Sri Lanka aims for a clean sweep against the Windies today
Sri Lanka, having clinched the ODI series 2-0 against the West Indies, will aim for a clean sweep in the third match today at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, commencing at 2:30 pm.
In the first match, Sri Lanka emerged victorious by five wickets via the DLS method, while in the second game, they once again recorded a five-wicket win, chasing 190 runs in 38.2 overs in a 44-over game due to rain interruption.
Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka is in terrific batting form, making back-to-back half-centuries to reach the winning target, with both matches being dominated by Sri Lanka spinners at this spin-friendly wicket in Pallekele.
They used Maheesh Theekshana, the mystery spinner, as an opening bowler due to the conditions and got successful results; Theekshana took 3 for 25, earning the player of the match award. Theekshana was not in the original team eleven, but due to rain, the team management decided to include him instead of Jeffrey Vandersay, who played in the first ODI. Wanindu Hasaranga, with a four-wicket haul, and paceman Asitha Fernando, with 3 wickets, also bowled exceptionally well on this spin-friendly wicket.
Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka stated, “We needed a series win, and the players did really well to clinch the series with one game to spare. We made a plan to name Theekshana due to the weather conditions, and it really worked out. We knew Theekshana is a world-class bowler in T20 format, and he used his experience to trouble West Indies’ top order.” Asalanka was personally satisfied with his number five batting slot, as his consistent performance made it easier to chase the total.
West Indies captain Shai Hope said, “I really don’t like to focus on things we can’t control. The second game was disappointing. We just need to get through the power play and negate the spin threat. We need to limit the dot balls. We need to take a leaf out of Sri Lanka spinners. We must adapt quickly to avoid a clean sweep of the series.”
The West Indies top order did not perform as expected in both games, facing difficulties against Sri Lanka spinners. Sheferne Rutherford, however, played fighting innings in both matches. At one stage in the second game, they were 58 for 8 wickets, but Rutherford and Gudakesh Motie managed to rescue the innings, adding a record ninth-wicket stand of 119 runs, helping them post a respectable total of 189.
Sri Lanka dropped two vital catches against Rutherford during this partnership, one from Janith Liyanage and another from Nishan Madushka. The team needs to improve its fielding. However, overall, Sri Lanka’s fielding has been good despite those two dropped catches.
In addition, opener Avishka Fernando has not been among the runs, raising concerns about his performance. Pathum Nissanka, the other opener, is still on the bench following his injury, while Nishan Madushka made a successful debut with a half-century and followed it with a useful 38, adding a 65-run third-wicket stand with Sadeera Samarawickrama in the second game.
Both teams had not finalized their lineups yesterday, but they conducted their final training sessions in the afternoon and plan to name the final teams today.
