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That is it from an entertaining ODI leg, Sri Lanka have dominated this. Time to move onto the shortest format of the game. The 2-match T20I series starts on Wednesday, 4th March. The first game will be played at Pallekele. That game begins at 1900 local (1330 GMT). Join us for that one. Till then, take care!

Dimuth Karunaratne, the Sri Lankan skipper, credits Angelo Mathews and Wanindu Hasaranga for bowling well and adds that the team worked well together. Says that he feels that everyone did the right things, all the batters, fast bowlers, spinners. Credits Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis for their wonderful innings in the second ODI while also heaping praise on Angelo Mathews who has been outstanding. Karunaratne says that they have never seen Mathews like that and says that even though he is the eldest member of the team, he is someone who is very energetic on the field. Ends by thanking the crowd for their support.

West Indies skipper, Kieron Pollard says that it is disappointing to finish on the wrong side. Tells they fell short and had it been 280-290 it would have been a different story. Credits the batters for their efforts and says it is a group thing for them. Tells there should be consistency and they were inconsistent in terms of taking pace of the ball. Tells that they are looking for the T20Is and hopes they can come out and show the intent as they have a few guys coming in for that series who have played T20 cricket in different parts of the world.

PLAYER OF THE SERIES was a tough call but in the end it is WANINDU HASARANGA. The leggie says he is extremely happy and will continue working hard for his country. On his leg spin bowling, Hasaranga says that he is adjusting his pace and trying to bowl variations. On his thoughts of playing Test cricket, Hasaranga says he would love to play that format.

ANGELO MATHEWS IS THE PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his fantastic bowling performance. Mathews starts by saying that he had a horrible series with the bat. Adds that as soon as he knew Nuwan Pradeep was injured, he prepared himself knowing he will have to bowl a few extra overs. Adds that his experience of playing in T20 leagues around the world helped him in the death overs.

Isuru Udana is down for a quick chat. He starts by saying that it was a very close match. Adds that the wicket was a bit on the slower side, and after scoring over 300, they were confident that they would defend it. Mentions that Pollard did well and his wicket was crucial. On his death bowling, Udana says that his plan is to bowl wide as the batters are moving a lot in their crease. Ends by saying that this is a much-needed series win and the whole team is very happy with this clean sweep. Stay tuned for the presentation...

The Lankan bowling was good in patches. They struggled initially for wickets but hung in there. The hosts also lost Nuwan Pradeep due to an injury but in a way that brought the best out of Dimuth Karunaratne, the skipper. His bowling changes were shrewd and Angelo Mathews stepped up to show his true class. He finished with a 4-wicket haul and his calm approach helped Sri Lanka in coming up trumps. Earlier in the day, it was a collective batting show by the Islanders to post a total in excess of 300 on the board and their bowlers eventually did just enough to edge out West Indies.

Outstanding game of cricket! It was the battle of nerves towards the end and the Lankan Lions did well to hold theirs. The run chase was going well for West Indies as their openers laid a strong platform with a century partnership. Nicholas Pooran and Kieron Pollard took it forward and the touring team eased into a good position. However, Sri Lanka made a strong comeback after that. The run out of Darren Bravo which also triggered a bit of controversy (related to the usage of DRS for Pollard's lbw) and that spiced up the contest. The dismissal of Kieron Pollard hurt the West Indian chances badly as it was followed by wickets at regular intervals. When Fabian Allen arrived in the middle, the Caribbean boys needed 55 off 28 balls and were under the pump. Allen though decided to give it a shot and started to punish the Lankan bowling. His scintillating cameo brought the equation down to 13 off 6 balls but unfortunately Fabian failed to take his team over the line.

Phew! What an entertaining run chase to close this ODI series! Sri Lanka have achieved the clean sweep but they were given a big scare by Fabian Allen. But let's talk about Angelo Mathews first. It was vintage stuff from the experienced campaigner. He showed once again that he is not done yet and the fire is still burning. The crowd in Kandy is going mad. Their dressing room is pumped up. There is joy writ large on the face of Mickey Arthur. Electric atmosphere. Wins like these lift the morale of the team immensely. Handshakes all around. The Lankan players are smiling and now exchanging pleasantries with the West Indian players.

49.6

.

Excellent last ball and final over from Mathews. Full and slow outside off, Alzarri throws his bat at it but cannot connect. SRI LANKA WIN BY 6 RUNS!

49.5

1

Full on off and middle, Cottrell flicks it and takes a single. West Indies cannot win this but a six can see them tie this game.

49.4

.

Another dot and this should be it. Fuller outside off, Sheldon swings at it with everything behind it. Had he connected then it would have cleared the park but unfortunately he does not.

49.4

1wd

WIDE! Smart play by Cottrell. Slower delivery wide outside off, Sheldon thinks about playing it but sees it is outside the tramline so he leaves it. Wided by the umpire.

49.3

.

Swing and a miss. Good length delivery outside off, Angelo once again rolls his fingers on it. Cottrell swings but connects with thin air.

Sheldon Cottrell is the last man in for West Indies. Can he pull off a miracle for the visitors?

49.2

W

OUT! Allen holes out! This should be the end of the run chase as the dangerous Allen is out of here. Full on off, Allen heaves it on the leg side, the ball goes very high in the air but this is not a small ground. It goes straight to deep mid-wicket. Kusal Mendis there does not lose the sight of the ball and takes a good catch inside the rope. Mathews has the last laugh and would you believe it, he has a 4-fer. 9 needed off 4 balls now.

49.1

4

FOUR! Perfect start to the over. 9 needed off 5 now. Good length ball outside off, Allen punches it over extra cover for a boundary.

13 needed off the final over. Angelo Mathews to bowl it with Fabian Allen on strike.

48.6

.

Full toss on middle and leg, Joseph swings at it but only gets it to deep square leg. Allen does not take a run.

48.5

1

On middle, Allen flicks it to the leg side and takes a single. Free Hit delivery for Alzarri. He has the freedom to do whatever he wants.

Alzarri Joseph is the new man in. He was receiving instructions from Kieron Pollard as he was coming out of the dressing room. West Indies need 14 runs off 8 balls. Can the Windies pull it off?

48.4

W

OUT! Run out! Fuller on off, Allen hits it wide of long off and calls for two straightaway. Wanindu Hasaranga gets to the ball quickly and sends a decent throw to the bowler's end. Thisara collects it and dislodges the bails. Once again the T.V. umpire is called for and once again the batter is found short of his crease. Chase walks back without even facing a ball.

Run out appeal again! This time Roston Chase is the man in question. He too has gone for the double to put Allen back on strike. Replays come in and confirm that Chase is well short.

48.3

6

SIX! Allen has demolished it. Full on off, Allen smokes it over long off and sends it over the ropes. Much-needed for the tourists.

Roston Chase is the new man in.

48.2

W

OUT! Run out! Walsh's dive is not enough to save him but Allen will be on strike. Low full toss on middle and off, Allen hits it to the left of long off. Allen wants to keep the strike so he calls for two straightaway. Substitute, Dasun Shanaka gets to the ball quickly and sends a very good throw at the bowler's end. Thisara Perera whips the bails off as Allen puts in the dive. The umpire goes to the T.V. umpire and replays show Walsh is just short.

Run out appeal! Hayden Walsh is the man in question. Replays roll in and confirm that Walsh has to walk back.

48.1

1

Very full and wide outside off, Walsh taps it towards covers and gets a single to give the strike to the dangerous Fabian Allen.

Thisara Perera comes on to bowl the penultimate over. 6.3-0-44-0, his figures so far.

47.6

1

Single to end the over. Back of a length ball on off, Walsh pulls it and gets a single. Mathews and Sri Lanka won't mind that. 10 off the over. 23 needed off the last 2.

47.5

.

Swing and a miss. Fuller outside off, Walsh throws his bat but fails to connect.

47.4

1

DROPPED! How crucial will this turn out to be? Good length ball outside off, Allen throws his bat but gets a thick outside edge. Perera dives to his right and gets his gloves on it but he fails to hold on. Single taken.

47.3

6

SIX! Going, going and gone. Full on middle and off, it is once again an off-pace delivery. Allen swings his bat at it and Mendis at long on feels he has a chance. The ball keeps everyone waiting and teasingly it goes over the ropes for a maximum.

47.2

2

Full on off, Allen pulls it towards deep square leg and gets a couple.

Hayden Walsh is the new man in.

47.1

W

OUT! Caught! Holder holes out and once again it is Mathews who has done the damage. Another slower ball and that means another wicket for Mathews. Slower ball bowled on the shorter side of the pitch. Holder looks to pull but misreads the pace of the ball. He ends up hitting it to Kusal Mendis at deep mid-wicket. Perfect start to the over for Sri Lanka, sorry one for West Indies.

46.6

.

Play and a miss. Good length ball outside off, Allen looks to hit but misses. 15 off the over. 33 needed off the last 3 now.

46.5

4

FOUR! Squeezed away. Full and wide outside off, Allen squeezes it through third man and gets a boundary.

46.4

2

Good length ball around off, Allen punches it through covers and gets a couple.

46.3

2

Fuller on off and middle, Allen plays it wide of long on and gets a couple.

46.2

6

SIX! That is some shot from Allen and this match is not over by any stretch of imagination. Full and wide outside off, Allen swings and slams it over covers for a biggie.

46.1

1

Full and wide outside off, Holder shuffles across to his stumps and hits it to long off for a single.

45.6

1

Full ball on middle and off, pushed down to long off for a single. Holder retains strike for the next over.

45.5

1

Good length ball outside off, Allen guides it towards short third man for a single.

45.4

1

Good length ball outside off, Holder looks to push it towards the off side but gets an inside edge on it. The ball goes to the left of the keeper who dives and stops it and the batters steal a single.

45.3

4

FOUR! Pulled away! Back of a length ball on middle, Holder rocks back and slams it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

45.2

W

OUT! CAUGHT! A good catch by Udana and skipper Kieron Pollard has to walk back. Length ball on middle, Pollard looks to pull but gets a top edge on this one. The ball goes high in the air and Udana calls for it. He rushes in from mid on and just about gets under the ball near the pitch as it comes down. Udana pouches the ball diving forward and he has dismissed the West Indian skipper. Fabian Allen will be the man who has come in to replace his skipper.

45.1

4

FOUR! Pollard is onto Mathews straightaway! Length ball outside off, Pollard smashes this ball over covers and the ball goes into the fence on the bounce.

Angelo Mathews is back into the attack. 7-0-32-1, his figures so far.

44.6

1

Full ball on off, Pollard pushes the ball down to long off powerfully and the batters take one. Pollard takes strike for the next over.

