Kusal’s 99 guides Sri Lanka to series win
A blistering innings of 99 by Kusal Perera and a measured 81 not out from Lahiru Thirimanne propelled Sri Lanka to an easy eight-wicket victory, and series win, over the West Indies in the second ODI in Colombo.
With the Windies needing to avoid defeat to take the series into the last match, they were put to the sword by Kusal and Thirimanne as the hosts chased down an adjusted target of 225 in 38 overs after most the match was rained out.
Kusal and opening partner, Tillakaratne Dilshan, put on 40 for the first wicket in just four overs before Dilshan was bowled by Sunil Narine.
Thirimanne and Kusal them combined for a match-winning partnership of 156 for the second wicket with Thirimanne content to play the anchor role.
The left-handed Kusal continued to attack the bowling, striking six fours and four sixes on his way to just one short of a deserved century before Ravi Rampaul got him out.
Thirimanne scored his runs off 95 balls and together with Dinesh Chandimal (15*) saw their team over the line with one over and three balls to spare.
Earlier, the Caribbean outfit had opener Johnson Charles (83) and Marlon Samuels (63) to thank as they were 214 all out in 37.4 overs.
Lasith Malinga and spinner Milinda Siriwardana both took two wickets as the Windies struggled on a slow pitch. The third and final ODI is on Saturday in Pallekele.
Latest
-
NewsBen Stokes believes the sky is the limit for England’s Twenty20 side
England are already world champions in the 50-over format.
-
NewsAustralia move to the top of ICC Cricket World Cup Super League
Australia are leading the race to India 2023.
-
NewsDawid Malan surges to record-high T20I Rankings rating
Malan has reached new heights of excellence.
-
NewsEngland bowler Mark Wood keen to impress in ODI series after missing out on T20s
The paceman has featured in just six of England’s 21 internationals since the sport returned from its coronavirus shutdown.
-
NewsDawid Malan’s unbeaten 99 propels England to third T20 win over South Africa
The win sees England leapfrog Australia at the top of the world T20 rankings.
-
NewsDawid Malan failed maths test on race to hundred but needs no batting lessons
The world-leading Twenty20 batsman fired England to victory in Cape Town and a series whitewash with his 99-run knock.
-
News
Dawid Malan smashes 99 runs as England clinch series whitewash in South Africa
A staggering stand worth 167 in just 85 balls saw Eoin Morgan’s men rise to the challenge of playing on a used pitch at Newlands.
-
NewsSouth Africa launch late blitz to set England 192 to win third T20 in Cape Town
Van der Dussen clubbed a relentless 74 not out from 32 balls and Du Plessis made 54no from 37.
-
NewsRabada ruled out of ODI series with groin strain
South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada has been ruled out of the upcoming ODI series against England with a strain to his groin.
-
NewsKnight Riders Group invests in American T20 tournament
Shah Rukh Khan’s Knight Riders Group have invested in an upcoming American T20 competition as they aim to get a foothold in the US.