Whirlwind Lewis gives West Indies the last laugh. Fantastic run chase ends Sri Lanka’s winning streak. — BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor)
West Indies opener Evin Lewis produced a hurricane in stormy conditions in Pallekelle smashing Sri Lanka’s tormenting bowlers to all parts as West Indies scampered to a rain restricted 8- wicket victory with six balls to spare.
The Windies opener was in devastating form scattering the field as he slammed a swashbuckling unbeaten 122 off 61 balls with 4 sixers and 9 fours leading the chase to a revised target under the Duckworth/Lewis method leaving the home team dizzy and spent.
Taking centre stage in a massive run chase which required 195 off 23 overs, Lewis slammed the Sri Lanka attack into submission first adding 72 for the second wicket with Shai Hope, he then joined Sherfane Rutherford (50 off 26 with 3 sixers and 4 fours) and together they romped to the target in typical Carribbean fashion.
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West Indies persevered despite the series loss, and Sri Lanka paid the price for taking their foot off the pedal in the dead rubber game three one dayer.
Not taking away credit where its due, the Windies plugged away and finished the tour on a winning note, taking with them a sense of satisfaction that they denied the hosts the last laugh.
Sri Lanka batted first and laboured to 156 for 3 in their allotment leaving the Windies batters with an easy chase which they achieved off 34 overs for two wickets for a 8-wicket win.
The free scoring Lankan batters cannot be blamed for feeling they put enough runs on the board in 23 overs after opener Pathum Nissanka made 56 off 62 balls, Avishka Fernando 34 off 50 and Kusal Mendis 56 off 22 balls. But they certainly did not expect the Windies batting blitz that followed.
Sri Lanka’s recent form reversal has seen them find success in all formats and is steering them towards the top once more much to the joy of their long suffering supporters.