44.6

1wd

Wide! Way wide outside off, Pollard looks to get bat on ball but misses again. This is a clear wide delivery and the umpire calls it.

44.5

.

Opportunity missed by Pollard! This time it was a full toss but outside off, right near the tramline. Pollard looks to get bat on ball but misses.

44.4

4

FOUR! Bad ball by Udana and Pollard has punished him rightfully. A full toss near the pads, Pollard just helps it towards square leg in the gap for a boundary.

44.3

1

Udana bowls a slower delivery on the pads, Holder flicks this one towards mid-wicket and bags a single.

44.2

1

Another very full ball this time outside off, Pollard drives it powerfully towards cover but the man there stops it. A single taken though.

44.1

.

Udana bowls a wonderful yorker wide outside off, Pollard looks to get bat on ball but misses.

43.6

1

Shorter on middle and off, Pollard punches it towards long on and keeps the strike.

43.5

.

Floated on off, Pollard blocks it.

Jason Holder is the new man in.

43.4

W

OUT! Run Out! Pollard is lucky to survive but Bravo is not. Coming to this action-packed delivery - The West Indian skipper looks to defend by pressing forward but misses and gets hit on the pads. The Sri Lankan players go up in a huge appeal but the umpire turns it down. The Sri Lankan players think they have their man. The ball meanwhile goes to the leg side. Bravo comes out looking to steal a leg bye but Pollard sends him back. Kusal Perera gets to the ball and sends the throw at the bowler's end where Dimuth Karunaratne whips the bails off. Darren Bravo is found short and is walking off after a brief chat with Pollard. Pollard is then having a word with the umpire and so are the Sri Lankan players. The home team wants to refer the lbw decision as they think they have the back of Pollard. Kieron feels that the time is up to take the DRS. The umpire clears the air and allows them to take the review. Ball Tracker rolls in and it shows that the pitching is in line, the impact is umpire's call and the ball is clipping the leg pole. Sri Lanka don't lose their review but Pollard survives. Time for the T.V. umpire to check Bravo's run out and he is short of his crease.

What has happened here? A huge shout for an lbw goes up which has been turned down by the umpire. Darren Bravo looks for a run but is sent back as Kusal Perera sends the throw at the bowler's end. Karunaratne has broken the stumps and Bravo is caught short of the crease. Hang on, Sri Lanka want to review the lbw shout. Pollard feels that the time is up to do that. The Lankan players are surrounding the official and they have been granted their wish. DRS time! Bravo is almost near the boundary line. Let's watch the replays...

43.3

.

Flighted on off, Pollard blocks it off the front foot.

43.2

.

Tossed up outside off, Pollard looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. There is a stifled appeal but the umpire is not interested. The impact looked to be outside off.

43.1

1

Floated on off, Bravo defends it with soft hands and gets a single.

42.6

4

FOUR! Big over for West Indies. 16 runs from it. Much-needed for the tourists. Good length ball on off, Pollard pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket and gets a boundary. 69 needed in 42 now.

42.6

1wd

WIDE! Bouncer goes wayward. It is too high and way too wide outside off. On the wrong side of the tramline and it has been wided by the umpire.

42.5

6

SIX! Pollard has unleashed one there. Bouncer from Udana. Pollard was expecting it so he goes on his back foot and pulls it over backward square leg for a bouncer.

42.4

1

Length ball outside off, Bravo nudges it towards cover for another run.

42.3

1

Length ball on off, Pollard pulls it towards long on and gets only a single.

42.2

1

Fuller on middle, Darren milks it to long on and gets to the other end.

42.1

2

Good length ball outside off, Darren Bravo punches it wide of cover. The fielder from sweeper cover runs to his left and saves it before the ropes with a dive. Only two taken by the batters as Bravo slipped while going for the second.

41.6

.

Tossed up on off, KP blocks it to get through the over.

41.5

1

Flat and short on off, Bravo nudges it to the off side off his back foot and gets a run.

41.4

1

Darted on the pads, Pollard turns it towards mid-wicket and gets to the other end.

41.3

.

Flighted on off, Pollard defends it off the front foot.

41.2

.

Googly outside off. Pollard looks to defend but misses and gets hit on the pads. There is a stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire. There was an inside edge on it as it is confirmed by replays later on.

41.1

1b

Missed stumping chance. Flighted outside off, Bravo lunges forward and looks to play it on the on side. He misses it and Perera behind the stump fails to gather it as Bravo was out of his crease. The ball goes towards third man and they steal a bye.

40.6

.

Another dot. Superb over from Udana just a single off it. Back of a length delivery outside off, Pollard throws his bat at it but all he connects is with thin air. 88 needed off 54 now.

40.5

.

Brilliant bowling. Isuru is mixing it up really well here. Bouncer followed bu the slower ball. It is outside off, Pollard swings but misses.

40.4

.

Bouncer! It is a well-directed one as well but Pollard ducks under it.

40.3

1

Another slower ball and once again Bravo misreads it. This is full on middle and off, Darren looks to flick but does so uppishly off the inner half of his bat towards square leg for a single.

40.2

.

Clever bowling from Udana. He takes the pace off the ball completely and bowls it slightly fuller outside off, Darren looks to play it on the off side but misses.

40.1

.

Length delivery around off, Bravo strokes it to the right of the point fielder. The fielder there dives and saves runs for his side.

Powerplay 3 has been signaled! Now 5 fielders can be placed outside the ring till the end of the game. Isuru Udana to inaugurate the final Powerplay.

39.6

1

Back of a length again and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

39.5

.

One more slower one on off, Bravo looks to drive but it goes off the outside edge towards short third man.

39.4

.

Good length and on off, this is eased to point.

Darren Bravo walks out to bat.

39.3

W

OUT! Straight to the man! Mathews has got the well-set Pooran! Another twist in this game. It is a slower one around off, Pooran hits it uppishly but straight to the man at covers. Shanaka, the substitute, makes no mistake. Pooran dismisses just after he gets to his fifty. Lanka back in the game. 90 needed in 63.

39.2

1lb

On the pads, the batter looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. It rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

39.1

1

Slower one outside off, Pooran chops it towards the keeper and takes off. The run is completed. He gets to his fifty. Another excellent knock from him but he needs to be there till the end. He knows he needs to get the job done.

38.6

.

Outside off, Pollard goes after it but fails to put bat on ball.

38.5

4

FOUR! A full toss and put away! On the pads, Pollard whips it wide of the square leg fielder and it reaches the fence.

38.4

1

A slower short ball on off, Pooran mistimes it towards square leg for one.

38.3

1

Shorter and outside off, this is mistimed towards mid off for one.

38.2

.

Fuller and around off, it is jammed out to covers.

38.1

4

EDGY FOUR! Shorter in length and outside off, Pollard looks to go big but gets an inside edge and it goes down to the fine leg fence.

37.6

1

A single to end a very good over for the Windies! On off, this is pushed towards mid off for one.

37.5

2

Good running! On the pads, this is worked through mid-wicket. It is in the gap and two runs results.

37.4

.

Good length and on off, this is pushed to mid off.

37.3

4

FOUR! Powered! Mathews bowls it short and that would surely not trouble Pollard at his pace. He hammers the ball through square leg and bags a boundary. 200 up for West Indies.

37.2

1

Shorter one and outside off, Pooran cuts but mistimes it towards point for one.

37.1

.

Length and it is a slower one. Pooran pushes it to covers.

Angelo Mathews is back into the attack!

36.6

.

Good work by the keeper! This is shorter and outside off, Pollard looks to pull but gets an inside edge. It goes to the left of Perera who dives and saves a boundary. So it seems like Pollard is going for it. 110 needed in 78 balls.

36.5

.

Outside off, this is guided towards point.

36.4

2

Pollard comes down the track and Perera bowls it short. It is worked behind square on the leg side for two.

The physio is out to have a look. He is going off now. Thisara Perera is given the ball. He will continue the over.

36.3

1

A slower short ball on middle, it is pulled through mid-wicket for one. Now then, Pradeep is holding his left leg and seems in a lot of pain. Not good. He has six overs left, this could be a match-turning moment.

36.2

.

Very full and on off, Pooran jams it out towards the bowler.

36.1

.

Good length and on off, it is pushed towards mid off.

Nuwan Pradeep is back on!

35.6

.

A dot to end! On off, it stays a touch low. Pollard does well to keep it out. Good over for the Windies. 8 from it.

35.6

5wd

FIVE WIDES! It was mighty close though. It is a googly on leg pole. Pollard had shuffled way too across. He then looks to flick but misses. The keeper fails to collect it and it goes down to the fine leg fence.

35.5

1

A single as this is worked through mid-wicket.

35.4

.

Good fielding! Just what you need when the opposition is under a little pressure. Pooran brings out the reverse sweep. He hits it fine on the off side. The fielder at short third man dives and saves it.

35.3

.

Flatter and on off, it is pushed towards covers.

35.2

2b

Missed stumping? Very harsh to say that! This is tossed up on leg pole. Pooran looks to force it through the off side but it turns back viciously. Perera has no chance and it goes down towards fine leg for two. Byes signaled.

35.1

.

Very full and on off, it is hit to mid off.

DRINKS!

34.6

.

Good end to the over! Looks to bowl a yorker but ends up bowling a low full toss. Pollard jams it out. 121 needed in 90.

34.5

.

Well bowled! Just the two runs from the over so far. A slower one on off, it is kept out nicely.

34.4

.

One more bumper! Pollard does not fiddle with it. Second bumper of the over which means he can't bowl anymore above the shoulder in this over.

34.3

.

One more short ball and on middle, Pollard keeps it out.

34.2

.

That is a brute of a delivery! Took off from nowehere. Slightly short and on middle, Pollard looks to fend at it but the ball keeps on rising. In the end, he lets it go over him.

34.1

2

Shorter and on middle, Pollard hops and works it through square leg. Easy two taken.

33.6

.

One more dot! On middle, this is pushed towards mid-wicket. Excellent over.

33.5

.

Another tossed up ball on middle, Pooran keeps it out.

33.4

.

On middle, defended nicely.

33.3

.

Flatter and around off, Pooran goes back to defend but it goes off the outer half towards point.

33.2

.

On off, it is pushed towards covers.

33.1

2

Poor effort in the field! On the pads, it is worked towards short fine leg. The fielder there run to his left, slides but fails to stop it. Two taken. Dhananjaya looks to be in pain now. He is limping at the moment.

Wanindu Hasaranga is back! Sri Lanka sense they need a wicket and they have gone to their main man.

32.6

1

A single to end! On middle, this is pushed down to long on.

32.5

2

Two is the call and they get it easily! Fuller and around off, it is a slower one. Pooran strokes it through covers for two.

