On October 23, the second ODI of the series between Sri Lanka and the West Indies took place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.
Charith Asalanka, the captain of Sri Lanka, made the right decision at the toss and chose to field first. After defeating the visitors in the first game, Sri Lanka entered the match with a great deal of confidence. In the meantime, the game was delayed by the rain gods and was ultimately cut short to forty-four overs.
The West Indies’ innings started off badly as openers Brandon King and Alick Athanaze put up just one and sixteen, leaving the team reeling at 17/2. The visitors quickly lost their top order, and skipper Shai Hope also walked back quickly. Keacy Carty was also sent back cheaply.
However, Sherfane Rutherford gave the Caribbean team some hope by smashing 80 off 82, studded with seven fours and four sixes. Nevertheless, the tourists continued to lose wickets on a regular basis; without even hitting double figures, Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Hayden Walsh, and Alzarri Joseph all walked back to the dressing room.
Sri Lanka would have wanted to finish the tail soon after West Indies was reduced to 58/8. To keep the team in the game, Rutherford and Gudakesh Motie (50*) stitched a record 119-run partnership for the ninth wicket, raising the total to 189 runs in 36 overs.
Wanindu Hasaranga was the ball’s wrecker-in-chief for Sri Lanka, taking four vital wickets. With three wickets apiece, Maheesh Theekshana and Asitha Fernando also contributed.
Sri Lanka lost opener Avishka Fernando (9) and Kusal Mendis (3) cheaply, which prevented them from getting off to the best start in the chase. Later, Sadeera Samarawickrama and opener Nishan Madushka formed a 62-run partnership to stabilise the swaying ship. Each batter left the game with a score of 38.
With five wickets and 34 balls remaining, captain Asalanka took it upon himself to lead his team across the finish line. The southpaw hammered an undefeated 62 and had a crucial 55-run stand with Janith Liyanage for the fifth wicket.
Also Read: Twitter Reactions: Nishan Madushka and Charith Asalanka reign supreme as Sri Lanka defeat West Indies in 1st ODI
Sri Lanka now leads the series 2-0 after the victory. On October 26, the visitors will play the third and last game of the series in an attempt to preserve their honour.
Here’s how ‘X’ reacted to Sri Lanka’s win:
Sri Lanka under Sanath Jayasuriya:
Won the ODI series vs India
Won the Test vs England in England
Won the Test series vs New Zealand
Won the T20I series vs West Indies
Won the ODI series vs West Indies#SLvsWI #Cricket #sanathjayasuriya pic.twitter.com/miGX2e4V5t
— Waheed Malik (@waheed__malik) October 23, 2024
Back-to-back chases for Sri Lanka as they seal the ODI series 2-0
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-Another series win for Sri Lanka— Kashif (@cricupdatesonX) October 23, 2024
Another series win under Sanath Jayasuriya for Sri Lanka.
pic.twitter.com/BZ3gV4v3Ga
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 23, 2024
Redemption of Sri Lanka
— Adheera
(@AdheeraV3) October 23, 2024
That’s awesome news! Sanath Jayasuriya is definitely leading Sri Lanka to some great victories. Keep up the good work!
— Nithish Kalyaan (@nithishjackson) October 23, 2024
That’s awesome news! Sanath Jayasuriya is definitely leading Sri Lanka to some great victories. Keep up the good work!
— Nithish Kalyaan (@nithishjackson) October 23, 2024
Another series win under Sanath Jayasuriya for Sri Lanka.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 23, 2024
Sri Lanka Cricket is moving upwards !!! Excellent Performance last 3-4 months pic.twitter.com/bboi8SjEyt
— Sudhir Badola | सुधीर बडोला (@sudhirbadola12) October 23, 2024
Another series win under Sanath Jayasuriya for Sri Lanka.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 23, 2024
Sanath jaysurya after appointnted as SL coach: pic.twitter.com/kWYh4W9jLh
— gk singh (@gksingh264) October 23, 2024
Another series win under Sanath Jayasuriya for Sri Lanka.
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) October 23, 2024
They’ll become 2011 Lankan lions
— Nikhil kommu (@Nikhil48693484) October 23, 2024
India
