responsibility both as a top-order batter and frontline bowler.
Matthews’ recent ODI form against South Africa highlighted her value — contributing heavily with both bat and ball. At home, she will be expected to anchor the innings and provide breakthroughs in the middle overs. Qiana Joseph and Jahzara Claxton must provide solid starts, while veteran Stafanie Taylor’s experience remains invaluable. Taylor, with over 5,800 ODI runs at an average of 43, is still capable of match-defining performances.
The middle order features Chinelle Henry and Shemaine Campbelle, who add stability and finishing power. Bowling depth is a strength: Afy Fletcher leads the spin department, while Aaliyah Alleyne offers pace variation. Karishma Ramharack’s control during middle overs can restrict Sri Lanka’s scoring rate.
Home familiarity, balanced all-round options, and experienced leadership make West Indies slight favorites heading into this clash.
Sri Lanka Women Preview
Sri Lanka Women seek redemption after a disappointing World Cup campaign. Captain Chamari Athapaththu continues to shoulder batting responsibility. Her ability to score briskly at the top is critical to Sri Lanka’s chances.
Nilakshi de Silva has been consistent, delivering steady 30-plus scores in major tournaments. Harshitha Samarawickrama and Vishmi Gunaratne add depth to the middle order. Sri Lanka’s challenge lies in converting starts into substantial totals.
Bowling remains their strength. Inoka Ranaweera’s seven wickets in last year’s World Cup underline her effectiveness. Sugandika Kumari and Dewmi Vihanga provide spin variety, which could be crucial on Grenada’s surface. Athapaththu’s part-time spin further strengthens their attack.
If Sri Lanka can contain Matthews early and maintain discipline in middle overs, they can challenge the hosts strongly.
Team Squad
West Indies Women Squad: Hayley Matthews (c), Qiana Joseph, Jahzara Claxton, Stafanie Taylor, Chinelle Henry, Shemaine Campbelle (wk), Jannillea Glasgow, Aaliyah Alleyne, Afy Fletcher, Karishma Ramharack, Realeanna Grimmond/Ashmini Munisar.
Sri Lanka Women Squad: Vishmi Gunaratne, Chamari Athapaththu (c), Hasini Perera, Harshitha Samarawickrama, Kavisha Dilhari, Nilakshi de Silva, Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk), Sugandika Kumari, Malki Madara, Inoka Ranaweera, Dewmi Vihanga.
Probable Playing XI
| West Indies Women | Sri Lanka Women |
|---|---|
| Hayley Matthews (c) | Chamari Athapaththu (c) |
| Qiana Joseph | Vishmi Gunaratne |
| Jahzara Claxton | Hasini Perera |
| Stafanie Taylor | Harshitha Samarawickrama |
| Chinelle Henry | Nilakshi de Silva |
| Shemaine Campbelle (wk) | Kavisha Dilhari |
| Aaliyah Alleyne | Kaushini Nuthyangana (wk) |
| Afy Fletcher | Sugandika Kumari |
| Karishma Ramharack | Inoka Ranaweera |
| Jannillea Glasgow | Malki Madara |
| Ashmini Munisar | Dewmi Vihanga |
Favourite Team – West Indies Women
West Indies Women are favorites due to home advantage and stronger all-round depth. Hayley Matthews’ leadership and match-winning ability provide balance, while Stafanie Taylor’s experience stabilizes the batting order.
The Caribbean bowling attack is versatile, combining spin and pace effectively. Historical dominance over Sri Lanka at home further boosts their confidence.
Pitch Report
The pitch at National Cricket Stadium, Grenada offers balanced conditions. Batters can score freely once set, but spinners often find assistance in middle overs. Historical data indicates chasing teams have a slight edge. A total around 220–240 could be competitive.
Weather Report
| Condition | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 28°C |
| Humidity | High |
| Rain Chance | Low |
| Conditions | Partly Cloudy |
Warm and humid evening expected with minimal rain disruption.
Broadcast Details
The 1st ODI between West Indies Women and Sri Lanka Women will be streamed live on Fancode. Fans can follow live scores, commentary, and highlights through official cricket platforms.
Toss Prediction
Given the venue trend favoring chasing sides, the toss-winning captain may opt to bowl first. West Indies Women are predicted to win the toss and chase under lights.
Probable Top Batsman & Bowler
Top Batter: Hayley Matthews / Chamari Athapaththu
Top Bowler: Afy Fletcher / Inoka Ranaweera
Matthews’ all-round dominance and Athapaththu’s aggressive stroke play make them key batters. Fletcher and Ranaweera could exploit middle-overs spin-friendly conditions.
Winning Chances
| Team | Win % | Why Win | Why Lose |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies Women | 75% | Home advantage, balanced squad | Over-reliance on Matthews |
| Sri Lanka Women | 25% | Strong spin attack | Batting inconsistency |
Match Prediction
West Indies Women hold a slight advantage due to home conditions, experienced leadership, and balanced all-round options. Sri Lanka Women will compete strongly through spin bowling, but the hosts’ depth and match-winning performers should guide them to victory.
Prediction: West Indies Women Will Win.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
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