Sri Lanka Clinch ODI Series with Five-Wicket Win over West Indies

Sri Lanka Clinch ODI Series with Five-Wicket Win over West Indies

Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka led his team to a convincing five-wicket victory over the West Indies in the second ODI at Pallekele, securing an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

Chasing a revised target of 190 in 44 overs due to rain, Sri Lanka lost early wickets but recovered through a 62-run partnership between Nishan Madushka and Sadeera Samarawickrama. Asalanka then took charge, anchoring the innings with an unbeaten 62 off 61 deliveries, including seven fours and a six. He shared a crucial 55-run stand with Janith Liyanage to guide Sri Lanka home with 34 balls to spare.

Earlier, the West Indies were in dire straits at 58-8 after being put in to bat. However, a record-breaking ninth-wicket partnership between Sherfane Rutherford and Gudakesh Motie rescued them. Rutherford, dropped twice, smashed 80 off 82 balls, while Motie contributed an unbeaten 50. Their 119-run stand eclipsed the previous highest ninth-wicket partnership for the West Indies in ODIs.

Leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers, claiming 4-40 on a challenging pitch.

Asalanka’s match-winning knock marked his second consecutive half-century in the series, following his 77 in the first ODI. The victory extended Sri Lanka’s impressive home record, with this being their tenth consecutive home series win.

The third and final ODI will be played at the same venue on Saturday, with Sri Lanka aiming to complete a clean sweep.

Sri Lanka Choose to Bowl First in Rain-Shortened ODI Against West Indies

Sri Lanka Choose to Bowl First in Rain-Shortened ODI Against West Indies

Sri Lanka Opt to Bowl First in Rain-Shortened Second ODI Against West Indies

In a rain-affected second ODI, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka won the toss and elected to bowl first against West Indies. The toss was delayed by over two hours due to drizzle, and the match was reduced to a 44-overs-a-side affair.

Asalanka explained that his decision was based on his team’s preference to chase, especially in a match where Duckworth-Lewis-Stern calculations could come into play. West Indies captain Shai Hope also indicated that he would have chosen to bowl first.

West Indies, trailing 1-0 in the series, fielded an unchanged lineup from their previous loss. Sri Lanka, on the other hand, replaced legspinner Jeffrey Vandersay with mystery spinner Maheesh Theekshana.

Sri Lanka Team:

* Nishan Madushka
* Avishka Fernando
* Kusal Mendis (wk)
* Sadeera Samarawickrama
* Charith Asalanka (capt)
* Janith Liyanage
* Kamindu Mendis
* Wanindu Hasranga
* Dunith Wellalage
* Asitha Fernando
* Maheesh Theekshana

West Indies Team:

* Alick Athanaze
* Brandon King
* Keacy Carty
* Shai Hope (capt, wk)
* Sherfane Rutherford
* Roston Chase
* Romario Shepherd
* Hayden Walsh
* Gudakesh Motie
* Jayden Seales
* Alzarri Joseph

The match commenced with West Indies batting first, aiming to level the series. Sri Lanka’s bowlers will be tasked with containing the West Indian batters and building on their advantage in the series.

West Indies Unhappy with Sri Lanka Pitches, Rain Adds to Challenges

West Indies Unhappy with Sri Lanka Pitches, Rain Adds to Challenges

West Indies’ tour of Sri Lanka has been marred by controversy over the state of the pitches, with the visitors expressing dissatisfaction with the turning tracks prepared for the T20I series. Coach Daren Sammy claimed a “moral victory” for his team, suggesting that their performance forced Sri Lanka to produce more favorable conditions for the second and third matches.

However, in the first ODI in Pallekele, West Indies faced another challenging surface, compounded by unfavorable weather conditions. After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the team’s innings was interrupted by rain in the 39th over. The delay not only prevented Sri Lanka’s bowlers from bowling with a wet ball but also forced West Indies to contend with a slippery ball throughout the second innings.

Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka acknowledged the impact of the wet ball on his team’s victory, while debutant Nishan Madushka, who played a crucial role in the match-winning partnership, echoed this sentiment. He noted that the West Indies bowlers struggled to grip the ball, resulting in reduced turn on the wicket.

Despite the challenging conditions, West Indies’ bowlers initially dominated, taking three wickets in the first three overs. However, Madushka and Asalanka’s partnership turned the tide in Sri Lanka’s favor. The batters repeatedly hit the ball into waterlogged areas, significantly altering the condition of the ball. West Indies’ bowlers appealed to the umpires to change the balls, but their requests were denied.

Sri Lanka’s strategy of prolonging the game until bowling became more difficult proved effective. Madushka revealed that Asalanka instructed the team to drag the game to 20 or 25 overs before reassessing. This positive mindset contributed to his own performance and the team’s eventual victory.

With the remaining two ODIs also scheduled to be played in Pallekele, conditions are likely to continue playing a significant role in the outcome. From West Indies’ perspective, they have faced a substantial disadvantage thus far on the tour.

