Opener Evin Lewis delivered an outstanding performance with an unbeaten century, steering the West Indies to a vital consolation win in the third and final ODI against Sri Lanka. Despite interruptions from rain, Lewis’s impressive innings secured an eight-wicket victory, allowing the visitors to conclude the series on a positive note.
Match Summary
Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 3rd ODI
- Sri Lanka: 156/3 (23 overs)
- West Indies: 196/2 (22 overs)
- Result: West Indies won by 8 wickets (DLS method)
Match Analysis
Returning to 50-over cricket after a three-year break, Evin Lewis dazzled spectators at Pallekele, guiding the West Indies to a successful chase of 195 with six balls to spare.
“He’s an amazing player; it’s great to see him back,” said West Indies captain Shai Hope. “He picked up right where he left off. I’m glad he scored some runs, and I hope he carries this form into the next series.”
The 32-year-old Trinidadian shook off an ankle twist during his innings to secure his fifth ODI century—an important milestone for a West Indies team that struggled against Sri Lanka’s spinners throughout the series. Lewis finished on an unbeaten 102 off 61 balls, hitting nine fours and four sixes, including the winning runs with a towering six off Asitha Fernando.
Sherfane Rutherford contributed with his third consecutive half-century of the series, which Sri Lanka had already secured 2-0. The pair forged an unbroken 88-run partnership for the third wicket in just 45 balls, demonstrating composure as the required run rate soared above 12 per over.
Sri Lanka let several opportunities slip away, with dropped catches and fielding errors that could have stymied the tourists’ momentum. The match was interrupted by successive downpours, reducing it to a 23-over contest.
Sri Lanka had scored 156-3 before the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method adjusted the West Indies’ target.
“It was disappointing how things unfolded today,” said Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka. “We fancied our chances when they had to chase 195, but we just weren’t good enough.”
Kusal Mendis gave the hosts a strong start, smashing a dazzling 19-ball fifty. After the covers came off, he hit four boundaries off Roston Chase in one over, showcasing his aggressive style. Mendis ultimately finished unbeaten on 56, with nine fours and a six.
Opener Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings with a steady 56 off 62 balls before being run out by Alzarri Joseph. The West Indies continued to struggle in the field, with four dropped chances hampering their efforts. The match also marked the ODI debut of 17-year-old Jewel Andrew, making him the youngest West Indian to play in this format.
