A win over the West Indies, who lost their Group A opener the previous day against hosts India, at the MIG Club in Bandra would ensure a berth in the second stage of the tournament for the Lankan women, who sent the form book for a toss by outsmarting England with a one-wicket win yesterday.
The Lankan bowlers delivered early blows on England and though the latter recovered to post a challenging total, they then began the chase well with a century opening wicket stand, stuttered midway before Kaushalya Lokusooriya played a blinder (56 in 41 balls) to upset England's plans.
The Lankans would again depend on Kaushalya to lead the pace attack against West Indies whose batting came a cropper while chasing the imposing 284 for six set up by India and crumbled for 179 on the opening day of the tournament.
The Lanka bowlers, however, need to be wary against the likes of hard-hitting West Indian batter Deandra Dottin who threatened India briefly with a 16-ball 39 containing four sixes and three fours.
Lanka captain Shashikala Siriwardena sounded upbeat about her side's chances against the West Indies.
"We have been maintaining a good ratio against the West Indies especially in the ODIs, in which we have 70 per cent winning ratio against them," said Shashikala.
"We have huge targets here