West Indies Bat First in ODI Opener Against Sri Lanka

West Indies Bat First in ODI Opener Against Sri Lanka

West Indies Opt to Bat First in ODI Series Opener Against Sri Lanka

In the first of three ODIs at Pallekele, West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and elected to bat first against Sri Lanka. The decision came after Sri Lanka’s 2-1 victory in the T20I leg of the tour.

Hope expressed his team’s determination to put the T20 series disappointment behind them, while Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka also indicated his preference for batting first.

Sri Lanka’s team features three spinners in Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Dunith Wellalage, along with Asitha Fernando as the lone seamer. Janith Liyanage provides additional medium-pace options. Notably, star opener Pathum Nissanka is absent due to a quadricep injury, with Nishan Madushka making his ODI debut in his place.

West Indies have also opted for an additional spin option in leg-spinner Hayden Walsh, joining Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase. Alick Athanaze offers another spin option, while Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Romario Shepherd provide seam bowling.

The Pallekele pitch has traditionally favored seam bowling, but its current dry condition with visible tracks suggests that spin will play a significant role. However, the slow turn expected may encourage batters to work the outfielders on the spacious ground.

Sri Lanka XI:

* Nishan Madushka
* Kusal Mendis (wk)
* Avishka Fernando
* Kamindu Mendis
* Charith Asalanka (capt)
* Sadeera Samarawickrama
* Janith Liyanage
* Wanindu Hasaranga
* Dunith Wellalage
* Jeffrey Vandersay
* Asitha Fernando

West Indies XI:

* Brandon King
* Alick Athanaze
* Shai Hope (capt, wk)
* Keacy Carty
* Sherfane Rutherford
* Roston Chase
* Romario Shepherd
* Hayden Walsh
* Gudakesh Motie
* Jayden Seales
* Alzarri Joseph

New Zealand Reach Women's T20 World Cup Final After Thrilling Win Over West Indies

New Zealand Reach Women’s T20 World Cup Final After Thrilling Win Over West Indies

New Zealand’s White Ferns have secured their place in the Women’s T20 World Cup final after a thrilling eight-run victory over the West Indies in Sharjah on Friday.

Despite a valiant effort from Deandra Dottin, who limited New Zealand to 128-9 with her impressive 4-22 bowling performance, her powerful 33 from 22 balls, including three sixes, was not enough to carry the West Indies to victory.

New Zealand’s innings got off to a promising start with Suzie Bates (26) and Georgia Plimmer (33) putting on 48 for the first wicket. However, Dottin’s bowling prowess proved too much for the White Ferns, as she dismissed Amelia Kerr, Brooke Halliday (18), Maddy Green, and Rosemary Mair. Isabella Gaze’s late flourish of 20 from 14 balls gave the New Zealand bowlers a total to defend.

The West Indies faced a difficult start against New Zealand’s precise bowling, and their chances seemed slim when captain Hayley Matthews was out for 15. Dottin’s explosive innings brought the West Indies back into contention, but her dismissal left Afy Fletcher (17 not out) and Zaida James (14) to continue the battle.

New Zealand only secured the win in the final over of the match, with Eden Carson, the New Zealand off-spinner, being awarded Player of the Match for her impressive figures of 3-29 from four overs.

The White Ferns will now face South Africa, who knocked out defending champions Australia on Thursday, in Sunday’s final at Dubai. New Zealand, who were runners-up in the first two tournaments in 2009 and 2010, will be hoping to secure their first T20 World Cup title.

West Indies and New Zealand Vie for Women's T20 World Cup Final Berth

West Indies and New Zealand Vie for Women’s T20 World Cup Final Berth

West Indies and New Zealand Battle for a Spot in the Women’s T20 World Cup Final

In a highly anticipated semi-final clash at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, New Zealand captain Sophie Devine called the shots and elected to bat first against the West Indies. Both teams are eager to secure a place in the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup 2024.

West Indies, the 2016 champions, are determined to make their second appearance in the final. New Zealand, on the other hand, is aiming to break their 14-year drought and reach the final for the first time since 2010.

With the tournament favorites, Australia, eliminated in the previous semi-final, the remaining teams have a renewed sense of optimism. West Indies and New Zealand have a history of competitive matches, with the West Indies emerging victorious in their 2016 semi-final encounter.

The match promises to be a thrilling contest between two evenly matched teams. West Indies boasts a formidable batting lineup led by Hayley Matthews and Stafanie Taylor, while New Zealand relies on the explosive batting of Devine and Suzie Bates.

On the bowling front, West Indies will look to Shakera Selman and Aaliyah Alleyne to restrict New Zealand’s scoring. New Zealand, in turn, will count on the experience of Lea Tahuhu and the spin of Amelia Kerr.

The winner of this semi-final will face either India or England in the final, scheduled for February 26th at the same venue.

West Indies Coach Questions Sri Lanka's Turning Tracks in T20I Series

West Indies Coach Questions Sri Lanka’s Turning Tracks in T20I Series

West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed mixed feelings following his team’s 2-1 T20I series defeat to Sri Lanka. While acknowledging the home side’s victory, Sammy questioned the wisdom of Sri Lanka’s decision to prepare turning tracks for the final two games, which were must-wins for the hosts.