32.4

.

A dot! Shorter and outside off, it is cut to point.

32.3

1

On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

32.2

2

On the body, Pollard works it fine on the leg side and takes two.

32.1

1

Shorter and on middle, this is pushed down to long on for one.

31.6

.

One more dot! On the pads, it is worked towards short fine leg.

31.5

.

On middle, Pollard works it to mid-wicket.

31.4

1

Shorter and on off, this is pushed down to long on for one.

31.3

.

Risky shot! That came in with the angle from outside off, Pooran cuts it off the off pole to point.

31.2

1

On the pads, this is worked through square leg for one.

31.1

1

Just wide! Almost another! This is tossed up on off, Pooran drives it uppishly but just wide of the cover fielder and down to long off for one.

30.6

2

Pollard gets off the mark! This is worked of his hips through square leg. They take one and go for the second. Complete it with ease. A successful over from Udana.

30.5

.

One more short ball, it is angling away from off. Pollard evades it. Very good bowling from Udana.

30.4

.

A sharp short ball on off, Pollard watches it go through to the keeper.

Kieron Pollard has promoted himself up the order. The skipper has decided to take the responsibility on himself.

30.3

W

OUT! In the air... taken! Excellent bowling change from the Lankan skipper. They needed a wicket and Udana provides it. A lovely slower one on middle, Hope is a touch early in his flick shot. Maybe the ball just came off slow from the surface and hence, the leading edge was taken. It lobs towards short mid-wicket where Mendis takes a dolly. A good innings from Hope comes to an end. Is this the opening Sri Lanka needed?

30.2

1

On middle, this is hit down to long on for an easy run.

30.1

1

On middle, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Isuru Udana comes back into the attack!

29.6

.

A dot to end! Slower through the air and on off, Pooran pushes it to the right of de Silva who dives and stops it.

29.5

1

Another single as this is stroked down to long on.

29.4

1

This is punched down to long off for one.

29.3

.

One more ball on off, Pooran pushes it to covers.

29.2

1

This is worked with the turn through square leg for one.

29.1

.

On middle, kept out.

28.6

1

Another single to end as this is worked down to long on.

28.5

1

Shorter and around off, this is pushed back past the bowler and down to long on for one.

28.4

.

On off, Pooran guides it to point.

28.3

2

Nicely played! On the pads, this is swept behind square on the leg side for a couple.

28.2

1

A low full toss, this is carved out towards deep point for one.

28.1

.

Floats it up on off, Hope strokes it to covers.

27.6

.

On off, Pooran drops it towards cover and sets off. He is sent back by his partner.

27.5

.

Fired on the pads, it is worked to mid-wicket.

27.4

.

Flatter and around off, Pooran goes back and pushes it to covers.

27.3

1

One more single as this is nudged around the corner.

27.2

1

Slower through the air around off, it is pushed through covers for one.

27.1

1

On off, this is worked through square leg for one.

26.6

6

SIX! That is huge! Right in the zone for Pooran. Full and on off, Pooran tonks it over the mid off fielder and it goes all the way. Huge hit that and one which releases the pressure that was building.

26.5

.

The googly, Pooran picks it this time and pushes it to mid off.

26.4

1

Slightly shorter in length, this is whipped down to long on for one.

26.3

1

On middle, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

26.2

1

Gets this one to drift in nicely from off. Hope eases it down to long on for one. 150 up for the Windies.

26.1

1

Shot! Just for one though! Outside off, this is eased through covers for one.

25.6

.

One more brilliant over comes to an end! The last ball is worked towards square leg.

25.5

.

On middle, this is pushed back to the bowler.

25.4

.

Soft leading edge! On middle and angling away. Hope looks to work it against the angle but gets a soft leading edge towards covers.

25.3

1

A single now as this is eased down to long off.

25.2

.

Extra bounce now! Shorter and around off, Pooran looks to cut but then due to the extra bounce, he guides it to point.

25.1

.

That stays a touch low! On middle, Pooran gets his bat down in time and works it to mid-wicket.

24.6

.

Three dots in a row! Back-to-back good overs for Sri Lanka. On off, this is hit back hard towards the bowler who dives to his left and stops it. 161 needed in 150 balls.

24.5

.

One more dot as this is pushed back to the bowler.

24.4

.

On off, kept out.

24.3

1

In the air... safe! Tossed up on middle, Pooran looks to go straight but it goes off the outer half towards deep point for one.

24.2

.

Flatter and around off, this is pushed towards cover.

24.1

1

Fuller and on middle, this is pushed down to long off for one.

23.6

1

A single to end a tidy over from Dhananjaya. On middle, this is worked down to long on for one.

23.5

.

Flats it up on off, Hope pushes it back to the bowler.

23.4

.

On middle, kept out.

23.3

.

One the pads, this is worked behind square on the leg side. The batters think of a run but then bail out.

23.2

1

Just over! Flatter and on middle, Pooran hits it over the bowler's head and down to long on for one.

23.1

1

Flatter and on middle, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Dhananjaya de Silva is on now!

22.6

1

A little too full again, this is pushed down to long on for one.

22.5

.

Flatter and around off, kept out.

22.4

1

On middle, Pooran works it through mid-wicket for one.

22.3

1

Very full and on middle, it is hit down to long on for one.

22.2

.

Flatter and on off, it is pushed to the left of Hasaranga who dives and stops it.

22.1

.

A huge shout but nothing! Hope comes down the track and looks to flick. He misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal but the umpire shakes his head. Going down leg.

21.6

4

FOUR MORE! Pooran looks in his elements! This time it is a little too full. Pooran says thank you very much and punishes Sandakan through covers. The change of ends does not work for Sandakan. Another expensive over from him.

21.5

4

FOUR! Up and over! Brilliant shot! Used his feet and picked his spot to perfection. Pooran steps out and gets to the pitch of it. Saw mid on is in the ring so clears that fielder with ease.

21.4

1

On the bounce! Heart in the mouth moment for Hope there. He comes down the track and looks to go big but does not time it that well. It lands well short of long on. A single.

21.4

1wd

WIDE! Slips this one down the leg side. Hope looks to sweep but misses.

21.3

1

A lot of air given. It lands outside off. The batter hits it through covers and takes one.

21.2

1

Hope comes down the track and chips it towards long on for one.

21.1

1

Full and outside off, this is hit through covers for one.

Lakshan Sandakan is back on! Change of ends for him.

20.6

.

On off, kept out.

20.5

1

A single now as this is worked through mid-wicket. Good batting.

20.4

4

FOUR! Crunched! Fuller and around off, Pooran hammers it through covers and it races away to the fence. So the wicket did fall but the runs continue to flow.

20.3

.

BEAUTY! The googly, it is on off, Pooran fails to pick it. It turns away, in the end, Pooran lets it be.

20.2

.

On the pads, it is worked towards mid-wicket.

20.1

2

Outside off, Pooran drives it through covers and takes two.

19.6

.

The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot.

19.5

4

FOUR! Finds the gap this time! Short and outside off, Hope thumps it through the covers and finds the boundary. 189 more needed from 181 balls.

19.4

2

Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a couple.

19.3

.

Outside off, punched straight to cover.

19.2

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

19.1

1

Flicks this through mid-wicket for a single.

18.6

1

Works this through the leg side for a single.

18.5

.

Another googly, outside off, Pooran lunges but misses. Kusal Perera whips the bails off and appeals for a stumping but it is not referred upstairs.

18.4

.

Full toss, on middle, pushed back to the bowler.

Nicholas Pooran walks in at number 3, replacing Ambris.

18.3

W

OUT! BOWLED! Foxed by the googly. It has taken 111 balls but Sri Lanka have their first breakthrough. The wrong 'un, outside off, Ambris goes back and looks to punch it through the off side. Misses, as the ball spins back in sharply, going between bat and pad to hit the timber. Nelson strikes. But Ambris has done his job. Can the rest build on this platform? 197 more needed from 189 balls.

18.2

1

HALF CENTURY FOR HOPE. Calm and sedate, as usual. Can he double this now? Full and outside off, Hope leans and drives it through the covers for a single.

18.1

.

Full and outside off, nice flight, watchfully played towards short mid-wicket.

Wanindu Hasaranga into action now. The reason the leggie was not introduced earlier was that he was off the field for a while. So he could not bowl till that time was elapsed after return.

17.6

1

On middle and leg, worked through mid-wicket. The call is for two but they get only a single. The stand is now worth 110 from 108 balls.

17.5

.

Outside off, pushed straight to cover.

17.4

1

On middle, chipped down to long on for another single. 199 more needed from 194 balls. Ambris moves to 60 from 59 deliveries.

17.3

1

A length ball outside off, punched through the covers for one.

17.2

1

A touch short, helped through mid-wicket for a run.

17.1

1

Full and around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.

DRINKS BREAK. This is some start from the visitors. They have handled pace quite well while Sandakan's 2 overs of spin have been costly for the Lankans. Is there dew on offer? Or too early to say? Ambris' counter-attack means that Hope is being allowed to take his time. But even then, his strike rate is decent. He is smartly churning the strike over and let his partner do all the talking. Sri Lanka would believe it is matter of one wicket, before the floodgates open.

16.6

1

Full on middle, Hope comes down the track and pushes it towards long on for one more.

16.5

2

Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a couple.

16.4

1

Full and down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for another single.

16.3

1

Outside off, punched down to long off for one.

16.2

1

100-RUN OPENING STAND UP! This is a sensational beginning from West Indies. They have nearly got through one-third of the target without losing any wicket. Full on middle, Ambris comes down the track and thumps it over the leaping bowler towards long on for a run.

16.1

1

Full on middle, Hope comes down the track and hits it to long on for a single.

15.6

.

The batsman gets an inside edge and the ball hits him on the pads.

15.5

4

FOUR! Clears mid off. Full and outside off, Ambris comes down the track, looks to go over mid off, mistimes it but has enough to clear the fielder.

15.4

.

Comes down the track and hammers this but hits the stumps at the other end. Luckily for West Indies, Mathews does not get any hand to it. Hope was well out of his crease. The ball deflects towards cover.

15.3

.

Outside off, Ambris looks to punch it through the leg side but gets a thick inside edge past the stumps towards short fine leg.

15.2

1

On middle, punched down to long on for a run.

15.1

1

Comes down the track and chips it towards long on for a single.

14.6

1

Full and down the leg side, flicked towards fine leg to make it 11 off spin's first over.

14.5

4

FOUR! JUST OVER! Half century for Ambris but his heart would have been in his mouth. Full and outside off, Ambris comes down the track and looks to go over mid off. Mistimes it but just about clears the leaping fielder. The stand moves to 91 from 89 balls while West Indies need 217 from 211 deliveries.

