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Sri Lanka vs West Indies, WI in SL, 3 ODIs, 2024 Full score card

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3rd ODI, Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, Kandy, 26 Oct, 2024

Sri Lanka

SL

156/3

(23.0) ov

West Indies

WI

196/2

(22.0) ov

West Indies beat Sri Lanka by 8 wickets (DLS method)

Player Of The Match

Evin Lewis,
West Indies
West Indies
Summary
Scorecard
Commentary
News
West Indies
Sri Lanka

West Indies • 196/2 (22.0 overs)

E Lewis 102 (61)

S Rutherford 50 (26)

A Fernando 1/39 (5)

D Madushanka 1/50 (5)

Sri Lanka • 156/3 (23.0 overs)

K Mendis 56 (22)

P Nissanka 56 (62)

R Chase 1/20 (2)

S Rutherford 1/27 (2)

Commentary

That's it form this game and the ODI series! Lanka won the T20 and the ODIs. A really good outing for them. Charith Asalanka collects the cup and moves on to celebrate with his team. That's it form our coverage too. Until next time, goodbye and take care!

Charith Asalanka has been given the player of the series award!

Evin Lewis has been given the MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD!

Sri Lanka bowled decently but as the game went on, as it got tougher to grip, there were a lot of loose balls dished out. The fielding also didn't help and the dropped catch of Rutherford cost them dearly. They'll be disappointed they could not defend a decent total on a tricky surface.

A fine, fine chase then by the Windies and they avoid a whitewash! It is the comeback man, Lewis and the man in form, Rutherford who do it! They started off cautiously and lost King in the process. Hope and Lewis then built another partnership which laid the platform. Lewis continued and he was the mainstay. Rutherford came out all guns blazing and played the cameo his side needed to round off a very good chase.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 196/2

E Lewis102 (61)

S Rutherford50 (26)

A Fernando5-0-39-1

21.66

SIX! That's the end of the game! Lewis finishes it off in style! On middle. He smashes it down the ground and over the long off fence.

21.51

Singles will do it! On middle. Thi is worked through mid-wicket for one.

21.46

SIX! Over the fence! That probably kills the game. Another one like this needed. A low full toss. This is hit over the long on fence.

21.32

Two! Full and outside off. This is hit through covers for a couple.

21.20

Dots are gold! A yorker on middle. This is jammed back to the bowler.

21.11

They need this to be a tight over! A yorker on off. This is hit down to long off for one.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 180/2

E Lewis95 (59)

S Rutherford41 (22)

D Madushanka5-0-50-1

20.61

Make that 15! Full toss on off. It is hit down to long off for one.

20.56

SIX! Right in the slot and that's out of here! This is full and on middle. It is lofted over long off. It goes all the way. Just the 16 needed in 13.

20.41

Another yorker. This is jammed out on the leg side for one.

20.30

Superb yorker on middle. Rutherford jams it out.

20.24

FOUR! Lovely placement! Full and outside off. Rutherford just opens the face of the bat and guides it past point. This races away to the fence.

20.11

Just the one again! A slower one. Lewis swings, it goes off the inner half through square leg for one.!

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 167/2

E Lewis87 (56)

S Rutherford36 (19)

A Fernando4-0-23-1

19.61

A run again! Fuller and on off. This is driven down to long off. A run taken.

19.51

Angled into the pads. Rutherford works it past square leg. A run taken.

19.41

On the pads. This is flicked through square leg for one.

19.31

Fuller and outside off. This is driven past cover for one.

19.24

FOUR! He's in a hurry here! This is short and outside off. This is cut past point. It races away.

19.12

Two! On middle. This is worked through square leg for two.

Runs Scored 18 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 157/2

E Lewis85 (54)

S Rutherford28 (15)

M Theekshana5-0-39-0

18.60

son middle. Lewis plays it out. That's a massive over and it comes off Maheesh Theekshana!

18.51

On middle. Rutherford ticks it around the corner for one.

18.44

FOUR! Pulled away! On the shorter side. Angling into the batter. This is hammered past square leg. Boundary.

18.36

SIX MORE! Two in a row.  Windies favourite now. Fuller and on off. This is lofted over the long off fence for a biggie.

18.26

SIX! Rutherford with a biggie! Moves inside the line! This is on middle. He spot sweeps it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

18.11

On off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 139/2

S Rutherford11 (11)

E Lewis84 (52)

C Asalanka2-0-19-0

17.60

Dot to end but a productive over! Angled into the pads. Rutherford looks to play the slog sweep but misses to get hit on the pads.

Commentary

Now, it is on to their batters who haven't had the best of times in this series. They have a stiff task. Can they do well this time? Lanka on the other hand, will back themselves to defend this. Stay tuned for the chase.

West Indies let them down in the field! They dropped a lot of catches and had that been taken, things could have been different. Amongst the bowlers, Joseph was good at the end and Forde was brilliant at the start. Motie was yet again economical but the others leaked runs.

That's a fine, fine innings from Mendis, he rode his luck but he has provided the much-needed impetus his side needed. Lanka courtesy him, have got to a very good score. Before that, it was tough going for them, they did not lose wickets but the going was slow. Then there was a long rain break and the game was reduced to a 23-per over side game. Lanka though managed to score over 70 runs in the last five.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 156/3

K Mendis56 (22)

K Mendis0 (1)

S Rutherford2-0-27-1

22.63

That's brilliant fielding but excellent running too! Full and outside off. This is hit wide of long off. The fielder runs there, dives and stops it. They take three though.

22.51lb

Full and on the pads. Mendis looks to flick but misses. This hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

22.4W

OUT! TAKEN THIS TIME! On the pads. Asalanka flicks it but straight to deep square leg. Keacy Carty makes no mistake.

22.31

Well bowled! Full and on middle. This is hit down to long on for one.

22.22

Two more! That's another drop. Another sitter goes down. Shorter and on middle. This is pulled towards deep mid-wicket. Lewis spills it there. Two take.