Sammy argued that such conditions would not be the norm at the 2026 T20 World Cup, which Sri Lanka will co-host. He believes that the ICC will ensure that pitches are more balanced, giving both batters and bowlers a fair chance.

Despite the defeat, Sammy praised his team’s performance, particularly in the first game, which was played on a more balanced wicket. He believes that West Indies showed their depth and challenged Sri Lanka, who had to adjust their tactics to gain an advantage.

Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka defended the decision to prepare turning tracks, citing the team’s strength in spin bowling. He believes that playing to their strengths gives them the best chance of winning. However, Asalanka acknowledged that Sri Lanka needs to improve their fast-bowling contingent to be competitive in all conditions.

Sammy echoed Asalanka’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of developing fast bowlers who can perform on different surfaces. He believes that Sri Lanka’s reliance on spin could hinder their progress in the long run.

Despite the contrasting views on pitches, both Sammy and Asalanka agreed that Sri Lanka’s batters performed better than West Indies’ throughout the series. Asalanka expressed confidence in his team’s ability to score runs on any type of wicket, while Sammy acknowledged the need for his batters to improve their adaptability.

Overall, the series highlighted the importance of balanced pitches and the need for teams to develop all-round capabilities. While Sri Lanka’s spin-friendly tracks gave them an advantage in this particular series, it remains to be seen how they will fare on more challenging surfaces in the future.

West Indies Opt to Bat First in Second T20I Against Sri Lanka

West Indies Opt to Bat First in Second T20I Against Sri Lanka

In the second T20I of the three-match series, West Indies captain Rovman Powell opted to bat first after winning the toss at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium. Both teams anticipated significant turn on the pitch, with Powell estimating a par score of 145-150. Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka concurred with Powell’s decision to bat first.

West Indies bolstered their spin attack by introducing left-arm spinner Fabian Allen in place of seam-bowling allrounder Shamar Springer. They also reinstated Shai Hope in the top order, replacing Andre Fletcher as wicketkeeper. Hope had featured in the first T20I of the series.

Sri Lanka, buoyed by their 73-run victory in the previous match, retained the same XI, featuring three frontline spinners and the part-time spin options of Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis.

The series is currently tied 1-1, with West Indies securing a comfortable victory in the first game.

Sri Lanka Level T20I Series with Convincing Win Over West Indies

Sri Lanka Level T20I Series with Convincing Win Over West Indies

After a disappointing loss in the opening match, Sri Lanka displayed resilience and determination to level the three-match T20I series against West Indies with a convincing 73-run victory in the second game.

West Indies, who won the toss and elected to bat first, struggled to gain momentum throughout their innings. Brandon King and Evin Lewis provided a solid start with a 40-run partnership, but the Sri Lankan bowlers kept the pressure on, restricting the visitors to a modest total of 131/8.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers were led by Maheesh Theekshana, who claimed three wickets for just 12 runs in his four overs. Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara also chipped in with two wickets each.

In response, Sri Lanka’s openers, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, laid the foundation for a successful chase with a 50-run partnership. Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis then accelerated the scoring rate, taking the team to a comfortable position.

Charith Asalanka, the Sri Lankan captain, played a crucial role in the middle order, scoring a quickfire 38 off 23 balls. Bhanuka Rajapaksa and Wanindu Hasaranga also made valuable contributions, ensuring that Sri Lanka reached their target with ease.

The victory not only leveled the series but also boosted Sri Lanka’s confidence ahead of the crucial third and final T20I. The hosts will be eager to secure a series win, while West Indies will be determined to bounce back and claim the series.

West Indies Stun England, Reach T20 World Cup Semi-Finals

West Indies Stun England, Reach T20 World Cup Semi-Finals

Hayley Matthews and Qiana Joseph’s remarkable partnership propelled West Indies to a historic victory over England in the T20 World Cup group stage, securing a semi-final berth for the first time since 2018.

Despite being underdogs, West Indies defied expectations with a dominant performance. Joseph, in particular, played a pivotal role, smashing a career-best 52 off just 38 balls, including six fours and two sixes. Her aggressive batting set the tone for the innings, as she and Matthews put on a 102-run stand off just 74 balls.

Matthews, who played her best innings of the tournament with 50 off 38, provided solid support to Joseph. The duo’s partnership was the second time both openers had scored 50 or more in a women’s T20I for West Indies, the first being in the 2016 T20 World Cup final.

Joseph’s rise to the occasion was particularly impressive, as she stepped up in the absence of Stafanie Taylor, West Indies’ leading run-scorer. Her versatility and improved ball-striking have made her a valuable asset to the team.

Despite England’s vast resources and unbeaten record in the group stages, West Indies’ determination and fighting spirit proved too much to overcome. Deandra Dottin also played a crucial role, setting the tone with brilliant fielding and contributing with the ball.

West Indies’ victory is a testament to their resilience and the depth of their squad. By topping their group, they avoid favorites Australia in the semi-finals and will face New Zealand on Friday in Sharjah.

Matthews expressed her pride in her team’s performance, highlighting the challenges they have faced and the passion that drives them. “We probably just don’t have it like the rest a lot of the time,” she said. “But the one thing that does bring the entire West Indies together is cricket.”

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