Sri Lanka Clinches ODI Series Victory Over West Indies

In the Pallekele-hosted second ODI, Sri Lanka emerged victorious with a five-wicket win, sealing the ODI series against West Indies. The game, affected by rain, saw commendable performances from Sri Lankan players Wanindu Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana, and Asitha Fernando, who played a crucial role in bowling out West Indies for 189 in a match that was shortened to 44-overs-per-side. The deciding half-century from captain Charith Asalanka added the final touch to the victory, leaving 5.4 overs to spare.

West Indies showed promise halfway through, managing to recover on a tricky used pitch. The team reached 189, overcoming an early slump to 58/8. This turning point was due to an impressive 119-run partnership between Sherfane Rutherford and Gudakesh Motie.

In the reduced 44-overs-per-side match, following a significant rain delay, West Indies had a rocky start with Alick Athanaze falling to Maheesh Theekshana's bowling early on. Asitha Fernando made quick work of Brandon King and Shai Hope, leaving WI struggling at 31/4.

Turning the game around, Rutherford and Motie launched a powerful counterattack. Rutherford's notable 80 off 82, helped by two dropped catches, kept the scoreboard moving while Motie, known primarily for his bowling, delivered a calm knock reaching his ODI fifty off 61 balls. This partnership lifted West Indies from near-collapse to a total over 100.

In the Sri Lankan reply, they suffered early losses with Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis sent to the pavilion. A steady 62-run stand between Nishan Madushka and Sadeera Samarawickrama put the run-chase back into a feasible slot. Captain Asalanka played his hand, tipping the balance towards an unchallenged run-a-ball victory, establishing a lead of 2-0 in a three-match series.