22.14

FOUR MORE! That's a brilliant knock from Mendis! Just outstanding! This is thumped down the ground! Fuller and on middle. He hits it down the ground and to the long on fence. This could be a massive last over. Perfect start for them.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 145/2

C Asalanka6 (2)

K Mendis46 (18)

A Joseph5-0-41-0

21.66

SIX! Bang! He fails to end it well. This sails over the fence. Right in the slot. Full and on middle. This is lofted over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

21.50

Just brilliant so far! Another yorker on off. Asalanka looks to go over long on but this goes off the toe end to the keeper. Can he end the over well now?

21.41

Just the one again! Excellent stuff! A yorker on middle. This is hit down to long on for one.

21.3W

OUT! Run out! That's brilliant from Joseph. He first bowls a brilliant yorker on off. This is jammed out to the left of the bowler. They go for one. Joseph gets there, fields the ball, turns and hits the stumps at his end. Brilliantly done. A top knock from Nissanka.

21.21

Goes full again. This is hit down to long on for one.

21.14

FOUR MORE! It is raining boundaries here! Full and on off. This is thumped down the ground and it races away to the fence.

Runs Scored 17 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 133/1

P Nissanka56 (61)

K Mendis40 (15)

S Rutherford1-0-17-0

20.64

FOUR! Finds the gap this time! Shorter and on middle. Nissanka drags it wide of deep mid-wicket. This races away.

20.50

Big swing and a miss! Outside off. A slower one. Nissanka swings but misses.

20.41

Just the one this time! On middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

20.36

SIX! That catch may cost a lot. Short and on middle. This is hammered over the square leg fence for a biggie. 12 from the first three balls. Rutherford under massive pressure here.

20.24

DROPPED AND FOUR! That was a sitter. That should have been taken. To rub salt to the wound, it is a boundary too. On the pads. A slower one. It is pulled towards deep square leg. The fielder spills a sitter. It goes to the fence too.

20.12

A fumble and an easy two! A low full toss on the pads. Mendis sweeps it towards short fine leg. Alzarri Joseph looks to stop it but it hits him on his leg and rolls towards square leg for one. Joseph is in pain.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 116/1

K Mendis27 (11)

P Nissanka52 (59)

A Joseph4-0-29-0

19.61

That's outstanding! A yorker on off. Mendis jams it out on the off side and takes one.

19.52

In the gap again! Shorter and on middle. Another slower one. This is pulled through mid-wicket for two.

19.41

He misses out! It is a slower ball full toss. It is hit through mid-wicket for one.

19.32

Two again! Fuller and on middle. Nissanka flicks it through square leg. It is in the gap. Two taken.

19.20

That stays low! Outside off. Shorter. Nissanka looks to cut but misses. That's the way to go. Slower ones.

19.12

In the gap! Shorter and on middle. This is pulled towards deep mid-wicket. Two taken.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 108/1

K Mendis24 (9)

P Nissanka47 (55)

G Motie5-0-21-0

18.60

Dot to end! On off. Flatter. This is pushed back to the bowler.

18.54

FOUR! Easy pickings! This is short and asking to be hit. It is pulled wide of deep mid-wicket and it races away to the fence. Runs flowing at the moment.

18.44

FOUR! That's a poor line! This is fired through. On the pads. It is swept through square leg. This races away to the fence.

West Indies
Sri Lanka
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
B King

c K Mendis b A Fernando

16 19 2 0 84.21
E Lewis

not out

102 61 9 4 167.21
S Hope

c A Fernando b D Madushanka

22 27 0 1 81.48
S Rutherford

not out

50 26 4 3 192.30
Extras

(b 0,lb 2,w 3,nb 1,Penalty 0)

6
Total 22.0 (RR: 8.91)
196/2

Did not bat: K Carty, J Andrew, R Chase, M Forde, G Motie, A Joseph, J Seales

Fall of wickets:

(B King, 5.4 ov) (S Hope, 14.3 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
M Theekshana
5 0 39 0 7.80
D Madushanka
5 0 50 1 10.00
A Fernando
5 0 39 1 7.80
W Hasaranga
2 0 24 0 12.00
J Liyanage
1 0 9 0 9.00
K Mendis
2 0 14 0 7.00
C Asalanka
2 0 19 0 9.50
Batter R B 4s 6s SR
P Nissanka

run out (A Joseph)

56 62 8 1 90.32
A Fernando

c & b R Chase

34 50 4 1 68
K Mendis

not out

56 22 9 1 254.54
C Asalanka

c K Carty b S Rutherford

6 3 0 1 200
K Mendis

not out

0 1 0 0 0
Extras

(b 0,lb 3,w 1,nb 0,Penalty 0)

4
Total 23.0 (RR: 6.78)
156/3

Did not bat: S Samarawickrama, J Liyanage, W Hasaranga, M Theekshana, A Fernando, D Madushanka

Fall of wickets:

(A Fernando, 17.1 ov) (P Nissanka, 21.3 ov) (C Asalanka, 22.4 ov)
Bowler O M R W ER
M Forde
5 0 12 0 2.40
A Joseph
5 0 41 0 8.20
J Seales
4 0 32 0 8.00
G Motie
5 0 21 0 4.20
R Chase
2 0 20 1 10.00
S Rutherford
2 0 27 1 13.50
West Indies
Sri Lanka

Commentary

That's it form this game and the ODI series! Lanka won the T20 and the ODIs. A really good outing for them. Charith Asalanka collects the cup and moves on to celebrate with his team. That's it form our coverage too. Until next time, goodbye and take care!

Charith Asalanka has been given the player of the series award!

Evin Lewis has been given the MAN OF THE MATCH AWARD!

Sri Lanka bowled decently but as the game went on, as it got tougher to grip, there were a lot of loose balls dished out. The fielding also didn't help and the dropped catch of Rutherford cost them dearly. They'll be disappointed they could not defend a decent total on a tricky surface.

A fine, fine chase then by the Windies and they avoid a whitewash! It is the comeback man, Lewis and the man in form, Rutherford who do it! They started off cautiously and lost King in the process. Hope and Lewis then built another partnership which laid the platform. Lewis continued and he was the mainstay. Rutherford came out all guns blazing and played the cameo his side needed to round off a very good chase.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 196/2

E Lewis102 (61)

S Rutherford50 (26)

A Fernando5-0-39-1

21.66

SIX! That's the end of the game! Lewis finishes it off in style! On middle. He smashes it down the ground and over the long off fence.

