Within the third and closing ODI of the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka 2024, West Indies secured a formidable eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka by way of the DLS methodology on the Pallekele Worldwide Cricket Stadium. With this win, West Indies prevented a clear sweep within the three-match collection, which Sri Lanka gained 2-1.
Explosive batting by Sri Lanka batters
Opting to bowl first after successful the toss, West Indies confronted an explosive batting show from Sri Lanka. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando set a strong basis with a 70-run stand. Nissanka was the highest scorer, contributing a well-crafted 56 off 62 balls, together with eight fours and a six, whereas Fernando chipped in with 34 runs off 50 balls. Following the openers, Kusal Mendis was instrumental, smashing an aggressive 56 off simply 22 deliveries, laced with 9 fours and a six. Nonetheless, a slight collapse noticed Sri Lanka end at 156/3 in 23 overs.
The West Indies bowlers struggled to comprise Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, with Matthew Forde and Gudakesh Motie preserving the financial system beneath management however unable to choose up wickets. Roston Chase and Sherfane Rutherford managed a wicket every, however it was not sufficient to forestall Sri Lanka from posting a aggressive complete within the rain-hit encounter.
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Evin Lewis and Sherfane Rutherford lead West Indies to victory
In reply, West Indies’ opening batter Evin Lewis dominated with a match-winning knock of 102 not out off simply 61 balls, that includes 9 fours and 4 towering sixes. Lewis, performed his first ODI after three years, anchored the Windies innings and was well-supported by Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford. Hope contributed a gentle 22 off 27 balls, whereas Rutherford added a fast 50* off 26 balls, making certain West Indies reached 196/2 in 22 overs and claimed victory with six balls to spare.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Dilshan Madushanka and Asitha Fernando with one wicket every, struggled towards Lewis and Rutherford’s aggressive method. Maheesh Theekshana was essentially the most economical, although wicketless, conceding 39 runs from his 5 overs.
Evin Lewis was named Participant of the Match for his scintillating century that led West Indies to victory. Regardless of this win, Sri Lanka clinched the collection 2-1, successful the primary ODI by 5 wickets by way of the DLS methodology and the second ODI by the identical margin.