14.4

1

Another wrong 'un, outside off, cut through the covers for a run. Hope moves to 40 from 40 balls.

14.3

1

The googly again, this stays low, worked nicely through mid-wicket for a single.

14.2

4

FOUR! Welcome, welcome, mate! Albeit a ball later. Full and outside off, Ambris gets his dancing shoes on and lofts it over mid off for a boundary!

14.1

.

The googly, first up, punched straight to cover.

We are about to see the introduction of spin. The left-arm chinaman of Lakshan Sandakan it will be, first up.

13.6

.

Outside off, punched off the back foot. Brilliant from Mathews.

13.5

.

Around off, watchfully defended.

13.4

1

Flicks this through the mid-wicket region for a single.

13.3

.

Comes down the track but is cramped for room and defends.

13.2

.

Full and outside off, chipped over the bowler, just out of reach of his left hand. Mid off mops it up.

13.1

.

Outside off, punched off the back foot.

12.6

1

Yorker length around off, whipped towards long on for one more. The stand moves to 80 from 78 balls, while Ambris touches 40 from 41 deliveries.

12.5

2

Short and wide outside off, Sunil jumps and then slaps it over cover. Sweeper cuts it off to his left. Two runs taken. 229 more needed from 223 balls.

12.4

.

Full and around off, pushed towards mid on.

12.3

4

FOUR! Badly lined. Down the leg side, short in length, Ambris swivels and pulls it to the fine leg fence.

12.2

1

Outside off, driven through the covers for a run.

12.1

1

A short ball, around off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.

11.6

.

Outside off, Hope looks to cut but misses. Grunts in frustration.

11.5

1

Very full, outside off, a hat-trick of punches down to long on for a single.

11.4

1

Fuller, outside off, punched down to long on again for a run. The stand moves to 70 from as many deliveries.

11.3

1

Back of a length now, punched down to long on for a single. 239 more needed from 231 balls.

11.2

.

On a length, this time Sunil waits for the ball to arrive and punches it towards short mid-wicket.

11.1

.

Ooohhh.... full and around off, Ambris straightaway looks to attack Mathews but is early into the shot. Gets a thick inside edge onto his pads.

Angelo Mathews to bowl now.

10.6

1

Works this through mid-wicket for a run.

10.5

.

Full and around off, no pace to work with, Ambris looks to drive through the covers but mistimes it back to the bowler.

10.4

1

Works this through the leg side for one.

10.3

1

Punches this through the covers for a run.

10.2

1

Outside off, played through point for a single.

10.1

.

Full and outside off, driven straight to cover.

POWERPLAY 2 time. 4 fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle till the 40th over.

9.6

4

FOUR! Terrific way to end Powerplay 1! A length ball, around middle, Ambris lofts this straight back over the bowler and gets a boundary! Replays suggest that he might have been looking to go over long on but played a touch early. Even-stevens after PP1. Sri Lanka were 60/0, West Indies are 64/0. 244 more needed from 240 balls.

9.5

1

Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.

9.4

.

A length ball, around off, Shai punches this to the off side.

9.3

.

This one holds off the deck, from a length, Shai pushes this back to the bowler.

9.2

4

FOUR! This will run away. A length ball, around middle, Hope uses his wrists and turns it behind square on the leg side. No soul there. 249 more needed from 244 balls.

9.1

.

Full and outside off, Hope drives this through the covers but Avishka Fernando throws himself to his left to stop the ball.

8.6

.

A slower ball again, outside off, on a length, SA looks to pull but the ball shoots low beneath his bat. Great comeback by Udana. 10 from his first 3 balls, none from his last 3.

8.5

.

On middle and leg, flicked straight to short mid-wicket.

8.4

.

A slower ball, outside off, Sunil swings wildly this time and misses.

8.3

6

SIX! Clean strike. Nice way to bring up the 50-run stand. A length ball, on middle, Ambris lofts this nonchalantly and clears long on!

8.2

2

Swings this over mid-wicket for another brace.

8.1

2

Full on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a couple.

Here is the first bowling change. Isuru Udana into the attack.

7.6

1

This one swings in the air, comes back into the right-hander but Ambris adjusts well to flick it through square leg for a run.

7.5

.

Outside off, punched off the back foot.

7.4

.

On middle and leg, Ambris tucks it towards mid-wicket. Calls for a single but then changes his mind. Hope has to rush back.

7.3

.

Around off, watchfully defended.

7.2

1

Full and around middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single.

7.1

1lb

A length ball, down the leg side, Ambris looks to flick but misses. The ball goes off his thigh pads towards fine leg. A leg bye taken.

6.6

.

Outside off, on a length, Hope flays but misses.

6.5

2

Works this through mid-wicket for a couple this time.

6.4

1

A short ball, pulled through square leg for a single.

6.3

.

Full and around off, watchfully defended.

6.2

.

A short ball, around off, Ambris looks to pull but misses and is hit on the body.

6.1

4

FOUR! Just over! A length ball, on middle, Ambris flicks this uppishly and just about clears short mid-wicket.

5.6

4

FOUR! BELLIGERENT! Nothing edgy about this one. Full and outside off, Hope leans and drives this through the covers! 10 from the over.

5.5

4

FOUR! EDGED AWAY! Full and outside off, swinging away, Hope looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge which flies through the vacant slip cordon to the third man fence.

5.4

1

Full and outside off, pushed through mid off for a quick single.

5.3

.

Full and outside off, defended watchfully.

5.2

1

Outside off, punched off the back foot for a single this time.

5.1

.

Outside off, punched straight to cover.

4.6

2

Flicks this uppishly, but there is no square leg in the circle. A couple to the man in the deep.

4.5

.

Full on middle, pushed straight to mid on.

4.4

1

Works this through mid-wicket for a single.

4.3

2

Dropped short, pulled through mid-wicket for a couple.

4.2

4

FOUR! BANG! Hope is starting to change gears now. A length ball, on middle, Hope comes down the track and blasts it over the non-striker, down the ground through mid on!

4.1

.

Outside off, punched straight to cover.

3.6

.

Outside off, a flay and a miss.

3.5

1

Outside off, punched through the covers for a quick single.

3.4

4

FOUR! MAJESTIC! This is where Shai Hope is at his best. When he does not look to go too hard. Full on middle, Hope whips it through mid-wicket but crucially, does not overhit it. The timing does the rest.

3.3

2

First signs of aggression. Full and outside off, Hope looks to go over the top, gets more height than distance but manages to clear mid off running back. Two runs taken.

3.2

.

Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off.

3.1

2

On a length outside off, biting off the deck, turned towards square leg for a couple.

2.6

.

Lands it on a length and close to off, Ambris does well to push it out safely to short cover.

2.5

2

Fullish and straight, it's clipped through the gap at mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

2.4

.

Angles in a length ball on middle, Ambris defends it off his front foot to the leg side.

2.3

2

Fine stop in the deep by Thisara Perera! Fuller length ball on middle, Ambris brings his bat down just in time as he tickles it towards fine leg. Thisara makes a diving stop and saves two runs.

2.2

1

Slightly short in length and around off, Shai pushes it with gentle hands towards mid off and pinches a single.

2.1

.

Lands it on a length and outside off, Hope punches it from the back foot to covers.

1.6

.

Fullish and on off, Ambris closes the face and helps it to short mid-wicket. Good over, good accuracy by Perera.

1.5

.

This one cuts back into the batsman from a fuller length outside off, a touch on the slower side too, Ambris keeps it out from the inner half of his bat to mid-wicket.

1.4

.

Full in length and outside off, Ambris strides forward and defends it to the off side.

1.3

1

Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. They pick up a single.

1.2

.

Beaten! Lovely seam presentation from Thisara. He delivers it on a length close to off, Hope tries to defend but it nips away a shade to beat the outside edge.

1.1

1

West Indies are away! A length ball is angled into the batsman, Ambris nudges it behind square leg for a run.

Thisara Perera to operate with the second new ball.

0.6

.

Shortish and on off, Shai mishits it back from the inner portion of his blade. Just like the Lankan innings with the bat, West Indies also begin by playing out a maiden.

0.5

.

Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

0.4

.

Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. No run.

0.3

.

Back of a length delivery close to off, Hope punches it with good timing but finds mid off.

0.2

.

A little bit of width outside off, Hope reaches out and plays it down to point.

0.1

.

Starts with a good length ball on middle, Hope gets behind the line and pushes it down to mid on.

Back for the run chase! Shai Hope and Sunil Ambris are the openers for West Indies. Nuwan Pradeep to bowl the first over...

Right then, the target for West Indies is 308 to avoid the ignominy of a clean sweep. It's going to be a daunting task for them on this pitch against the Lankan spinners. How will they fare against the tweakers? Do join us in a short while to find out.

West Indies blew hot and cold with their bowling efforts. They weren't consistent enough with their lines and lengths and served too many boundary deliveries. On a surface which was on the slower side and assisting the spinners, it was very odd to see Hayden Walsh bowling just three overs. Alzarri Joseph had yet another good outing with the ball and finished with a 4-wicket haul which has taken his tally to 10 wickets in this series.

A strong finish by Sri Lanka! They have posted a very challenging total on a treacherous pitch. Opting to bat, the Lankan openers provided a steady start in Powerplay 1 but in the next 10 overs, West Indies pulled things back by picking a couple of wickets. The pair of Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera then got into the act and built an 89-run partnership. Towards the end, Thisara Perera and Dhananjaya de Silva's stand provided the impetus as the home team zoomed their final total past the 300-run mark.

Dhananjaya de Silva is caught for a quick interview. Says that he is happy with his knock which has come after a long time. Adds that he has been in good form from the Pakistan series. Feels it's a good score on this pitch which is on the slower side. He is banking on the spinners on this deck and mentions that bowling well in Powerplay 1 will be the key. States that bowling slow on this pitch will help their cause.

49.6

W

OUT! A wicket off the final ball. A low full toss on off, Udana aims to go downtown and clear long off but his shot has more elevation than distance. Pollard in the deep takes it very calmly. SRI LANKA ARE ALL OUT FOR 307!

49.6

1wd

Wide! Holder will have to bowl it again. Full and way wide outside off, Udana swishes and misses.

Nuwan Pradeep is the new batsman.

49.5

W

OUT! Sandakan is run out! Short in length around off, Lakshan swings his bat but misses. They attempt to steal a bye and the keeper has tossed the ball towards the bowler. Holder collects it and breaks the stumps as Sandakan tries to get in. They appeal, it's referred upstairs and Sandakan is found short in the replays.

Run out appeal at the non-striker's end. It's referred upstairs...

