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.
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