21.51

Singles will do it! On middle. Thi is worked through mid-wicket for one.

21.46

SIX! Over the fence! That probably kills the game. Another one like this needed. A low full toss. This is hit over the long on fence.

21.32

Two! Full and outside off. This is hit through covers for a couple.

21.20

Dots are gold! A yorker on middle. This is jammed back to the bowler.

21.11

They need this to be a tight over! A yorker on off. This is hit down to long off for one.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 180/2

E Lewis95 (59)

S Rutherford41 (22)

D Madushanka5-0-50-1

20.61

Make that 15! Full toss on off. It is hit down to long off for one.

20.56

SIX! Right in the slot and that's out of here! This is full and on middle. It is lofted over long off. It goes all the way. Just the 16 needed in 13.

20.41

Another yorker. This is jammed out on the leg side for one.

20.30

Superb yorker on middle. Rutherford jams it out.

20.24

FOUR! Lovely placement! Full and outside off. Rutherford just opens the face of the bat and guides it past point. This races away to the fence.

20.11

Just the one again! A slower one. Lewis swings, it goes off the inner half through square leg for one.!

Runs Scored 10 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 167/2

E Lewis87 (56)

S Rutherford36 (19)

A Fernando4-0-23-1

19.61

A run again! Fuller and on off. This is driven down to long off. A run taken.

19.51

Angled into the pads. Rutherford works it past square leg. A run taken.

19.41

On the pads. This is flicked through square leg for one.

19.31

Fuller and outside off. This is driven past cover for one.

19.24

FOUR! He's in a hurry here! This is short and outside off. This is cut past point. It races away.

19.12

Two! On middle. This is worked through square leg for two.

Runs Scored 18 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 157/2

E Lewis85 (54)

S Rutherford28 (15)

M Theekshana5-0-39-0

18.60

son middle. Lewis plays it out. That's a massive over and it comes off Maheesh Theekshana!

18.51

On middle. Rutherford ticks it around the corner for one.

18.44

FOUR! Pulled away! On the shorter side. Angling into the batter. This is hammered past square leg. Boundary.

18.36

SIX MORE! Two in a row.  Windies favourite now. Fuller and on off. This is lofted over the long off fence for a biggie.

18.26

SIX! Rutherford with a biggie! Moves inside the line! This is on middle. He spot sweeps it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

18.11

On off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

Runs Scored 14 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 139/2

S Rutherford11 (11)

E Lewis84 (52)

C Asalanka2-0-19-0

17.60

Dot to end but a productive over! Angled into the pads. Rutherford looks to play the slog sweep but misses to get hit on the pads.

17.51

Flatter and on middle. This is hit down to long on for one.

17.44

FOUR! This could well be the game changing over! Fuller again and on middle. This is hammere down tk the long on fence.

17.34

FOUR! Drilled down the ground. On middle. This is thumped down to the long off fence.

17.21

Dropped! This could be costly. Rutherford is the man in form! Outside off. This is lofted towards deep cover. The fielder spills it. A run taken.

17.14

FOUR! A boundary to begin the over! Just what West Indies needed! Angled into the pads. Rutherford sweeps it through square leg. This races away to the fence.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 125/2

E Lewis75 (49)

S Rutherford6 (8)

K Mendis2-0-14-0

16.60

Fuller again, on off, Lewis drills it to the right of the bowler who makes a fantastic stop. Dot to end the over!

16.54

FOUR! This time he connects it well! Fuller one, on off, Lewis rocks onto his backfoot and lofts it magnificently over the bowler's head for a boundary.

16.42

Some turn and bounce, outside off, Lewis looks to loft it but edges it to third man for a brace.

16.30

Quicker, fuller and on off, Lewis eases it back to the bowler.

16.20

Fuller one, on off, Lewis blocks it soldily.

16.11

Lands it on off, it keeps low. Sherfane Rutherford cuts it to backward point. The fielder dives to his left and stops it well. That would have been a boundary but they get just a single.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 118/2

S Rutherford5 (7)

E Lewis69 (44)

C Asalanka1-0-5-0

15.61

Short, on off, Sherfane Rutherford guides it to short third for one. That's a good over. Just five runss off it!

15.51

Full, on off, Lewis knocks it down the ground for a single.

15.41

Bowls it on middle and leg, Sherfane Rutherford lifts it over covers for one.

15.30

Flatter, on leg, Sherfane Rutherford fends it back to the bowler.

15.22

Bowls it on off, Sherfane Rutherford slaps it through covers for a brace.

15.10

Fuller one, on off, Sherfane Rutherford eases it to mid off.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 113/2

E Lewis68 (43)

S Rutherford1 (2)

D Madushanka4-0-37-1

14.64

FOUR! Fine shot! An attempted yorker but it ends up as a low full toss. Lewis picks it well and lifts it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

14.51

Fuller one, on off, Sherfane Rutherford eases it to covers for one.

14.40

Lands it on off, Sherfane Rutherford taps it to the cover fielder.

14.3W

OUT! TAKEN! The partnership is finally broken and the Sri Lankan crowd are on their toes now. Short, on off, Hope looks to pull it. Mistimes his stroke as the ball carries towards deep mid-wicket. Avishka Fernando runs forward and completes the catch. Sherfane Rutherford walks in to bat now.

14.21

Good comeback. A yorker, on leg, Lewis digs it to short fine for one.

14.16

SIX! My oh my! That's huge. Touch short and on off, Lewis stands tall and clatters it all the way over deep mid-wicket.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 101/1

S Hope22 (26)

E Lewis57 (40)

K Mendis1-0-7-0

13.60

Well bowled! On middle. Blocked.

13.52

Two again! Outside off. This is slapped past cover. In the gap. Two again.

13.40

Misses out! Short and down the leg side. Hope pulls but to short fine leg.

13.31

Outside off. This is slapped through covers for one.

13.22

On off. This is hit down to long off for two.

13.12

Outside off. This is hit through covers for two.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 94/1

S Hope20 (23)

E Lewis52 (37)

M Theekshana4-0-21-0

12.60

And does! Flatter and on off. This is pushed to cover.

12.50

Flatter and on middle. This is played back to the bowler. Needs to end it well.

12.41

Angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

12.30

Beauty! This lands on off and spins away. Lewis is beaten as he looks to defend.

