Sri Lanka takes ODI Series with dominant win over West Indies
Key Points(5)
- Supported by Maheesh Theekshana (3 for 25) and Asitha Fernando (3 for 35), Sri Lanka bowled out the West Indies for 189.
- Charith Asalanka's composed half-century then guided the hosts to victory with 5.4 overs remaining.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">After a delayed start due to rain, the West Indies struggled to find their footing when asked to bat.
- Theekshana struck early, bowling Alick Athanaze for 1, and Fernando followed up by removing Brandon King (16) and captain Shai Hope (5) in quick succession.
- Keacy Carty (6) was also sent back by Theekshana, leaving the visitors reeling at 31 for 4.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;">The middle and lower order fared no better, with Hasaranga taking charge by trapping Roston Chase (8) with a googly and dismissing Romario Shepherd (4) soon after.
- Rutherford played a gutsy knock, scoring 80 off 82 balls, while Motie recorded his first ODI half-century with an unbeaten 50.
Sri Lanka secured the ODI series against the West Indies with a convincing five-wicket win in a rain-affected match at Pallekele on Wednesday.
The home team dominated the shortened 44-over game, thanks to a standout bowling effort led by Wanindu Hasaranga, who took 4 wickets for 40 runs. Supported by Maheesh Theekshana (3 for 25) and Asitha Fernando (3 for 35), Sri Lanka bowled out the West Indies for 189. Charith Asalanka's composed half-century then guided the hosts to victory with 5.4 overs remaining.
After a delayed start due to rain, the West Indies struggled to find their footing when asked to bat. Theekshana struck early, bowling Alick Athanaze for 1, and Fernando followed up by removing Brandon King (16) and captain Shai Hope (5) in quick succession. Keacy Carty (6) was also sent back by Theekshana, leaving the visitors reeling at 31 for 4.
The middle and lower order fared no better, with Hasaranga taking charge by trapping Roston Chase (8) with a googly and dismissing Romario Shepherd (4) soon after. The West Indies found themselves at 58 for 8 when Theekshana struck again to remove Hayden Walsh (1).
An unexpected revival
Just when things seemed dire, Sherfane Rutherford and Gudakesh Motie sparked an unexpected revival. Rutherford played a gutsy knock, scoring 80 off 82 balls, while Motie recorded his first ODI half-century with an unbeaten 50. The pair added 119 runs for the ninth wicket, offering the West Indies a glimmer of hope.
However, Rutherford’s innings ended when he mistimed a shot off Fernando, and Hasaranga wrapped up the innings by dismissing Jayden Seales (5) with another sharp googly, leaving the West Indies all out for 189.
Chasing 190, Sri Lanka had a rocky start as Alzarri Joseph bowled Avishka Fernando for 9 and Motie removed Kusal Mendis for 3. However, Nishan Madushka (38) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (38) formed a steady partnership, adding 62 runs for the third wicket to bring Sri Lanka back on track. Despite both batters falling before the finish line, Asalanka’s unbeaten 62, guided Sri Lanka to a comfortable victory.
With this win, Sri Lanka takes an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series. The final game will be played on Saturday.