Lakshan Sandakan is in next.

49.4

W

OUT! Stumps shattered! Once again Hasaranga makes an early move inside the crease as he shuffles across the stumps. This time Holder holds his nerves and serves a yorker in the line of the stumps. Hasaranga swings and misses to find his stumps rattled. A bright little cameo by him.

49.3

4

FOUR! Smart batting! Short in length and outside off, Hasaranga stands tall and powers it over mid off for a boundary.

49.2

6

SIX! What a clinical hit! Hasaranga shows his range. He jumps across the stumps and Holder decides to deliver a full ball outside off, Wanindu finds it in his zone and launches it over backward square leg. 300 up for Sri Lanka!

49.1

1

A low full toss on off, Udana lofts it towards covers for a single.

Jason Holder to bowl the final over.

48.6

1

Another short ball around off, this time Udana connects and sends his pull shot to deep mid-wicket. A single to end the over, excellent one by Alzarri. 10-0-65-4 are his superb figures!

48.5

.

Short and around off, Udana tries to pull but misses.

48.4

1

A yorker on middle, it's squeezed down through mid on for a run.

Isuru Udana is the new batsman.

48.3

W

OUT! Thisara departs! Joseph takes his fourth wicket. Serves a slower full ball outside off, Perera goes hard at it but fails to find the middle of his bat. It flies towards covers and Rovman Powell (sub) takes the skier safely.

48.2

.

Slower one, full and around off, Perera drills his drive but fails to beat the diving effort of the extra cover fielder. Dot.

48.2

1wd

Wide called for height! Joseph digs in a bouncer but it goes well over the head of the batsman.

Long off comes up...

48.1

1

Fullish and around leg, Hasaranga heaves it off the inner half of his bat to deep mid-wicket. Just a run. Not the worst result with Perera coming back on strike.

47.6

1

It's been driven superbly through the covers. They pick up a single. 10-1-58-1, Cottrell has bowled out!

47.5

1

Another slower one, on the pads, Perera turns and glances it aerially towards square leg for a run.

47.4

2

Perera picks it up off his pads and lofts it over mid-wicket for a brace.

47.3

1

Slower one on a length around off, Wanindu eases it to extra cover for a single.

47.2

1

Too full in length on middle, Perera goes hard at it and forces it down to long on for a run.

47.1

1

Angling into the batsman around off, Hasaranga pushes it to extra cover for a run.

Sheldon Cottrell is back on.

46.6

4

FOUR! Hammered away! Perera showing his raw power there. Joseph delivers it full and outside off, Thisara hangs back and drills it towards wide long off for a boundary.

46.5

1

Driven through mid on by the batsman. They pick up a single.

46.4

1

On the pads, nudged to short fine leg for one.

Wanindu Hasaranga is the new batsman.

46.3

W

OUT! Dhananjaya holes out but he has done his job! Another slower delivery by Joseph and he has managed to deceive the batsman. He slants in a fuller length ball on middle, de Silva tries to heave it into the stand at mid-wicket but doesn't get his shot away from the middle of the bat. It flies off the inside half and Kieron Pollard takes the simplest of catches at deep mid-wicket.

46.2

.

Play and a miss! Slower delivery, Dhananjaya tries to be innovative with an attempted scoop over short third man but gets beaten.

46.1

1

Shortish and on middle, whipped to deep mid-wicket for a run.

45.6

4

FOUR! Fifty for Dhananjaya de Silva, his 5th in ODIs! Lovely wristwork. Fullish ball on middle and off, de Silva gets across and flicks it fabulously behind square leg for a boundary. Raises his bat to acknowledge the vocal crowd.

45.5

1

Dropped? Back of a length delivery outside off, slower in pace, Thisara goes hard at it but it goes high on his bat. He mishits it in the air towards extra cover as Bravo runs behind it. Tries to catch it but the ball falls away from him. One run added to the total.

45.4

1

Yorker on middle, de Silva digs it out to cover-point and takes a run.

45.3

2

Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. Two runs added to the total.

45.2

.

Play and a miss! Holder digs in a short ball close to off, de Silva tries to play the ramp shot but fails to connect.

45.1

1

A low full toss on off, Thisara forces it to sweeper cover for a run.

44.6

1

Driven towards the mid off region. The batsmen have run through for a single.

44.5

2

NOT OUT! Dive has saved Thisara Perera. Shortish ball around middle, Perera drags his pull shot down to long on. Pollard fumbles slightly in the deep and they set off for the second run. The throw arrives to the keeper who breaks the stumps and appeals as Thisara dives in. It's referred upstairs and Perera is found to be safe in the replays.

Appeal for a run out, referred upstairs...

44.4

1

A length delivery outside off, slower in pace, de Silva lofts it over covers for one.

44.3

2

Shortish and on middle, de Silva turns and pulls it behind square leg for a couple of runs. 50-run stand comes up!

44.2

4

FOUR! Superb awareness! Mid off is up and de Silva knows it. Cottrell delivers it full around off and Dhananjaya pumps it over the infield for a boundary.

44.1

1

Shortish and on middle, Perera picks it early and swings it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Sheldon Cottrell (8-1-40-1) is back into the attack.

43.6

.

Dot to finish the over. Good length delivery outside off, slower in pace, Dhananjaya shuffles across the stumps for the paddle scoop but is beaten due to the lack of pace.

43.5

2

Superbly done! Dhananjaya hangs inside the crease and deflects a length ball at the last second to third man. A good stop in the deep to save two runs. Pollard claps!

43.4

1

Fractionally short in length on middle, Thisara pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

43.3

4

FOUR! Lucky boundary! Pollard offers width outside off, Perera tries to spank it through covers but it flies off the genuine outside edge and races away to the third man fence.

43.2

.

Smart bowling. Pollard sees the batsman moving back to make room and hurls a fuller length ball close to the tramline outside off. Thisara tries to reach out but misses.

43.1

2

Slower length ball around off, Perera smashes it over point and comes back for the second run. Pollard is unhappy with the fielder.

Kieron Pollard (6-0-27-1) brings himself back into the attack.

42.6

1

Shortish around leg again, Perera gloves it wide of the keeper and retains strike with a run.

42.6

1wd

Wide! Short and down the leg side, Perera tries to get some bat behind it but misses.

42.5

1

Uppish but safe! Off cutter on a fuller length outside off, Dhananjaya attempts for an inside-out but it takes the toe end of his bat and flies towards extra cover. Falls safely and they cross.

42.4

.

Short around off, jumping onto the batsman, de Silva hits it back to the bowler from the bottom half of his bat.

42.3

2

Angling down the leg side, de Silva nudges it to fine leg for two.

42.2

4

FOUR! Bang! Joseph lets out a slower delivery on the shorter side around middle, Dhananjaya hops back to make room and spanks it through extra cover for a cracking boundary.

42.1

1

Short and down the leg side, pulled down to fine leg for a run.

Alzarri Joseph (7-0-44-2) returns in action.

41.6

2

Connects with his attempted pull shot this time and sends it to deep mid-wicket for a couple. 9 from the over, 19 from the first two overs of Powerplay 3.

41.5

.

Dhananjaya is swinging at everything! Back of a length ball around off, de Silva tries to pull but misses.

41.4

.

Beaten comprehensively! Slower full ball outside off, de Silva opens up and tries to smash it over mid off but fails to connect.

41.3

4

FOUR! Edgy! Holder follows the batsman down the leg side with a shortish ball, Dhananjaya tries to heave it over the leg side but gets an inside edge. It races behind and beats the keeper to find the fine leg fence. The keeper should have done better.

41.2

1

Digs in a short ball on middle, Perera pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

41.1

2

Short in length and outside off, Perera whacks it to sweeper cover for a couple of runs.

Jason Holder is back on. 7-0-38-0 are his figures, so far.

40.6

.

Shortish and on middle, a mistimed pull towards wide mid on. 10 from the over.

40.5

5

FIVE RUNS! Poor effort by Sunil Ambris. Good length delivery outside off, Thisara punches it towards covers and scoots to the other end. Pollard has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Ambris tries to attack the ball coming in from fine leg but fumbles and it goes past him to meet the fence. Kieron is not happy!

40.4

1

Mishit! Back of a length delivery on middle, Dhananjaya moves back to loft it over covers but it takes the higher half of his bat and loops in the air towards extra cover. Drops safely and they take a run.

40.3

1

Another risky run. Angling into the batsman on middle, Perera clips it to mid-wicket and rushes to the other end as the fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end. Touch and go this time.

40.2

2

Direct hit and Dhananjaya would have been short! Short in length and outside off, Perera slaps it to point and Walsh makes a fine diving stop. They cross for a run as the fielder misses his shy at the striker's end. One more taken as an overthrow.

40.1

1

Width on offer outside off, de Silva dabs it down to third man for a run.

Powerplay 3 time! Now the fielding team has the option of having one extra fielder outside the circle, i.e. 5.

39.6

.

Good stop! Fullish and on middle, Perera drives it straight back and Pollard does well in his followthrough to parry it towards short mid-wicket.

39.5

.

A length ball on middle and off, not offering any width, Thisara pushes it to short cover.

39.4

1

Short ball on off, it's been pulled behind square leg for a single.

39.3

1

In the air... SAFE! A length ball around leg, coming off slowly from the pitch, Perera tries to turn it off his pads but it takes the top half of his blade and flies behind backward square leg. They take a run.

39.2

.

On the bounce to short cover! Pollard takes the pace off again and angles across a full ball outside off, Perera checks his drive and hits it in the air. Doesn't carry.

39.1

1

Good length ball on middle and leg, de Silva helps it down to fine leg for a run.

38.6

.

Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him.

38.5

1

Bat on ball this time as de Silva guides it to third man for a run.

38.4

.

Beaten! Shortish and outside off, Dhananjaya tries to run it down to third man but misses.

38.3

1

The batsman works it down the leg side towards backward square leg. One run added to the total.

38.2

.

Good length delivery on off, Perera punches it to covers.

Thisara Perera arrives in the middle.

38.1

W

OUT! Salute time! This is a sight to savour for any bowler. Cottrell steams in from 'round the wicket and dishes out a a length delivery around off. It lands and straightens as Mathews tries to push it through the line. He fails to put bat on ball and it goes on to hit the top of off stump. Big wicket for West Indies at this stage of the match!

37.6

1

The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total.

37.5

.

Shortish and on off, punched from the crease to covers.

37.4

.

Extra bounce from a good length around middle, Mathews plays it with a loose bottom hand towards square leg. The fielder makes a diving stop.

37.3

1

Fullish and on off, de Silva drives it through mid off for a run.

37.2

.

