June 20th 2024.
Unfortunately, West Indies captain Hayley Matthews will not be able to participate in the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka due to an illness. This is the same reason why she was also unable to play in the second ODI of the series, which resulted in a loss for West Indies as they were defeated by five wickets with a score of only 92 runs in 31 overs. Matthews did, however, play in the first ODI and scored a respectable 38 runs before their team was all out for 195 runs in 47.1 overs. Despite their efforts, the hosts comfortably chased down the total and won the match by six wickets.
In Matthews' absence, Shemaine Campbelle stepped up to lead the team in the second match and is expected to continue in the third ODI as well. There is still hope that Matthews will recover in time for the three-match T20I series, which is set to begin on June 24 at the same venue.
According to a statement released by Cricket West Indies, "West Indies Captain, Hayley Matthews has been ruled out of the ongoing ODI Series against Sri Lanka due to illness. She will continue to be monitored by the CWI Medical Team and will hopefully recover in time for the T20I series."
Matthews has been a key player for the West Indies team over the past 18 months, scoring a total of 519 runs in nine ODIs with an impressive average of 74.14, including three centuries. This makes her the top scorer for the team since the beginning of 2023. She has also taken the joint-highest number of wickets, alongside Afy Fletcher, during this period with 11 scalps.
Sri Lanka will aim to sweep the series on Friday as they currently have an unassailable 2-0 lead. The three-match T20I series will follow on June 24, 26, and 28 at the Mahinda Rajapaksha International Cricket Stadium in Hambantota.
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