12.20

Flatter and on off. Defended.

12.11

On the pads. Hope works it through square leg for one. Lewis is down on the ground after completing the run. He's in a lot of pain.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 92/1

E Lewis51 (34)

S Hope19 (20)

A Fernando3-0-13-1

11.62

Two again! Brilliant running again! A low full toss on the pads. It's worked through mid-wicket. Fifty for Lewis. Top knock from him. Job is still not done though.

11.50

Brilliantly bowled! A yorker now on middle. This is jammed out on the off side. Outstanding stuff.

11.40

A good short one! Lewis looks to pull but misses again.

11.32

Fuller and on middle. This is worked through mid-wicket. Two again.

11.22

Two! Lovely stroke! Fuller and on off. This is driven down the ground towards long off. The fielder runs to his left and keeps it down to two.

11.11

A full toss on the pads. This is clipped through mid-wicket for one.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 85/1

S Hope18 (19)

E Lewis45 (29)

J Liyanage1-0-9-0

10.61

Only one to end! On middle. This is worked down to long on for one.

10.51

Only one! Outside off. This is hit down to long off for one.

10.41

Slight fumble and one! Outside off. This is slapped to cover. A run taken.

10.31

Outside off. Fuller. This is driven through covers for one.

10.24

FOUR! Too easy. This is short and it sits up to be hit. This is hammered through mid-wicket. No chance of stopping that.

10.11

Fuller and on. Middle. Hope works it down to long on and takes one.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 76/1

E Lewis39 (26)

S Hope15 (16)

D Madushanka3-0-25-0

9.64

FOUR! Fails to end it well! Goes up and over! On off, fuller. This is hit down over the long off fielder and it races away to the fence.

9.51

Just the one! Outside off. This is chopped on the off side for one. Can he end the over well now?

9.40

Hope needs to get a move on here! Pressure is building on him. Length and around off. This lands and moves away. Hope looks to push at it but is beaten.

9.31

That's brilliant from Nissanka! Saves five runs for his side! On middle. Shorter. This is pulled towards deep mid-wicket. The fielder leaps, takes it and immediately throws it up in the air as he is falling behind the ropes.

9.21

Quick run! Around off. Length. This is guided to point for a run.

9.10

This skids through! Outside off. Not a lot of bounce! Hope looks to cut but is beaten.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 69/1

E Lewis34 (24)

S Hope13 (12)

W Hasaranga2-0-24-0

8.60

This time he does cut this ball well outside off but to the fielder at point.

8.50

This stays very low! Outside off. Lewis looks to cut again but misses.

8.42

Flatter and outside off. This is slapped past cover. Two taken.

8.36

SIX! All the way! Lewis getting a move on now. A little too full. This is smashed down the ground and it goes over the long off fence.

8.20

Flatter and outside off. Lewis looks to cut but is beaten.

8.11

Tossed up on off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

Runs Scored 9 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 60/1

E Lewis26 (19)

S Hope12 (11)

D Madushanka2-0-18-0

7.62

DROPPED AND TWO! That should have been taken! Full and outside off. Lewis hits it hard towards mid off. Hasaranga dives to his right but spills it. Easy two in the end. Another good over for Windies.

7.51

On middle. This is nudged to mid-wicket for one.

7.40

Sharp stuff! Short and angling away. Hope looks to pull but misses.

7.31

Now takes one! Around off. This is pushed past cover for one. Good sensible batting.

7.24

FOUR! Not a good line with fine leg up! Welcome boundary! On the pads. Lewis tickles it fine and this one races away to the fence. Easy pickings.

7.11lb

That came back in sharply! On middle. Hope looks to flick but misses. It hits him high on the pads and rolls on the off side. A leg bye taken.

Runs Scored 15 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 51/1

S Hope11 (8)

E Lewis19 (16)

W Hasaranga1-0-15-0

6.61

Tap and run! Around off. Hope pushes it towards cover for one. End of a very expensive over! They need more of these.

6.50

Slower this time and on off. Hope defends.

6.42

Excellent running again! Fuller and on off. This is driven to covers who parries it to mid off. Two taken.

6.30

On middle. It holds its line. Hope looks to flick but it goes off a soft leading edge back to the bowler.

6.22

Two is the call and two it is! On middle. This is worked through mid-wicket for two.

6.16

SIX! Takes full toll of this one. This is slower and outside off. A little too full. This is lofted over the long on fence for a biggie. 10 from only one legal ball. Hasaranga under pressure now.

6.11wd

WIDED AGAIN! This is slower and outside off. It spins away. Hope looks to go down the ground but misses.

6.11wd

FREE HIT CONTINUES! This is very wide outside off. Left alone.

6.12nb

NO BALL! That's a gift. Lanka only had 4 in the circle and they needed to have 5. Shorter and outside off. This is hit down to long off for one. Free Hit coming up. Can he Hope make use of it? He needs to. They need something to break the shackles.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 36/1

S Hope0 (2)

E Lewis18 (15)

A Fernando2-0-6-1

5.60

That's another fine over! Fuller and on off. This is pushed to mid off.

5.50

On middle. Good length. Defended.

5.4W

OUT! Good catch! That went very high. Big wicket as King can be very dangerous. Well deserved wicket for Fernando. A slower one on middle. King lofts it towards deep mid-wicket. Mendis takes it nicely.

5.41wd

WIDE! King misses out! Down the leg side. He looks to heave it but misses.

5.30

King steps out now but this is a yorker on middle. It is jammed out on the leg side. Pressure building again.

5.20

Excellent bumper! Really rushed onto the batter there! King makes room. He's followed. King looks to pull but is beaten for pace.

5.10

This stays low! On middle. King looks to pull. This one stays low. King gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 35/0

E Lewis18 (15)

B King16 (15)

M Theekshana3-0-19-0

4.60

Loud about but not given! Going down leg. Angled into the pads. Lewis looks to pull but misses and is hit on the pad.

4.52

Two! On the pads. Lewis clips it through square leg for two. 8 from the over now with a ball to go.

4.41

Just the one again! Steps out. Does not get to the pitch of it. It is hit hard into the ground. Bounces over the bowler and towards mid off for one.

