Sri Lanka v West Indies 3rd ODI Review: Sri Lanka clean sweeps Windies (D/L)

Sri Lanka v West Indies 3rd ODI Review: Sri Lanka clean sweeps Windies: The third ODI between Sri Lanka and West Indies may well be a dead rubber, but both the teams have the lot to play for.

Sri Lanka called the toss right and decided to field. The decision might well be inspired by the fact that rain may play a part later in the day. With extras dominating the second highest, Marlon Samuels lifted West Indies to 206, courtesy an unbeaten 110 from 95 balls. He stroked 15 boundaries and one six, as the visitors put up a fighting total.

West Indies were 18-4 at one stage, and anything around 150 looked a distant dream. Lasith Malinga picked up 2 wickets for 43, while Lakmal and Chameera shared 4 wickets between them. Ajantha Mendis was the most expensive Lankan bowler, a he conceded 51 runs and picked up 2 wickets  from his quota of 8 overs.

Rain once again interrupted the event, as the match was reduced to 36 overs after a heavy shower. The stop and start didn’t help the visitors, as West Indies kept lost the vital wicket at the crucial juncture.

West Indies were 12-2, when rain had its first say. The game resumed, but the story was same, as West Indies lost their next 2 wickets for 6 runs. A revised target of 190 was set for Sri Lanka, as the hosts went about their business.

Sri Lanka got off to a good start, as Kusal Perera continued from where he had left in the last game. Dilshan did join him for good, as he stroked 4 boundaries on his way to 21. Sri Lanka lost their first wicket for 40, and Thirimanne joined Perera in the middle.

A solid 45 runs stand was built between Perera and Thirimanne, as Sri Lanka got into the driver seat. Thirimanne went back for 21 off 34 balls, as West Indies picked their second wicket.

Kusal Perera went back after scoring his half century, as Sri Lanka were 3 down for 103. Perera was out for 50 off 47 balls, along with 2 boundaries and 2 sixes. Dinesh Chandimal and Siriwardana too chipped in with fruitful contributions, as Sri Lanka cruised comfortably. Skipper Angelo Matthews cameo of 27 was enough to sweep the series 3-0, as a hapless Windies side failed to turn the tables.

Sri Lanka won the match by 19 runs and sealed the series 3-0.

Brief Score:

West Indies: 206/9 in 36 overs ( Samuels 110*, Chameera 2-39)

Sri Lanka: 180/5 in 32.3 overs ( Perera 50, Holder 2-44)

Sri Lanka won by 19 runs (D/L)

Marlon Samuels is the Man of the Match

Kusal Perera is the Man of the Series