Evin Lewis scored a quick-fire ton on ODI comeback, guiding West Indies to victory against Sri Lanka

In the third and final ODI of the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka 2024West Indies secured a stunning eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the DLS format at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. With this victory, West Indies prevented a three-match series sweep, which Sri Lanka won 2-1.

Explosive batting by the Sri Lankan batsmen

Electing to bowl first after winning the toss, West Indies faced an onslaught from Sri Lanka. Openers Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando laid a solid foundation with 70 runs. Nissanka was the top scorer, contributing a well-made 56 runs from 62 balls, including eight fours and a six, while Fernando scored 34 runs from 50 balls. Following the openers, Kusal Mendis played a major role, scoring 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 line-up, with Matthew Forde and Gudakesh Motie being economical but unable to find wickets. Roston Chase and Sherfane Rutherford took a wicket each, but it was not enough to prevent Sri Lanka from posting a total in a rain-hit match.

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Evin Lewis and Sherfane Rutherford led West Indies to victory

In reply, the West Indies opening batter Evin Lewis won by hitting a match-winning 102 not out in just 61 balls, which included nine fours and four sixes. Lewis, playing his first ODI after three years, anchored the Windies’ innings and was heavily supported by Shai Hope and Sherfane Rutherford. Hope scored 22 off 27 balls, while Rutherford added 50* off 26 balls, ensuring West Indies reached 196/2 in 22 overs and winning 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 style. Maheesh Theekshana was the most economical, despite not having a wicket, conceding 39 runs in his 5 overs.

Evin Lewis was named Man of the Match for his stunning century that led West Indies to victory. Apart from this victory, Sri Lanka won the series 2-1, winning the first ODI by five wickets with DLS method and the second ODI with the same rigin.

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