West Indies Women's strong Start vs Sri Lanka in 1st ODI as Hayley Matthews returns in Fiery Form

After spending more than half a year away from direct action, West Indies captain Hayley

Matthews is set to return and lead her team as they start the ODI series against Sri Lanka on

Friday. WI W vs SL W 1st ODI is going to be played.

With a shoulder injury, the star all-rounder has been out since June. Now, she is back fully fit for

the match at the National Cricket Stadium. It is about providing her team with much-needed

energy and support. They wish to start the year with great enthusiasm.

Matthews said, “Yeah, it’s gonna be a great opportunity for us to start the year off with a game

against some really good opposition in Sri Lanka.”

Familiar rivalry, fresh stakes

Matthews focused on the fact that the visitors signify both a known challenge and a precious

measuring stick for a side intent on quick success.

“An opponent that we know we would have matched very intimately within last games, and who

always gives us a big challenge to compete against. So, we surely are looking forward to playing

with them.”

Sri Lanka Women's cricket team underscored the balance between the teams and the

willpower within its squad to seize the initiative.

“We’re two teams that are working quite well. We’re going to be giving our best and competing

to win games. We hopefully win the series. There are huge merits within the team right now, and

everybody is simply looking forward to going.”

A new year, a new standard

For Matthews, the opening series is as much about state of mind as performance. She wishes her

team’s strength and body language to signify a fresh beginning for 2026.