4.31

Slows this up and lands it on middle. Lewis looks to sweep but it goes off the toe end towards mid-wicket. A run taken.

4.24

FOUR! That's a poor ball and it is put away! Short and down the leg side. This is pulled past square leg. No chance of stopping that. Can this break the shackles?

4.10

Beauty! Slower and around off. It lands and spins away. Lewis is beaten as he tries to defend.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 27/0

E Lewis11 (10)

B King15 (14)

A Fernando1-0-5-0

3.61

Excellent fielding again! Just the one. That's a fine over by Fernando! Outside off. This is slapped to cover. He makes a half stop. A single only.

3.51

Just the one again! Top stuff. A yorker on the pads. King makes room and hits it towards mid on for one.

3.40

DRIVEN HARD BUT NO RUNS! Fuller and on off. This is smashed to mid off. No run. Pressure building. Something has to give here.

3.30

A good short one! That skids through. Kind looks to pull but misses.

3.23

That's an outstanding effort! Yet again, this skids through. On middle. Lewis manages to pull it past mid on. Deep mid-wicket, runs to his right, dives and keeps it down to three. He saves a run for his side.

3.10

That rushed onto him! On middle. Shorter. Skids through. Lewis looks to pull but misses to get hit high on the pads.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 22/0

E Lewis7 (7)

B King14 (11)

M Theekshana2-0-11-0

2.61

Yes, he does! On middle. Shortish. This is pushed down towards mid on for one. Good running. Tidy from Maheesh Theekshana.

2.51

Fuller and on middle. This is hit down to long on for one more. Can he end the over well now?

2.40

Fuller and on off. This is driven to cover for one.

2.31

Around off. This is pushed to cover for one.

2.20

Shorter and outside off. Lewis cuts it but finds point.

2.11

On the pads. This is clipped through mid-wicket for one.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 18/0

B King12 (8)

E Lewis5 (4)

D Madushanka1-0-10-0

1.61lb

Length and down leg, King looks to flick it but gets his pads as the ball rolls towards short fine. Leg bye taken.

1.50

Follows the batter down leg, King shuffles across and looks to loft it but misses.

1.44

FOUR! Streaky but they will take it. Short and on middle, King goes for a wild swing. Gets a top edge as the ball finds the fence at fine leg.

1.32

Touch fuller this time, King drills it down the ground for a brace.

1.20

Short again, King pulls it but mistimes it to the mid-wicket fielder.

1.14

FOUR! Well played! Short and on middle, King hangs back and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 7/0

E Lewis5 (4)

B King2 (2)

M Theekshana1-0-7-0

0.60

A loud appeal but not given! Lanka review. It maybe umpire's call! Angled into the pads. Lewis looks to push at it but misses. It hits the pad. It is clipping the leg pole. Decent first over for Windies.

0.54

FOUR! Swept away! On the pads. This is hit through square leg and this races away. Nicely played. With the angle. First of the chase.

0.41

Outside off. This is dragged through mid-wicket for one.

0.31

Quick run! On off. This is pushed towards cover for one.

0.20

That's a beauty! Fuller and on off. This lands and spins away. Lewis is beaten as he pushes at it.

0.11

King and Windies are underway! On middle. This is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Commentary

Now, it is on to their batters who haven't had the best of times in this series. They have a stiff task. Can they do well this time? Lanka on the other hand, will back themselves to defend this. Stay tuned for the chase.

West Indies let them down in the field! They dropped a lot of catches and had that been taken, things could have been different. Amongst the bowlers, Joseph was good at the end and Forde was brilliant at the start. Motie was yet again economical but the others leaked runs.

That's a fine, fine innings from Mendis, he rode his luck but he has provided the much-needed impetus his side needed. Lanka courtesy him, have got to a very good score. Before that, it was tough going for them, they did not lose wickets but the going was slow. Then there was a long rain break and the game was reduced to a 23-per over side game. Lanka though managed to score over 70 runs in the last five.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 23 overs : 156/3

K Mendis56 (22)

K Mendis0 (1)

S Rutherford2-0-27-1

22.63

That's brilliant fielding but excellent running too! Full and outside off. This is hit wide of long off. The fielder runs there, dives and stops it. They take three though.

22.51lb

Full and on the pads. Mendis looks to flick but misses. This hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

22.4W

OUT! TAKEN THIS TIME! On the pads. Asalanka flicks it but straight to deep square leg. Keacy Carty makes no mistake.

22.31

Well bowled! Full and on middle. This is hit down to long on for one.

22.22

Two more! That's another drop. Another sitter goes down. Shorter and on middle. This is pulled towards deep mid-wicket. Lewis spills it there. Two take.

22.14

FOUR MORE! That's a brilliant knock from Mendis! Just outstanding! This is thumped down the ground! Fuller and on middle. He hits it down the ground and to the long on fence. This could be a massive last over. Perfect start for them.

Runs Scored 12 Runs

Score after 22 overs : 145/2

C Asalanka6 (2)

K Mendis46 (18)

A Joseph5-0-41-0

21.66

SIX! Bang! He fails to end it well. This sails over the fence. Right in the slot. Full and on middle. This is lofted over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

21.50

Just brilliant so far! Another yorker on off. Asalanka looks to go over long on but this goes off the toe end to the keeper. Can he end the over well now?

21.41

Just the one again! Excellent stuff! A yorker on middle. This is hit down to long on for one.

21.3W

OUT! Run out! That's brilliant from Joseph. He first bowls a brilliant yorker on off. This is jammed out to the left of the bowler. They go for one. Joseph gets there, fields the ball, turns and hits the stumps at his end. Brilliantly done. A top knock from Nissanka.

21.21

Goes full again. This is hit down to long on for one.

21.14

FOUR MORE! It is raining boundaries here! Full and on off. This is thumped down the ground and it races away to the fence.

Runs Scored 17 Runs

Score after 21 overs : 133/1

P Nissanka56 (61)

K Mendis40 (15)

S Rutherford1-0-17-0

20.64

FOUR! Finds the gap this time! Shorter and on middle. Nissanka drags it wide of deep mid-wicket. This races away.

20.50

Big swing and a miss! Outside off. A slower one. Nissanka swings but misses.

20.41

Just the one this time! On middle. This is pulled through mid-wicket for one.