Smart bowling! Follows the batsman down the leg side with a slower length ball, Dhananjaya tries his best to put it away but is beaten.

37.1

.

Nearly guides it into the gloves of the keeper! Slower delivery, short and outside off with some extra bounce, de Silva tries to run it down but misses.

36.6

1

Short and on middle, pulled to deep square leg for one.

36.5

2

Uses the angle of the bowler and eases it through mid-wicket for two.

36.4

.

Stays back and forces a length ball to short cover.

Fabian Allen hurt himself a little while back while stopping a boundary. He has hurt his shoulders and is off the field.

36.3

1lb

Angling down the leg side, Mathews shuffles across to flick but misses. The bowler appeals but nothing from the umpire. They take a leg bye.

36.2

1

Back of a length delivery on off, de Silva punches it from the back foot to sweeper cover for a run.

36.1

.

Cottrell operates from 'round the wicket and angles in a length ball around off, Dhananjaya taps it down to point.

Sheldon Cottrell (5-1-24-0) is back into the attack.

35.6

.

Beaten all ends up! A cutter landing on a length outside off, Mathews tries to cut but it bounces over his bat. Pollard appeals for a caught behind but nothing from the umpire.

35.5

2

This is wonderful cricket. Soft hands by Mathews again. He nudges a full ball through mid-wicket and pinches another couple. Pollard is frustrated.

35.4

2

Very full in length on off, Mathews wrists it through wide mid on and picks up a couple. Good running between the wickets.

35.3

1

Shortish and on middle, pulled down to long on for a run.

35.2

1

The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.

35.1

.

Slower length ball angling into the batsman, Mathews plays it down to short mid-wicket.

34.6

4

FOUR! Shot! Width on offer outside off, Dhananjaya reaches out for it and steers it through point for a boundary. 200 comes up for Sri Lanka! How many more can they get in the remaining 15 overs?

34.5

.

Gets behind the line of the delivery and pushes it to mid on.

34.4

.

Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

34.4

1wd

Wide on the other side this time! Overcompensating. Joseph delivers it well wide outside off on a length, Dhananjaya chases and misses.

34.4

1wd

Wide! Sliding down the leg side, de Silva tries to flick but misses.

34.3

.

Pitches it up and outside off, Dhananjaya drives but finds the cover fielder again.

34.2

.

On a length around off, de Silva punches it from the crease to covers.

34.1

2

Fuller length ball on middle, it's flicked behind square leg for a couple of runs.

33.6

1

On the pads, helped to deep square leg for a run. End of an eventful over!

33.5

1lb

NOT OUT! Excellent delivery. Slower in pace and dropping on a length around middle and leg. Mathews tries to flick but seems to have failed to middle his shot properly. It runs down to fine leg as Pollard screams in appeal. The batsmen switch ends and there is no signal from the umpire as he wants Pollard to make his decision regarding the DRS. The West Indian skipper goes for the referral eventually and the replays roll in to find that there is no bat involved. Ball Tracker then goes on to show that it's missing the stumps. Review lost. Hang on! We are hearing that West Indies' review has been reinstated. Reason - The audio on the Snicko was not working during the referral. Interesting, it would anyway have gone in favour of the batsman. Mathews is not pleased with the decision.

Pollard appeals for an lbw! Not given. The batsmen complete a run. No signal from the the umpire as he waits for Pollard to see whether he takes the referral or not. Kieron goes for the DRS.

33.4

2

A dipping full toss on middle, Mathews eases it across the line to deep mid-wicket and collects a brace.

33.3

1

Slower delivery, on a length outside off, de Silva hits it down to long on for a run.

33.2

.

Back of a length delivery on off, Dhananjaya defends it on the leg side. Pollard moves across to his right and collects the ball at short mid-wicket.

33.1

2

A slow dipping full ball on middle, de Silva turns it through wide mid on and scampers back for the second run.

32.6

.

Mathews has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

32.5

.

Angles in a fuller length ball on middle, Angelo drives it down the ground but picks out the mid on fielder.

32.4

1

Sliding down the leg side, Dhananjaya deflects it to fine leg for a run.

32.3

.

Chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump.

Dhananjaya de Silva is the new batsman.

32.2

W

OUT! Kusal Mendis is bounced out! Two new batsmen in the middle now for Sri Lanka and they will have to rebuild again. Joseph digs it in around off, Mendis shapes up for the pull shot but it bounces on his bat and he ends up mistiming it in the air towards mid-wicket. Pollard in the vicinity reacts quickly to his right, runs a bit and completes the catch with a tumble. A fine knock by Mendis but his team needed him to last the distance on this tricky surface.

32.1

4

FOUR! Wristy! Fuller length ball on middle and leg, Mendis picks it off his pads and flicks it beautifully through the gap between mid on and mid-wicket for a boundary.

31.6

.

Shortish and on middle, helped on the leg side but straight to mid-wicket.

31.5

4

FOUR! Wrong line and punished. Short and around leg, going down, Mathews gets on top of the delivery and pulls it fine down the leg side for a boundary.

31.4

.

Good length ball on middle, cutting back in, Mathews defends it on the leg side.

Angelo Mathews arrives in the middle.

31.3

W

OUT! Pollard strikes! He was threatening to remove Mendis in his previous over and has done it in this one. Clever change in pace. It's slower and on a length outside off, Perera bends his back knee and tries to heave it across the line. But his swing of the bat is early and the ball arrives late. It clips the outside half of his willow and flies behind. Shai Hope takes a simple catch and the 89-run stand is broken!

31.2

1

On the pads, it's turned behind square leg for one.

31.1

.

Slower length ball outside off, Mendis tries to tap and run but is sent back by his partner.

30.6

1

Fifty for Kusal Mendis, his 17th in ODIs! Fuller in length on the pads, Mendis flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. Fabulous knock by him!

30.5

.

Shortish and close to off, Mendis taps it down on the off side.

30.4

4

FOUR! This is very disappointing bowling! Full toss on the legs of the batsman, Mendis picks it up and dismisses it behind square leg for a boundary.

30.3

1

Fullish and around off, Perera bunts it to mid off and pinches a single. The fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end.

30.2

1

Mendis opens the face of the bat and helps it to third man. They pick up a single.

30.1

4

FOUR! Bang! Short in length on middle, sitting up to the batsman, Mendis gets on top of the bounce and pulls it with authority to the deep mid-wicket fence. Pace on the ball and the batsmen will love it on this surface in particular.

29.6

4

EDGY FOUR! No luck for the bowler. Pollard once again deceives the batsman with a slower cutter on middle. Perera tries to push at it but it takes the outside edge and flies past the diving keeper for a boundary at third man.

29.5

.

Beaten again! Pollard deceives the batsman with an off cutter. Around off on a length, KP pushes at it and misses.

29.4

.

Beaten due to the extra bounce. A cutter on a good length outside off, Perera pushes inside the line and misses.

29.3

1

A length delivery on middle, Kusal Mendis helps it through backward square leg for one.

29.2

.

Once again a slower delivery outside off, Mendis tries to run it down to third man but fails to middle his shot. It comes off the bottom edge and goes in the direction of the keeper.

29.1

.

Angles in a slower length ball on off, Mendis works it off his pads to short mid-wicket.

Kieron Pollard to bowl for the first time in this match. His clever variations could be handy on this slowish surface.

28.6

4

FOUR! This is mediocre bowling at its best! Holder is struggling with his line and length. Delivers a short ball down the leg side with fine leg up. Perera beats that fielder with his pull and fetches a boundary. 14 from the over!

28.5

1

Back of a length delivery outside off, Mendis dabs it down to third man for a run.

28.4

4

FOUR! Boom! Short in length around off, Mendis turns inside the crease and plays a cracking pull shot. It races away and beats the diving effort by Allen in the deep mid-wicket region.

28.3

.

Edged but safe! A skiddy delivery by Holder, it's outside off, Mendis tries to run it down late but gets a soft bottom edge. Doesn't carry to Shai Hope!

28.2

1

The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.

28.1

4

FOUR! Aerial but away! Short in length on middle and off, Perera steps back to create room and pulls it past the mid on fielder for a boundary. The in-ring fielder stretched his body out to his left but it's quite wide of him. 150 comes up for Sri Lanka!

27.6

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. Chase has bowled out, 10-0-51-1 are his figures.

27.5

2

Quicker and flatter on off, Mendis uses his crease and steers it through point for a brace.

27.4

1

Stretches forward to defend but it takes the inner half and clips his pads. Rolls towards mid-wicket and they cross.

27.3

1

A short delivery which has been pulled away. They pick up a single.

27.2

4

FOUR! Direction-less delivery. Flatter and full, it's fired down the leg side, Mendis sweeps it fine down the leg side for a boundary.

27.1

2

Full and flighted on off, Mendis sweeps it sweetly in front of square leg. Cottrell makes a sliding stop in the deep and they take a couple of runs. 50-run stand comes up!

26.6

1

This time Mendis rides the bounce and pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

26.5

.

Swing and a miss! Holder alters his length and digs in a short ball around off, KM tries to pull but it bounces over his bat.

26.4

.

Fullish and close to off, it's pushed back to the bowler.

26.3

.

Appeal for an lbw, sliding down! Fuller and on middle, angling down the leg side, Mendis tries to flick but fails to make any connection. It strikes him on the pads, Holder gets excited but the umpire stays put.

26.2

1

Fuller length ball on middle, Perera flicks it through wide mid on for a run.

26.1

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Holder senses the charge from the batsman and delivers it down the leg side. Perera tries to flick but misses. It though kisses his pads and finds the fine leg fence.

25.6

.

Quicker one, fuller and around off, Mendis' intention is to work it on the leg side but he ends up pushing it too straight. Chase gets across to his right to stop the ball.

25.5

1

Shortish and on off, Perera moves back and slaps it to deep cover for a single.

25.4

1

Nicely done. Full and around off, Mendis sweeps it all along the ground to deep square leg for one.

25.3

1

Tossed up ball around off, Perera goes inside-out over covers and takes a run.

25.2

3

Well played! Flatter and shorter delivery outside off, Mendis plays a late cut down to third man where Joseph makes a good stop near the fence. Saves a run for his side.

25.1

1

Full and flighted on middle, KP sweeps towards Joseph at short fine leg and picks up a quick run.

24.6

1

Good length ball outside off, Perera stays back and forces it down to long off for a run. 4 from the over, SL are 123/2 at the halfway mark!

24.5

1

A half-tracker on middle, Mendis pulls it to deep mid-wicket for one.

24.4

1lb

Shout for an lbw! Not given. Too high maybe. A touch short in length, Perera tries to pull but misses. It strikes him on the pads and rolls to the left of the keeper. They cross for a leg bye as Holder puts in an appeal. Pitching outside leg also, confirms the Ball Tracker.

