5 Talking Points of West Indies Vs Sri Lanka 2nd ODI in Colombo

5 Talking Points of West Indies Vs Sri Lanka 2^nd ODI in Colombo: Following Sri-Lanka’s stunning victory in the rain-affected first ODI match in which Ajanta Mendis emerged hero; West Indies were desperately looking forward to win a match to stay alive in the series. But Sri-Lankans are too good to get defeated at their own backyard. Instead, they beat West Indies in the second one-dayer and sealed the 3 ODI series with an unassailable lead of 2-0. One more match is remaining, but that’s only formality.

Earlier, West Indies opted to bat first after winning the toss. But rain once again played spoilsport turning this 50-over match to 38-38 over for both sides. West Indies were bowled out for 214/10 at 37.4 overs. Sri-Lankans got the revised target of 225 under D/L rules in 38-overs.

1. Johnson Charles Shines:

The Caribbean batsman was playing at his best today hitting big shots without much difficulty. But Sri-Lankans restricted other West Indies batsmen by dismissing Fletcher, Blackwood and Bravo at cheap scores. Malinga and Siriwardana kept the visitors under control, but Charles was unstoppable. He played a blitzkrieg knock of 83 off 70 balls with 7 boundaries and 4 sixes at an impressive strike rate of 118.57. He got out LBW while trying to sweep Siriwardana following which West Indies crumbled miserably losing the next 6 wickets adding just 75 more runs.

2. Marlon Samuels’s Captaincy Knock:

If West Indian captain hadn’t played the knock of brilliant 63, then visitors might have failed to reach the 200-run mark. Samuels kept his cool using a perfect mixture of aggression and experience. He smashed 63 off 61 balls with 4 boundaries and 2 big sixes. He ran out just before the 38^th over, but by then he already played a fine captaincy knock and helped West Indies put a respectable total on board.

3. Sri Lankan Bowling and Fielding:

Credit for restricting West Indies to a meagre total goes to the entire Sri Lankan team as they not only bowled brilliantly but also fielded well dismissing 4 West Indies batsmen run-out in just 6 balls. Also, Sriwardana’s off-spin deliveries compelled visitors to make mistakes and go into the shell. He finished his bowling spells at impressive 7-1-27-2 with an economy rate of less than 4 runs per over. He chipped in 2 valuable wickets; including the wicket of extremely dangerous Johnson Charles (83) at the 24^th Sriwardana was well supported by other Lankan bowlers too who kept a check on West Indies run-rate and frequently picked up important wickets.

4. Kusal Perera’s 99:

Much to the dismay of entire Sri-Lankan crowd the left-handed Kusal Perera got out on 99 (92b, 4s x 6, 6s x 4) just when the team was 29-run short of winning this match. Perera tried to pull Rampaul but got an edge and Braithwaite did no mistake while grabbing this simple catch. Entire crowd gave standing ovation to young Perera for his outstanding knock of 99 at a strike rate of 107. 

5. Partnership Of 156 Run:

Thanks to a mammoth partnership of 156 runs between the left-handed duo of Thirimanne and Perera that hosts had no problem chasing down 225 without much trouble. This very partnership of 156 runs for the second wicket laid the foundation for Sri-Lanka’s thumping victory over the West Indies. Thirimanne contributed well scoring well crafted 81* off 95 balls with 5 fours and 1 six.