20.36

SIX! That catch may cost a lot. Short and on middle. This is hammered over the square leg fence for a biggie. 12 from the first three balls. Rutherford under massive pressure here.

20.24

DROPPED AND FOUR! That was a sitter. That should have been taken. To rub salt to the wound, it is a boundary too. On the pads. A slower one. It is pulled towards deep square leg. The fielder spills a sitter. It goes to the fence too.

20.12

A fumble and an easy two! A low full toss on the pads. Mendis sweeps it towards short fine leg. Alzarri Joseph looks to stop it but it hits him on his leg and rolls towards square leg for one. Joseph is in pain.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 20 overs : 116/1

K Mendis27 (11)

P Nissanka52 (59)

A Joseph4-0-29-0

19.61

That's outstanding! A yorker on off. Mendis jams it out on the off side and takes one.

19.52

In the gap again! Shorter and on middle. Another slower one. This is pulled through mid-wicket for two.

19.41

He misses out! It is a slower ball full toss. It is hit through mid-wicket for one.

19.32

Two again! Fuller and on middle. Nissanka flicks it through square leg. It is in the gap. Two taken.

19.20

That stays low! Outside off. Shorter. Nissanka looks to cut but misses. That's the way to go. Slower ones.

19.12

In the gap! Shorter and on middle. This is pulled towards deep mid-wicket. Two taken.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 19 overs : 108/1

K Mendis24 (9)

P Nissanka47 (55)

G Motie5-0-21-0

18.60

Dot to end! On off. Flatter. This is pushed back to the bowler.

18.54

FOUR! Easy pickings! This is short and asking to be hit. It is pulled wide of deep mid-wicket and it races away to the fence. Runs flowing at the moment.

18.44

FOUR! That's a poor line! This is fired through. On the pads. It is swept through square leg. This races away to the fence.

18.30

Flatter and on middle. This is played back to the bowler.

18.21

On off. Fuller. This is pushed down to long off for one.

18.12

Two! The sweep is out. It is played towards deep mid-wicket for two.

Runs Scored 16 Runs

Score after 18 overs : 97/1

K Mendis16 (5)

P Nissanka44 (53)

R Chase2-0-20-1

17.64

FOUR! Four in a row! Off the inside edge. This is flatter and outside off. Mendis looks to cut. It goes off the inside edge, between the keeper's legs and down to the fine leg fence.

17.54

FOUR! Thumped down the ground! This is full and on off. Mendis smashes it down the ground and this races away too.

17.44

FOUR! Two in a row again! Way too short and this is hammered too. It is nailed through square leg. On th charge is Mendis.

17.34

FOUR! Hammered! Shorter and on middle. This is nailed through square leg. In the gap and it races away.

Time for the action to begin! Out walk the players.

We have a time! The game is to resume at 1520 GMT and it is going to be a 23-over per side game! Total entertainment. Here we go..:

UPDATE - 1455 GMT - The rain has stopped and the covers are also off! We should get in a game if there is no more rain. Fingers crossed.

UPDATE - 1413 GMT - The last a game can start is 1540 GMT, that will be a 20-over game. The chances though look bleak as the rain is still coming down and the ground will take sometime to be ready for a game.

UPDATE - 1313 GMT - The covers are back on again! The rain isn't heavy but it is consistent. The wait goes on...

UPDATE - 1252 GMT - The rain has stopped again and the covers are coming off AGAIN! Let's hope it stays away for good now.

UPDATE - 1205 GMT - Well, the covers did come off for a while but they are back on again and the rain has returned! Doesn't seem very heavy, the ground staff are still on the ground but the covers are firmly in placed. Well, scratch what we just wrote, more covers are being got on and the rain has got heavier.

UPDATE - 1142 GMT- It's been more than an hour now since the delay and we just might start losing overs! Well, just as we write that, we have some very good news coming in, THE COVERS ARE COMING OFF!

UPDATE - 1100 GMT - Nothing new to update for now, it continues to rain and the covers are firmly on. The waiting game continues.

UPDATE - (1014 GMT) - The heavens have opened up! It's coming down quite steadily and it has got really dark. The covers have now come on.

17.20

Flatter and outside off. Mendis guides it to point.

17.1W

OUT! Caught and bowled! Fernando falls. Soft dismissal. Much needed wicket for the visitors! On middle. Shortish. Fernando looks to push it down to long on but this holds in the surface a touch. Fernando is though the shot. He ends up chipping it back to the bowler.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 17 overs : 81/0

A Fernando34 (49)

P Nissanka44 (53)

G Motie4-0-10-0

16.61

Outside off. This is pushed past cover for one.

16.50

Around off. Kept out.

16.40

On middle. Blocked.

16.31

On the pads. This is tucked around the corner for one.

16.24

FOUR! Brilliant shot! On middle and this is swept hard. It goes past mid-wicket and it races away. It was swept more on line.

16.10

Outside off. Nissanka cuts but to point.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 16 overs : 75/0

A Fernando33 (46)

P Nissanka39 (50)

R Chase1-0-4-0

15.60

Flatter and on middle. Defended.

15.51

Outside off. Nissanka drags it towards fine leg for one.

15.41

Would have been close! On middle. Fernando pushes it back to the bowler who midfields. They go for one. Chase gets to the ball, turns and has a shy at the bowler's end. Off balance. He misses.

15.30

Hesitation but safe! On middle. Fernando works it to mid-wicket. Nissanka takes off but is sent back in time.

15.21

Flatter and around off. This is guided to the man at point.

15.11

Angled into middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 15 overs : 71/0

P Nissanka37 (48)

A Fernando31 (42)

G Motie3-0-4-0

14.60

Angled into middle. Kept out again. Motie continues to keep it tight.

14.50

A loud appeal but turned down! Going down leg. Angled into the pads. Nissanka looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. A loud shout but not given.

14.40

Fuller and on off. This is pushed to cover again.

14.30

Slower again and on off. Kept out.

14.20

Beaten! Lovely! Tossed up on off. This lands and spins away. Nissanka looks to defend but is beaten.

14.11

On off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

Runs Scored 13 Runs

Score after 14 overs : 70/0

P Nissanka37 (43)

A Fernando30 (41)

J Seales4-0-32-0

13.64

FOUR! That's glorious! Sealers continued to go for runs! Fuller and on middle. This is driven down the ground and it races away to the fence.