24.3

.

Action replay of the previous delivery. It's shortish again and once again KP fails to beat point.

24.2

.

Back of a length delivery close to off, Perera taps it down from the crease to backward point.

24.1

1

Starts his new spell with a short ball on middle, Mendis pulls it to deep square leg for a single.

Jason Holder (4-0-19-0) returns in action.

23.6

1

Gets on the front foot and pushes it past the diving bowler for a single at long on. 17 runs in the last two overs and one can sense a momentum shift.

23.5

.

Stretches forward to a full ball and defends it near his front pad.

23.4

.

Chase goes flatter and a touch shorter on middle, Mendis keeps it out off his pads to short mid-wicket.

23.3

6

SIX! Tonk! Sweet sound of the bat meeting the ball. Loopy full ball around off, turning in, Mendis kneels and smokes it handsomely over mid-wicket for a maximum.

23.2

1

A touch short and close to off, Perera steps back and punches it to sweeper cover for one.

23.1

1

Flighted and full on middle, knocked down to long on for a run.

22.6

1

Presses forward to a full ball and drives it to long off for a single. 8 from the over, Walsh has gone for 20 in his three overs so far.

22.5

.

Good pace and accuracy. Flatter and on middle, turning away a shade, Mendis goes back in defense.

22.4

1

Too full in length on off, Perera gets forward and flicks it through mid-wicket for a run.

22.3

1

Driven towards the mid on region. They pick up a single.

22.2

1

Flatter and shorter outside off, Perera goes back and slaps it to deep cover for one.

22.1

4

FOUR! Fine shot! Tossed up ball around off, turning in, Perera gets down the track and smacks it over mid-wicket for a boundary. Lovely footwork and great placement.

21.6

1

Uses his feet and eases it through cover-point for a run.

21.5

1

Quicker delivery, on middle and skidding into the batsman, Mendis stays back to work it behind square leg for a single.

21.4

2

Advances down the track and heaves it over mid-wicket for a couple of runs. 100 comes up for Sri Lanka!

21.3

.

Beaten! Flighted delivery outside off, Mendis gets forward, looking to play for the spin but it skids off the surface and beats the outside edge.

21.2

1

Chases serves it short and wide outside off, Perera cuts it to deep backward point for one.

21.1

.

Loopy full ball on off, Perera lunges in defense.

20.6

.

Full and floated on off, defended off the front foot.

20.5

.

Shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot.

20.4

4

FOUR! Poor delivery and happily put away. Walsh dishes out a friendly full toss on middle, Mendis swings his bat across the line and muscles it over wide mid on.

20.3

.

Leans forward to a full ball and drives it back to the bowler.

20.2

1

Gets down on one knee and sweeps it through square leg for a single.

20.1

.

Flighted and on off, Perera presses forward in defense.

19.6

.

Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. Successful over for the touring party! 32/2 in the last 10 overs!

19.5

.

Flatter one on off, defended off the back foot.

19.4

3

That's embarrassing! Full flighted ball around middle and leg, Perera nudges it off his pads towards short fine leg. Alzarri Joseph attacks the ball but fails to pick it up. It goes right through his legs and the batsmen collect three runs.

19.3

1

Driven towards the mid on region. They pick up a single. They pick up a single.

19.2

.

Defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

Kusal Mendis is the new batsman. A slip in place.

19.1

W

OUT! Caught and bowled! The pitch doing its trick. Chase serves a loopy off spinner on middle and it holds up a bit off the surface, Karunaratne goes back to play at it but pushes it a bit early. Ends up chipping it off the inner portion of the bat towards the bowler who reacts late but does well to catch it with a forward dive. Dimuth returns and this is turning out to be a good passage of play for West Indies.

18.6

1

Edgy! Dimuth tries to flick it on the leg side but it takes the leading edge. Goes safely towards cover-point for one. 7 from the leggie's first over.

18.5

4

FOUR! Well played! Nothing anybody could have done about that! Dimuth takes the risky route and it pays off. Full and flighted outside off, Karunaratne unfurls a well-timed and well-placed reverse sweep for a boundary at third man.

18.4

.

Leans forward to a full ball outside off but drives it straight to short cover.

18.3

1

Driven towards the mid off region. The batsmen have run through for a single.

18.2

.

Tossed up ball around off, Perera goes hard at it but finds mid off.

18.1

1

Full and flighted on middle, whipped to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Drinks break. Sri Lanka started well in Powerplay 1 but since then West Indies have pulled things back. The pitch appears to be on the slower side and the batsmen are finding it tough to middle their shots. Interesting next phase coming up. Spin from both ends now, Hayden Walsh comes into the attack.

17.6

.

Flatter and on middle, Perera goes back and blocks it solidly.

17.5

1

Too full in length on middle, not allowing the ball to do enough off the pitch, Karunaratne forces it to long on for a run.

17.4

1

The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single.

17.3

.

Whoa! Little turn and ample bounce around off, Perera is taken aback as he goes back to defend. Fails to put bat on ball. Hasaranga and Sandakan will be licking their lips.

17.2

1

Slower through the air, full and off, it's eased through mid on for a single.

17.1

.

Loopy and full around off, Dimuth pushes it back from the inner half. The short mid-wicket fielder collects it.

16.6

1

Too straight in line, Dimuth clips it to deep mid-wicket for a run. Quiet going for Sri Lanka!

16.5

1

Continues to serve short delivery. This is the slower one and Perera smashes it to deep cover for one.

16.4

.

Short again outside off, Perera cuts but finds point.

16.3

1

Short and outside off, slapped to deep point for a run.

16.2

1

Angling into the batsman, worked towards square leg for one.

16.1

.

Chase drops! Kusal Perera is given a life! Fullish and on off, Kusal hammers his drive through the line and Chase fails to hang on to the catch at short cover. That was travelling.

15.6

1

Fullish around leg, Perera sweeps it to the right of short fine leg for a quick run. The fielder misses his shy at the bowler's end.

15.5

1

Uppish but safe! This one stops a bit onto the batsman as Karunaratne chips it towards mid on. They cross for a run. Chase is bowling with a correct pace at the moment, giving it nice flight.

15.4

1

Width on offer outside off, Perera hangs back and eases it to deep cover for one.

15.3

.

Flatter and on off, punched back to the bowler.

15.2

.

Flashes and misses! Short in length outside off again, Kusal tries to cut but is beaten by the extra bounce.

15.1

1

Short and wide outside off, cut to deep point for a single.

14.6

.

Forces a length ball through the line but picks out the cover fielder. Yet another tidy over!

14.5

.

Excellent delivery. Cottrell lands it on a length and outside off, Perera tries to punch but is beaten on the inside edge.

14.4

1

On a length outside off, Karunaratne strokes it to sweeper cover for a run.

14.3

.

Shortish and outside off, cut through the line but straight to point.

14.2

.

A near yorker around off, the Lankan skipper pushes it back to the bowler.

14.1

.

Beaten! Fuller length delivery outside off, moving away, Dimuth tries to drive but misses.

Sheldon Cottrell (3-1-19-0) is back into the attack.

13.6

1

Tries forcing it through the line but it takes the inner half and rolls in the gap on the leg side. They take a run. 9 runs in the last 4 overs, West Indies applying good pressure.

13.5

.

Extra bounce this time. It lands around off and shoots up from the surface, the Lankan skipper goes back and keeps it out safely on the leg side.

13.4

1

Short in length and outside off, cut through cover-point for a run.

13.3

.

Perera has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery.

13.2

1

Driven through mid on by the batsman. They pick up a single.

13.1

1

Loopy full ball outside off, it's driven past the cover fielder fielder for a run.

12.6

1

Chance of a run out, missed! Back of a length delivery on middle, Perera turns it on the leg side and attempts for a risky single. The bowler runs after it at short mid-wicket and releases his throw at the non-striker's end but misses. Direct hit would have been curtains for Kusal.

12.5

.

Fuller in length and outside off, driven off the front foot to covers.

12.4

.

Excellent collection by Shai Hope, put down in the end though. A clever slower short ball on off, angling away, Perera is early into his pull shot and misses. It brushes his left shoulder and loops behind. Shai stretches to his left and stops the ball.

12.3

1

Full in length and outside off, angling away, Karunaratne crouches a bit and guides it through backward point for a run.

12.2

.

Back of a length ball around off, Dimuth tries to pull but misses.

12.1

.

Back of a length delivery outside off, Karunaratne rocks back to punch but mistimes his shot from the inner half. It rolls back to the bowler.

11.6

.

Uses his feet to come down the track and pushes it with the spin to point. Not in the gap though. Two tidy overs from the off spinner!

11.5

.

Slower through the air, full and on off, Kusal drives it back to the bowler.

11.4

1

Too full in length on off, Karunaratne gets forward and knocks it down to long on for one.

11.3

.

Presses forward to a full ball and pushes it to short cover.

11.2

.

Leans forward to a full ball and drives it back to the bowler from the inner half of his bat.

11.1

1

Full and flighted delivery around off, Perera pushes it in front of square on the off side and crosses for a hesitant single.

10.6

.

Slower one, full in length and just outside off, Dimuth pushes it back safely. End of a successful over for West Indies!

10.5

1

A touch short in length on middle, Kusal jumps and tucks it towards long leg for a single.

10.4

.

Gets behind the line of the delivery and pushes it back to the bowler.

10.3

.

Welcomes the new batsman with a shortish ball close to leg, Perera moves across and lets it be.

Kusal Perera is the new batsman.

10.2

W

OUT! Soft dismissal for Avishka Fernando! This wicket has come against the run of play. Joseph has the breakthrough albeit with a very ordinary delivery. He slips a fuller length delivery down the leg side, Avishka tries to flick but it takes a feather of his bat and goes behind. Shai Hope catches the ball, they appeal and the umpire raises his finger after thinking for a while. There is the option to take the DRS but Fernando knows that he has hit it and is honest enough to walk back.

10.1

.

Darts in a fuller length ball on off, Fernando blocks it by getting half-forward.

Powerplay 2 begins! A maximum of 4 fielders are now allowed outside the ring till the 40th over.

9.6

.

Gets on the front foot and pushes a full ball back to the bowler. Encouraging over from the off spinner!

9.5

1

Hangs back inside the crease and forces it down to long on for one.

9.4

1

Loopy and full around off, Karunaratne drives it through covers for a run.

9.3

.

Skidding into the batsman from a fuller length around off, Karunaratne pushes it down to mid on, albeit a bit aerially.

9.2

1

Full and flighted on middle, eased down to long on for a run.

9.1

.

