Sri Lanka clinch historic ODI series victory in West Indies after 23 years
Sri Lanka clinch ODI series 1-0 after rain washes out final two matches
KINGSTON: Sri Lanka sealed a 1-0 ODI series victory over West Indies after persistent rain forced the third and final match at Sabina Park to be abandoned without a ball being bowled on Monday.
For the second successive ODI, adverse weather prevented any play, leaving Sri Lanka's 41-run triumph in the series opener as the decisive result. The washout handed the visitors their first bilateral ODI series win in the Caribbean in 23 years, with their previous success coming in 2003.
Match officials conducted several inspections throughout the evening, but after consulting ground staff and curators, concluded that starting play before the 8:02pm cut-off for a 20-over contest was virtually impossible.
Despite the frustrating conclusion, the series marked a positive beginning for newly appointed head coach Gary Kirsten and ODI captain Kusal Mendis. Sri Lanka impressed in the opening fixture, producing a complete performance with bat and ball to secure the only result of the series.
"We are very happy to win the series. We played really well in that one game in all three departments," Mendis said. "There are not many matches before next year's World Cup, so I'm pleased with my first series victory as captain. I've also received great support from the coaching staff."
For West Indies, the outcome represents a significant setback. Unable to respond after losing the opening ODI, the hosts suffered their first home ODI series defeat in three years.
More importantly, the result dents their hopes of securing crucial ICC ranking points needed for automatic qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
Currently sitting tenth in the ODI rankings, West Indies remain outside the top eight qualification positions and face challenging upcoming series against New Zealand and India.
Both teams will now turn their attention to the three-match T20I series, which begins in Kingston on 11 June, with the remaining matches scheduled for 13 and 14 June at the same venue.
Comments