13.50

Fuller and on off. This is driven to cover.

13.41

On off. This is pushed past cover for one.

13.36

SIX! That's a nothing delivery! It is way too short and it's a slower one. This is smacked over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

13.21

Arojnd off. This is guided past point for one.

13.11

Fuller and on middle. This is driven but to mid on for one.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 13 overs : 57/0

A Fernando22 (38)

P Nissanka32 (40)

G Motie2-0-3-0

12.61

Fuller and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one. Just the one from the over.

12.50

Angled into middle. Fernando works it to mid-wicket.

12.40

Slower and on middle. This is driven but to mid on.

12.30

Shortish again. This is cut but to point.

12.20

Shorter and on middle. Fernando punches it back to the bowler.

12.10

That's unplayable! This lands on middle and spins away square. Fernando looks to defend but is beaten.

Runs Scored 7 Runs

Score after 12 overs : 56/0

P Nissanka32 (40)

A Fernando21 (32)

J Seales3-0-19-0

11.60

Angled into middle. Nissanka works it to mid-wicket.

11.50

Shortish and outside off. Nissanka looks to cut but chops it on the off side.

11.46

SIX! Top edge and it goes all the way! For a second we thought that would go down to fine leg. On middle. Short. Nissanka looks to pull. The his goes off the top edge but over the fine leg fence.

11.30

Goea wide of the crease and angles it into the middle pole. Nissanka looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

11.21

Back of a length and on off. This is punched past point for one. Fifty up for Lanka.

11.10

Shortish and on off. Fernando hangs back and works it to mid on.

Runs Scored 2 Runs

Score after 11 overs : 49/0

P Nissanka26 (36)

A Fernando20 (30)

G Motie1-0-2-0

10.60

Another fine over by Motie! On off. Defended well.

10.50

Nissanka is in! That though was a top nut! Slower and around off. This lands and spins away. Nissanka looks to drive but this lands and spins away. The keeper whips the bails off but the batter is just about in.

10.40

Confusion but safe! Angled into the pads. Nissanka looks to defend but this goes off the inner half to mid-wicket. Fernando goes for one but is sent back just in time.

10.31

A little too full and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

10.20

On middle. Fernando pushes it back to the bowler.

10.11

Flatter and on off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 10 overs : 47/0

A Fernando19 (28)

P Nissanka25 (32)

J Seales2-0-12-0

9.60

On off the pole. Defended back to the bowler.

9.50

That held in the surface! A slower short ball. On the body. Fernando looks to pull but is through the shot early. He misses to get hit on the body.

9.40

Good length again and on off. Fernando plays it back to the bowler.

9.30

Good comeback! Drags his length back a little. Fernando looks to defend but gets an inside edge. It lands just beside the off pole and goes to the keeper.

9.24

FOUR! Shot of the game so far! Glorious! On middle. Length. Fernando just lofts it down the ground and it goes to the fence. Top notch. Nothing wrong with the delivery but a top shot.

9.10

Length and on off. Fernando blocks. This is where Seales needs to be.

Runs Scored 5 Runs

Score after 9 overs : 43/0

A Fernando15 (22)

P Nissanka25 (32)

M Forde5-0-12-0

8.61

On the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

8.50

Length again and on off. Kept out.

8.40

Back to bowling it on a length and around off. Defended.

8.34

FOUR! That's a poor ball! Short and down the leg side. Fernando pulls it wide of the deep square leg. This races away to the fence.

8.20

Back of a length and around off. Fernando punches it to mid off.

8.10

Around off. Length. Defended.

Runs Scored 8 Runs

Score after 8 overs : 38/0

P Nissanka25 (32)

A Fernando10 (16)

J Seales1-0-8-0

7.64

FOUR! An expensive start by Seales. This has been the problem. Forde has been good but not the one bowling from the other end. Outside off. Shorter. This is cut past point for a boundary.

7.50

Fuller again. This is driven but back to the bowler.

7.40

Well fielded! Outside off. Nissanka slashes at it. This goes towards point. The fielder dives to his left and makes a very good stop.

7.30

Back of a length and around off. Nissanka pushes it to mid off.

7.20

Good length and around off. Blocked.

7.14

EDGED AND FOUR! Did that carry? Yes, it did. King drops another. Tough this time though. Length and outside off. Nissanka pushes at it. This flies off the outside edge to the right of King at first slip who dives with one hand stretched out but it does not stay in. Goes down to the third man fence. Another life for Nissanka.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 7 overs : 30/0

A Fernando10 (16)

P Nissanka17 (26)

M Forde4-0-7-0

6.60

End of another fine over by Forde! Angled into middle. Fernando flicks it to square leg.

6.51

Shortish and around off. Nissanka plays it down to third man and takes one.

6.40

On the fuller side this time. Nissanka drives it to mid off.

6.30

Outside off. Shorter. Pathum looks to cut but chops it to point.

6.20

Back of a length and around off. Nissanka punches it to cover.

6.10

Angled into the pads. Nissanka works it to square leg.

Runs Scored 11 Runs

Score after 6 overs : 29/0

A Fernando10 (15)

P Nissanka16 (21)

A Joseph3-0-21-0

5.60

Goes short again. This time on middle. Fernando pulls but to mid-wicket. It was more off the toe end.

5.51

Angled into the pads. Nissanka tucks it around the corner for one.

5.40

Back of a length and on off. This is punched to cover.

5.34

FOUR! Put away! Short and on middle. It sits up to be hit again. This is pulled through square leg. No chance of stopping that. Second boundary in the over.

5.21

Misfield and a run! Fuller and on off. This is driven towards mid off. The fielder does not stop it cleanly. A run taken.

5.21wd

WIDE! Slips this one down the leg side. Wided. Joseph has not been at his best so far.

5.14

FOUR! That's not the best of balls to Fernando. He loves the short balls. On the body. This is pulled over the square leg and it races away.

Runs Scored 3 Runs

Score after 5 overs : 18/0

P Nissanka11 (18)

A Fernando5 (12)

M Forde3-0-6-0

4.62lb

Two leg byes! On the pads. Nissanka looks to flick but this goes fine on the leg side. Two taken. Leg byes.

