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In the third and final ODI of the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka 2024, West Indies secured an impressive eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka via the DLS method at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. With this win, West Indies prevented a clean sweep in the three-match series, which Sri Lanka won 2-1.
Explosive batting by Sri Lanka batters
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, West Indies faced an explosive batting display from Sri Lanka. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando set a solid foundation with a 70-run stand. Nissanka was the top scorer, contributing a well-crafted 56 off 62 balls, including eight fours and a six, while Fernando chipped in with 34 runs off 50 balls. Following the openers, Kusal Mendis was instrumental, smashing an aggressive 56 off just 22 deliveries, laced with nine fours and a six. However, a slight collapse saw Sri Lanka finish at 156/3 in 23 overs.
The West Indies bowlers struggled to contain Sri Lanka’s batting lineup, with Matthew Forde and Gudakesh Motie keeping the economy under control but unable to pick up wickets. Roston Chase and Sherfane Rutherford managed a wicket each, but it was not enough to prevent Sri Lanka from posting a competitive total in 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 just 61 balls, featuring nine fours and four towering sixes. Lewis, played his first ODI after three years, anchored the Windies innings and was well-supported by Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford. Hope contributed a steady 22 off 27 balls, while Rutherford added a quick 50* off 26 balls, ensuring 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 each, struggled against Lewis and Rutherford’s aggressive approach. Maheesh Theekshana was the most economical, though wicketless, conceding 39 runs from his 5 overs.
Evin Lewis was named Player of the Match for his scintillating century that led West Indies to victory. Despite this win, Sri Lanka clinched the series 2-1, winning the first ODI by five wickets via the DLS method and the second ODI by the same margin.
