West Indies Clinch First ODI Win of the Year on Sri Lankan Soil After 10-Match Losing Streak
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| West Indies first win on Sri Lankan soil since 2005 in this format, has come after 10 successive losses. / Getty |
The West Indies finally broke their winless streak in One Day Internationals (ODIs) for the year with a comprehensive 8-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the rain-affected final ODI. This win marked West Indies’ first ODI triumph on Sri Lankan soil since 2005, ending a stretch of 10 successive ODI losses. Despite Sri Lanka winning the series 2-1, the West Indies team can rejoice over this milestone as they take home valuable positives from the tour.
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| getty |
Rain interruptions early in the day led to the game being reduced to a 23-over-a-side match, leveling the playing field and providing West Indies with an opportunity to showcase their T20 expertise in this abbreviated format. Chasing a DLS target of 195, the West Indies batters approached the task with aggressive intent, making the most of the shortened format.
Sri Lanka, after opting to bat, set a target of 156 for the loss of 3 wickets in 23 overs. Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings with an impressive 56 off 62 balls, while Kusal Mendis contributed with an explosive 56 off just 29 deliveries, boosting Sri Lanka’s total. However, the West Indies bowlers managed to keep Sri Lanka’s middle order in check. Alzarri Joseph claimed the wicket of Nissanka through a sharp run-out, while Roston Chase and Sherfane Rutherford each took a wicket to prevent a more daunting total.
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| Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka solid knock help them to set fighting total / Getty |
West Indies’ response was a masterclass in power-hitting, led by Evin Lewis, who played a spectacular knock of 102* off 61 balls, securing the victory with a powerful boundary to complete his century. The opener was unstoppable, showcasing his signature leg-side strikes that saw him clear the ropes multiple times despite battling cramps late in his innings. Lewis' resilience and precision, alongside Sherfane Rutherford’s unbeaten 50 off 26 balls, ensured the chase was wrapped up within 22 overs, with an over to spare.
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| Evin 5th ODI Hundred after playing his first ODI since 2021 / Getty |
The West Indies batters made their intentions clear from the outset. Brandon King and Shai Hope provided brisk starts, but it was Lewis who stole the show with his explosive strokes, complemented by Rutherford’s aggressive finishing. Sri Lanka’s spinners, including Wanindu Hasaranga, struggled in the wet conditions, and Hasaranga appeared to be nursing a slight injury, limiting his impact.
This thrilling win ends a challenging ODI streak for the West Indies, and despite the series loss, they’ll look to carry this momentum forward. As the two teams part ways, Sri Lanka takes home the series win, but West Indies fans can celebrate a much-needed victory and a record-breaking performance by Lewis.