Evin Lewis made a stunning return to One Day International cricket, scoring an unbeaten 102 off just 61 balls to lead the West Indies to a commanding eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third ODI, played under challenging conditions due to rain.
In a match reduced to 23 overs, Sri Lanka posted a respectable 156 for 3 after rain interrupted their innings, with Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka both contributing 56 runs. However, it was Lewis’s explosive century that turned the tide, enabling the West Indies to chase down a revised target of 195 with an over to spare.
Lewis, playing his first ODI since 2021, showcased his prowess with the bat, leading his team to victory and breaking a ten-match losing streak in Sri Lanka. The innings featured nine fours and four sixes, highlighting his aggressive style as he dominated the bowling attack.
The West Indies’ innings got off to a steady start, but it was the partnership between Lewis and Sherfane Rutherford that truly shifted momentum. Rutherford chipped in with a rapid 50 off 26 deliveries, including four fours and three sixes. Their unbroken partnership of 88 runs in just 45 balls sealed the win for the visitors.
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Sri Lanka’s innings began cautiously, with Nissanka and Avishka Fernando building a solid opening stand of 81 runs. However, a five-hour rain delay drastically changed the match’s dynamics. Upon resumption, Sri Lanka capitalized on the limited time by scoring 75 runs in the final 5.4 overs, thanks to a blistering knock from Kusal Mendis, who raced to a 19-ball fifty.
Mendis’s explosive innings included 10 boundaries, as he single-handedly lifted Sri Lanka’s score in the closing stages. Despite this late surge, the West Indies’ batting proved too powerful.
West Indies’ victory marked their first ODI win in Sri Lanka since 2014 and provided a much-needed morale boost after a difficult tour. Captain Charith Asalanka’s bowling changes were scrutinized, especially as the game progressed and Lewis and Rutherford found their rhythm.
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The match showcased the potential of both teams, with Sri Lanka displaying moments of brilliance despite the loss, while the West Indies celebrated a much-awaited win as they concluded their tour.
Scorecard: 3rd ODI – Sri Lanka vs West Indies
Sri Lanka Innings: 156 for 3 (23 overs)
– Kusal Mendis: 56* off 22 balls (4 fours, 5 sixes)
– Pathum Nissanka: 56 off 60 balls (6 fours)
– Avishka Fernando: 32 off 39 balls (3 fours)
– Bowling:
– Roston Chase: 2 overs, 20 runs, 1 wicket
– Matthew Forde: 5 overs, 36 runs, 0 wickets
– Asitha Fernando: 4 overs, 39 runs, 1 wicket
West Indies Innings: 196 for 2 (22 overs)
– Evin Lewis: 102* off 61 balls (8 fours, 6 sixes)
– Sherfane Rutherford: 50* off 26 balls (4 fours, 3 sixes)
– Brandon King: 18 off 19 balls
– Shai Hope: 22 off 27 balls
– Bowling:
– Maheesh Theekshana: 5 overs, 43 runs, 0 wickets
– Dilshan Madushanka: 5 overs, 50 runs, 0 wickets
– Kamindu Mendis: 4 overs, 34 runs, 0 wickets
Result: West Indies won by 8 wickets (DLS method)
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