Flighted and full ball around off, Avishka gets forward to hit it across the line but ends up pushing it back to the bowler from the outer half of his blade.

Roston Chase to bowl the final over of Powerplay 1.

8.6

1

Mishit but safe! Fuller length delivery outside off, a clever change in pace, Fernando throws his bat at it and slices it in the air over extra cover. A single is taken. 17 from Joseph's first two overs!

8.5

.

The batsman defends it from within the crease.

8.4

.

Full in length on middle, angling in, Fernando checks his shot and pushes it aerially down the ground. Pollard makes a diving stop coming from mid on and the batsmen take a run.

8.3

1

Short delivery on middle and off, pulled to deep mid-wicket for a single.

8.2

2

Flashes his bat at a length ball outside off and inside edges it down to fine leg for a brace.

8.1

4

FOUR! Put away with ease! Short in length and on middle, Karunaratne gets on top of the bounce and pulls it powerfully behind square leg for a boundary. Once again a good start to the over for Sri Lanka. 50 comes up!

7.6

1

Back of a length ball on middle and leg, Karunaratne glances it off the inside half of the bat to backward square leg. A single to end the over. Jason has been tidy in his last two overs, 8 runs coming in it!

7.5

2

Holder continues to be on the shorter side, it's around off and Dimuth steers it through point. The fielder gives the chase, stops it before the rope, slips a bit but does well to keep the batsmen down to two.

7.4

.

On a length and outside off, Karunaratne punches it from the back foot to covers.

7.3

2

Good drive down the ground but not quite from the middle of the bat. Fullish and on off, Karunaratne eases it through mid off and Pollard pulls it back in the deep. Two taken.

7.2

.

Good length ball on middle and off, Karunaratne gets behind the line and pushes it to wide mid off.

7.1

.

Almost edges it! Fractionally short in length outside off, leaving the left-hander, Dimuth has a nervy push inside the line and he misses.

6.6

1

Too straight in line, it's worked towards mid-wicket for a single. Poor running, the second run was available there. Anyway, 9 from Joseph's first over!

6.5

4

FOUR! Lovely shot! Finding the gap was the key! Back of a length delivery outside off, Karunaratne stands tall and strokes it sweetly through extra cover. Pollard chases from mid off but has no chance of cutting it off.

6.4

.

Top diving stop by Kieron Pollard! Fuller length ball outside off, Karunaratne plays a well-timed off drive but fails to get it past mid off.

6.3

.

Play and a miss! Very full in length and wide outside off, Karunaratne is sucked into the drive but he ends up missing the ball.

6.2

.

Joseph responds with a bouncer around leg, Dimuth ducks.

6.1

4

Almost a drag on! FOUR! Joseph delivers a length delivery outside off, Karunaratne spots the width and tries to cut it through the line but it catches the inside edge, beats the stumps and races away to the fine leg fence.

Alzarri Joseph is introduced into the attack, replacing Sheldon Cottrell. A slip in place along with a short cover-point.

5.6

.

Good length delivery on off, Avishka forces it from the crease to extra cover. Just 3 from this over, a better one by Holder.

5.5

.

Full and on middle, Fernando flicks but picks out the mid-wicket fielder.

5.4

.

Short in length and on middle and leg, angling further down, Fernando fails to work it around and takes a hit on his thigh pad.

5.3

2

Misfield from Kieron Pollard, the skipper. He needs to lead from the front. Dropped a catch in the last match and that cost his team big. Shortish and on off, Avishka punches it towards mid on where Kieron misfields and allows the second run.

5.2

.

Good length ball on off, Fernando stays on the back foot and punches it to mid off.

5.1

1

Good early call! A length ball outside off, angling away, Karunaratne pushes it to the left of the cover fielder and pinches a single. That fielder tried to hurry up the batsman but failed to pick up the ball cleanly.

4.6

.

Angling into the batsman, Fernando has pushed the length ball to mid on. 8 from the over, 29 in the last three!

4.5

.

Good length ball around off, Fernando tries to flick but fails to connect. It hits him high on the pads and rolls back to the bowler. Cottrell puts in a muted appeal but nothing doing.

4.4

.

Beaten! Speedy delivery, skidding off the surface outside off, Fernando tries to cut but misses.

4.3

4

FOUR! This is clever! Something you want to see from a young batsman, knowing his options, knowing where the gaps are! Back of a length delivery outside off, Fernando waits for a while as he opens the face of his blade. He then glides it late to pierce the gap between backward point and short third man. The fielder from the latter position puts in a dive but to no use.

4.2

4

FOUR! Fernando has drop kicked that! Shortish ball on off, Avishka picks the length early, stays on the front leg and swings it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

4.1

.

Cottrell continues from 'round the wicket and angles in a fuller length ball on off, Avishka pushes it off his front foot to short cover.

3.6

.

Slightly short and on middle, Karunaratne turns it off his pads to square leg. Dot ball to end a 10-run over, Sri Lanka have started to score freely now.

3.5

.

Good length delivery outside off, angling away, an easy leave for Dimuth.

3.4

4

FOUR! The Lankan skipper is off the mark with a boundary! Holder overpitches and delivers it on off, Karunaratne leans into the drive, lovely transfer of the weight into the shot and it races away to the long off fence.

3.3

1

A bit of Rohit Sharma in that shot! Back of a length delivery outside off, Fernando stays back and opens the face of the bat slightly and eases it through cover-point for a run.

3.2

4

FOUR! Wow, he is driving on the up with some elegance. The crowd is loving his batting. Fuller in length and around off, Avishka brings down a straight bat and puts it away to the long off fence.

3.1

.

A length ball on off, angling in, Avishka stays back and mishits his shot towards mid on.

3.1

1wd

Wide! Holder continues to struggle with his line. Slips a length ball down the leg side, Fernando tries flicking but misses. A good diving collection by Shai Hope.

2.6

1

Uses the angle of the bowler and works it to the right of mid on. A single is taken to complete an 11-run over.

2.5

.

Back of a length ball around off, Fernando pushes it back to the bowler. Good comeback from Cottrell. One thing he needs to resist is bowling too short.

2.4

.

Sheldon switches to 'round the wicket and angles in a shortish ball on off, Fernando goes back in defense.

2.3

4

FOUR! Another boundary, no need to run for that. Cottrell is too full and wide outside off, Avishka presses forward and creams his drive through covers.

2.2

4

FOUR! What a shot! Sheldon delivers it on a fuller length around off, Fernando drives it on the up and thumps it down the ground for a boundary at long off.

2.1

2

Uppish but safe! Lucky way to get off the mark! Back of a length ball around off, Fernando stays back to punch it through the line but fails to keep it down. It flies through the vacant extra cover region and he gets a couple to open his account.

1.6

.

Slower one, short and wide outside off, Karunaratne mistimes his attempted square cut. He got out in a similar fashion in the last ODI. Needs to be careful while reaching out for deliveries outside off.

1.5

.

A length ball around off, shaping away, the Lankan skipper pushes it to covers. Still waiting for the first run off the bat.

1.4

.

On and around off, angling away, once again Dimuth covers the line and keeps it out solidly on the off side.

1.3

.

Pitches it up and wide outside off, Karunaratne leans forward and drives it to mid off.

1.3

1wd

Wide! A gentle delivery, on a length and down the leg side again, Karunaratne fails to make any use of that loose ball.

1.2

2lb

Sri Lanka are away! Holder serves a length ball drifting down the leg side, Dimuth fails to flick and it goes off his pads to fine leg. They take a couple of leg byes.

1.1

.

Starts his spell with a fuller length ball on middle and off, Karunaratne covers the line and defends it back.

Jason Holder to bowl with the second new ball. Two slips in place.

0.6

.

Fullish and on middle, Fernando gets forward and once again drives it straight back to Cottrell. A maiden to start the match!

0.5

.

Gets behind the line of the delivery and drives it back in the direction of the bowler.

0.4

.

Angling away from the batsman again, Fernando pushes it from the front foot to covers.

Short fine leg in place. One of the two slips disappears.

0.3

.

Mishit! Cottrell pitches it up outside off and forces a drive from the batsman. Avishka mistimes it off the inside edge to the leg side.

0.2

.

Beaten this time! Sheldon takes a length ball away from the right-hander with his natural angle. Fernando pushes inside the line and is beaten.

0.1

.

Good start from Cottrell. He bowls it on a length around middle and leg and gets it to head away towards off, Avishka stands back in an open stance as he defends it to the off side.

All in readiness here in Kandy! The West Indian players are in a huddle near the boundary line. Kieron Pollard is quite vocal in putting his words forward. Now, they are spreading on the field. Out come the two Sri Lankan openers, Dimuth Karunaratne and Avishka Fernando. The latter is fresh from a fabulous century and would like to get a good score today as well. Sheldon Cottrell has the first new ball in his hand as he will begin the proceedings. Let's play...

West Indian skipper, Kieron Pollard, says that he would have batted as well but the toss doesn't matter. Adds that it's an opportunity for them to bowl well and restrict Sri Lanka. Informs about the one change - Hayden Walsh replaces Keemo Paul. Admits that the last match was very disappointing where they got completely outplayed. Mentions that the series is decided but it's a chance for them to play better cricket.

Sri Lankan skipper, Dimuth Karunaratne, says it's a very good wicket and they are playing two spinners and he wants to give them the chance to bowl in the second innings. Adds that it's been a good series for them where both the batting and bowling units have clicked. Informs that they have retained their winning XI.

Pitch report - It's the fast bowlers who tend to do better in Kandy which is very unusual. If you hit the right length, you will get something out of the track. The dimension of the ground is a shade shorter than Hambantota. Plenty of cracks on the surface and the spinners will come into play as the game progresses. Win the toss and bat first appear to be a better option.

Sri Lanka (Unchanged Playing XI) - Dimuth Karunaratne (C), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera (WK), Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Lakshan Sandakan, Nuwan Pradeep.

West Indies (Playing XI) - Sunil Ambris, Shai Hope (WK), Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran, Kieron Pollard (C), Jason Holder, Fabian Allen, Hayden Walsh (In for Keemo Paul), Alzarri Joseph, Sheldon Cottrell.

Toss - Dimuth Karunaratne is lucky with the flip of the coin as it falls in his favour. SRI LANKA WILL BAT!

The final ODI of this series is about to get underway in Kandy as we welcome you for all the action. Sri Lanka have already bagged the series after a comprehensive win in Hambantota and would be eyeing a clean sweep. For West Indies, this tour has not gone according to the plan but they have the opportunity to leave everything behind and achieve a consolation win before heading into the 2-match T20I series.

Match Center

3rd ODI, Kandy, March 01, 2020, 02:30 PM

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