Sri Lanka secured the ODI sequence towards the West Indies with a convincing five-wicket win in a rain-affected match at Pallekele on Wednesday.
The house workforce dominated the shortened 44-over recreation, due 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 begin as a result of rain, the West Indies struggled to seek out their footing when requested to bat. Theekshana struck early, bowling Alick Athanaze for 1, and Fernando adopted up by eradicating Brandon King (16) and captain Shai Hope (5) in fast succession. Keacy Carty (6) was additionally despatched again by Theekshana, leaving the guests reeling at 31 for 4.
The center and decrease order fared no higher, with Hasaranga taking cost by trapping Roston Chase (8) with a googly and dismissing Romario Shepherd (4) quickly after. The West Indies discovered themselves at 58 for 8 when Theekshana struck once more to take away Hayden Walsh (1).
An surprising revival
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Simply when issues appeared dire, Sherfane Rutherford and Gudakesh Motie sparked an surprising revival. Rutherford performed a gutsy knock, scoring 80 off 82 balls, whereas Motie recorded his first ODI half-century with an unbeaten 50. The pair added 119 runs for the ninth wicket, providing the West Indies a glimmer of hope.
Nevertheless, Rutherford’s innings ended when he mistimed a shot off Fernando, and Hasaranga wrapped up the innings by dismissing Jayden Seales (5) with one other sharp googly, leaving the West Indies all out for 189.
Chasing 190, Sri Lanka had a rocky begin as Alzarri Joseph bowled Avishka Fernando for 9 and Motie eliminated Kusal Mendis for 3. Nevertheless, Nishan Madushka (38) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (38) fashioned a gradual partnership, including 62 runs for the third wicket to carry Sri Lanka again on monitor. Regardless of each batters falling earlier than the end line, Asalanka’s unbeaten 62, guided Sri Lanka to a cushty victory.
With this win, Sri Lanka takes an unassailable 2-0 lead within the three-match sequence. The ultimate recreation will likely be performed on Saturday.
