Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 2nd ODI Highlights | Sri Lanka Seal Series with Dominant 5 Wicket Win Over West Indies in Rain Affected Game

Sri Lanka secured a comprehensive 5-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second ODI at Pallekele, clinching the series 2-0 with one match to spare. After reducing West Indies to 189 in 36 overs, Sri Lanka chased down the target in 38.2 overs to continue their impressive home form.

West Indies Collapse After Early Dominance by Sri Lanka’s Bowlers
Put in to bat by Sri Lanka after losing the toss, West Indies endured a disastrous start, slumping to 58/8. Maheesh Theekshana was the chief destroyer, taking 3/25 with his sharp spin. Asitha Fernando also impressed, claiming 3/35, while Wanindu Hasaranga added 4/40 with his leg-spin, tearing through West Indies’ middle order.

Sherfane Rutherford (80 off 74) and Gudakesh Motie (50* off 61) staged a commendable lower-order fightback with a 119-run partnership, helping West Indies post a somewhat competitive 189 all out in 36 overs. However, their total seemed inadequate on a good batting surface.

Sri Lanka’s Steady Chase Seals Series
In response, Sri Lanka started cautiously and lost two early wickets, with Avishka Fernando (9) and Kusal Mendis (3) dismissed cheaply by Alzarri Joseph and Motie, respectively. However, Nishan Madushka (38 off 46) and Sadeera Samarawickrama (38 off 50) built a solid platform with key partnerships.

Captain Charith Asalanka played a captain’s knock, scoring a fluent 62* off 61 balls. He guided Sri Lanka to victory with calmness and maturity, assisted by Janith Liyanage (24) and Kamindu Mendis (11*), as they wrapped up the chase with 5 wickets in hand and 5.4 overs remaining.

A Whitewash in Sight?
With this victory, Sri Lanka have secured the series 2-0 and are looking to complete a clean sweep in the third ODI. West Indies, meanwhile, will hope to salvage some pride in the final game of the series.

Brief Scores:
West Indies: 189 all out in 36 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 80, Gudakesh Motie 50*; Maheesh Theekshana 3/25, Wanindu Hasaranga 4/40)
Sri Lanka: 190/5 in 38.2 overs (Charith Asalanka 62*, Nishan Madushka 38; Alzarri Joseph 2/30, Gudakesh Motie 2/18)

Result: Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets (Match reduced to 44 overs due to rain)
Player of the Match: Maheesh Theekshana