Evelyn and Anderson rescue West Indies Academy in dramatic opening ODI win

The West Indies Academy overcame early setbacks and late pressure to secure a thrilling two-wicket victory over Sri Lanka Emerging Players in the opening Youth One Day International at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo on Tuesday.

The foundation of the win was built by two outstanding batting performances.

Damel Evelyn produced a calm and unbeaten 77, while Kevlon Anderson launched a rapid 58 from just 45 deliveries as the pair transformed a difficult situation into a successful chase.

The Academy’s victory came after they restricted Sri Lanka to 184 all out, before surviving a tense finish to reach the target.

Sri Lanka collapse after strong start

After winning the toss and choosing to field, the West Indies Academy quickly applied pressure with the ball, eventually dismissing Sri Lanka Emerging Players for 184 in 33.4 overs.

However, the hosts appeared firmly in control early in their innings.

Sri Lanka reached 121 for three in the 19th over, with captain Nipun Dhananjaya and Ranesh Silva building confidence through a 55-run, fourth-wicket partnership.

Dhananjaya led the way with a top score of 65 from 73 balls, while Silva contributed 21.

The turning point came when leg-spinner Zishan Motara broke the partnership by trapping Silva lbw.

From there, Sri Lanka’s innings unravelled.

Motara continued his impact by bowling Kavija Gamage for 11, while Raneico Smith removed Dhananjaya as the hosts slipped to 141 for six.

The lower order could not recover, losing their final seven wickets for only 63 runs.

Motara finished as the leading bowler with 3-32, supported by Jediah Blades’ 3-42 and Smith’s 2-25.

Early trouble forces Academy response

The chase began poorly for the visitors.

The Academy found themselves under immediate pressure after losing Johann Jeremiah, Mbeki Joseph, and Shaqkere Parris cheaply, leaving them struggling at 35 for three.

With the match slipping away, Evelyn and Anderson stepped forward.

The pair combined patience with aggression, producing a crucial 110-run, fourth-wicket partnership that completely changed the direction of the contest.

By the 23rd over, the Academy had recovered to 145 for three and looked firmly in control.

Late drama brings Sri Lanka back into the contest

Just when victory seemed within reach, Sri Lanka fought back.

Off-spinner Gamage ripped through the middle order, claiming four wickets in a dramatic spell that reduced the Academy from a comfortable position to 181 for eight.

Suddenly, a straightforward chase became a nail-biting finish.

Gamage’s spell ended with impressive figures of 4-18, while Traveen Matthew also contributed with 3-30.

But Evelyn remained composed.

His unbeaten 77, highlighted by eight boundaries, carried the Academy across the line and denied Sri Lanka’s late comeback attempt.

Academy gain confidence from opening win

The victory gives the West Indies Academy an important early advantage in the ODI series and highlights the team’s ability to handle pressure situations.

Sri Lanka showed moments of dominance, but the visitors’ resilience, particularly through the partnership between Evelyn and Anderson, proved decisive.

After surviving early danger and a tense final stretch, the Academy now move forward with confidence knowing they can win even when the match appears to be slipping away.