4.50

Around off. Nissanka strokes it to cover.

4.40

Back of a length and on off. This is punched to cover.

4.31

Outside off this time. This is guided down to third man for one.

4.20

Confusion but safe! Angled into the pads. Fernando flicks it to square leg and wants one but is sent back.

4.10

On middle. Good length. Defended.

Runs Scored 6 Runs

Score after 4 overs : 15/0

P Nissanka11 (15)

A Fernando4 (9)

A Joseph2-0-10-0

3.60

Almost! Back of a length and around off. Nissanka looks to push but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

3.50

Good stop! Full and on off. Nissanka drives but straight back to the bowler.

3.40

On the shorter side. Nissanka punches it to cover again.

3.30

Around off. Length again. This is kept out.

3.24

FOUR! Uppish but in the gap! Outside off. Nissanka flays at it. It goes wide of point and it races away to the fence. Runs starting to come now.

3.12

Two! On the pads. This is worked through square leg for a couple.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 3 overs : 9/0

A Fernando4 (9)

P Nissanka5 (9)

M Forde2-0-5-0

2.60

Dot to end! Back to bowling it on the off pole. Defended.

2.54

FOUR! Finds the gap! That was in the air but wide of the fielder! On the pads. This is flicked past square leg and this races away to the fence.

2.40

On the off pole. Fernando plays it to cover.

2.30

Three in a row to begin this over. On middle. Fernando flicks it to mid-wicket.

2.20

Another dot! Good stuff from Forde so far! Angled into the pads. Fernando clips it to square leg.

2.10

Bowls that one which swings in. On middle. Defended.

Runs Scored 4 Runs

Score after 2 overs : 5/0

P Nissanka5 (9)

A Fernando0 (3)

A Joseph1-0-4-0

1.64

FOUR! Shot! That's a superb shot. The last ball goes for a boundary! Back of a length and around off. Nissanka stands tall and punches it through covers. This one races away to the fence. First of the game.

1.50

Relentless stuff! Angled into the off pole. Nissanka defends. Can he bowl a maiden now?

1.40

Back of a length and around off. Nissanka punches it but finds cover.

1.30

A very good start so far by Joseph! Length and around off. Nissanka stands tall and guides it to point.

1.20

Length again and around off. Nissanka guides it to point.

1.10

Length again and around off. Pathum gets right behind the line and defends.

Runs Scored 1 Runs

Score after 1 overs : 1/0

A Fernando0 (3)

P Nissanka1 (3)

M Forde1-0-1-0

0.60

A very good first over by Forde! He could have had a wicket in it. On off. Length. Fernando pushes it towards cover.

0.50

Solid! Length again and around off. Defended.

0.40

Back of a length and around off. Fernando gets right behind the line and defends.

0.31

EDGED AND TAKEN! Nissanka has been put down! He's not someone you want to drop. Not the easiest of chances but should have been taken! Length and outside off. Nissanka looks to push at it. It goes off the outside edge to the right of King at first slip. He dives to take it but spills it.

0.20

Length again and on the off pole. Good stuff. Nissanka is solid in defense.

0.10

Good start by Ford! Length and around off. Nissanka goes back and defends.

Time for the action to begin! The players make their way out to the middle.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Pathum Nissanka (In for Nishan Madushka), Avishka Fernando, Kusal Mendis (WK), Sadeera Samarawickrama, Charith Asalanka (C), Janith Liyanage, Kamindu Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Asitha Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Dilshan Madushanka (In for Dunith Wellalage).

West Indies (Playing XI) - Brandon King, Shai Hope (C/WK), Jayden Seales, Keacy Carty, Sherfane Rutherford, Evin Lewis (In for Alick Athanaze), Jewel Andrew (On his debut) (In for Romario Shepherd), Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Forde (In for Hayden Walsh), Roston Chase, Alzarri Joseph.

TOSS - West Indies have won the toss and will bowl first!

It gets better and better for Sri Lankan team who have yet again seen off another series win and this time against the might Windies who started the tour with a T20I win but since then it has gone downhill for them. They lost the other two T20I matches, resulting in series loss and have been beaten comprehensively so far in the ODI series. Their batting is what have let them down so far. In both the matches, apart from Sherfane Rutherford we haven't seen much from West Indies and they'll hope they can leave the tour avoiding a whitewash. Pallekele is all set to host the final match. Can West Indies improve with the bat or we will see the spin dominated Sri Lankan team clean sweep the series? Let's find out. Toss and team news coming up.

...MATCH DAY...

We are down to the third and final ODI of the series between Sri Lanka and the West Indies at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. After clinching the first T20I in Dambulla, the tourists have struggled, losing four consecutive games across formats, conceding both the T20I and ODI series. As they take the field one last time on this tour, the West Indies will be desperate for a consolation win to salvage some pride. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka will be eyeing a clean sweep to build momentum ahead of their upcoming series against New Zealand next month. In the rain-affected second ODI, Sri Lanka's spinners once again took control, exposing the West Indies' vulnerability to spin, a consistent problem throughout the tour. A late rescue act from Sherfane Rutherford and Gudakesh Motie added some respectability to the visitors' total, but Sri Lanka comfortably chased it down with 5.4 overs to spare. For the West Indies, underperforming key players like Alick Athanaze, Brandon King, and Shai Hope will need to step up if they are to avoid another defeat. Sherfane Rutherford, who has been the standout performer with the bat, will look to continue his excellent form. On the bowling front, Gudakesh Motie has been the most effective, while Alzarri Joseph has been solid but lacked support from others like Hayden Walsh and Jayden Seales. As for Sri Lanka, both their batting and bowling departments have clicked in unison, giving them an edge throughout the series. With the series already in the bag, Sri Lanka may look to rotate their squad to manage workloads ahead of the full-fledged white-ball series against New Zealand. Opener Pathum Nissanka, who missed the first two ODIs due to a quadriceps strain, could return if fit. Fast bowlers Mohamed Shiraz and Dilshan Madushanka, who have yet to feature in the series, could also get a look in for the final ODI, as could uncapped batting all-rounder Chamindu Wickramasinghe. Will the hosts complete a clean sweep? Or will West Indies end the tour with a win? We shall find out.