Sri Lanka secured a series-clinching victory against West Indies with a five-wicket win in the rain-affected second ODI in Pallekele. The match was reduced to 44 overs per side, and Sri Lanka’s bowlers took full advantage, with Wanindu Hasaranga (4 for 40), Maheesh Theekshana (3 for 25), and Asitha Fernando (3 for 35) bowling out the visitors for 189. Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka’s unbeaten 62 guided his team to victory with 5.4 overs to spare.
West Indies, after being reduced to 58/8, staged a dramatic recovery thanks to a 119-run partnership between Sherfane Rutherford (80 off 82) and Gudakesh Motie (50* off 61). However, their total proved insufficient, as Sri Lanka chased down the target comfortably, taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
Brief Scores:
- West Indies: 189 in 36 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 80, Gudakesh Motie 50*; Wanindu Hasaranga 4-40, Maheesh Theekshana 3-25, Asitha Fernando 3-35)
- Sri Lanka: 190/5 in 38.2 overs (Charith Asalanka 62*; Alzarri Joseph 2-30)
- Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets (DLS method)