West Indies' Evin Lewis (R) celebrates after West Indies won the third one-day international (ODI) cricket match between Sri Lanka and West Indies at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy on October 26, 2024. (Photo by Ishara S. KODIKARA / AFP) (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)

<p>The West Indies wrapped up their ODI series against Sri Lanka with a memorable win in the third and final game, following two hard-fought losses in the first two matches. The three-match West Indies vs Sri Lanka series, played in Sri Lanka, highlighted the challenges and occasional brilliance of both sides, with hosts claiming the series 2-1. The West Indies showed resilience by avoiding a series sweep, thanks to a spirited performance in the last ODI. ;</p>



<p>With rain reducing the final match to a 23-over shootout, the West Indies chased down a challenging target of 195 runs with eight wickets in hand. Evin Lewis, playing his first ODI since 2021, stole the spotlight with a remarkable unbeaten 102 off 61 balls, a performance that anchored the chase. Lewis’s explosive batting, complemented by a brisk 50 from Sherfane Rutherford, helped the visitors achieve their first ODI victory in Sri Lanka after a 10-game winless stretch.</p>



<p>Sri Lanka started strong, building a solid platform before the rain interruption. Kusal Mendis led the Sri Lankan innings with an electrifying 56 off 22 balls, forming a crucial partnership with Pathum Nissanka, who also contributed 56. ;</p>



<p>However, the combination of a wet outfield and a determined West Indies batting lineup ultimately turned the tide in favor of the visitors. This final match saw standout performances that marked the highs and lows of the series and set up exciting expectations for West Indies&#8217; next encounter against England.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Standout Players for West Indies in the ODI Series</h2>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Sherfane Rutherford</strong></li>
</ol>



<p>Rutherford emerged as the highest run-scorer for the West Indies in this series, accumulating an impressive 204 runs across three innings at a staggering average of 204.00. His ability to play aggressively and that too with consistency proved invaluable, especially in the last ODI where his quick-fire 50 off just 26 balls helped seal the win. Rutherford’s role in the middle order injected stability and firepower, a rare blend that the West Indies have often sought but seldom found. His 88-run partnership with Evin Lewis was definitely the turning point in the third ODI.</p>



<ol start="2" class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Evin Lewis</strong></li>
</ol>



<p>Lewis’s 102* in the final ODI was not only the highest individual score in the series but also an emphatic statement on his return to the international stage. Playing his only game of the series, he displayed an array of powerful shots and remarkable poise, striking at a rate that kept West Indies firmly on course. His ability to find the boundary consistently, especially when the required rate began to climb, was crucial in maintaining momentum. His knock brought a much-needed sense of confidence to the West Indies camp and was a reminder of what he brings as an experienced opener with the ability to win games single-handedly.</p>



<ol start="3" class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Gudakesh Motie</strong></li>
</ol>



<p>The left-arm spinner Motie was West Indies&#8217; most effective bowler in the series, claiming four wickets over the three games. In a series where the bowling unit often struggled for control, Motie’s economy and accuracy were instrumental in keeping the opposition’s run rate in check. He was one of the few bright spots in an otherwise inconsistent bowling attack.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Series Shortcomings</h2>



<p>Despite individual brilliance, several areas of concern emerged for the West Indies throughout the series.</p>



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><strong>Top Order and Senior Players: </strong>One of the glaring issues for the West Indies was the lack of significant contributions from the top order, notably from established players like <a href="https://www.caribbeancricket.org/shai-hope-cricket-evolution-and-future-in-west-indies/">Shai Hope</a>. The lack of consistent starts put pressure on the middle order, which had to do the bulk of the scoring in most games. In the first two matches, failure to post competitive scores placed the team on the back foot, with Hope, in particular, struggling to anchor innings or provide a foundation for others.</li>



<li><strong>Bowling Inconsistencies: </strong>Aside from Gudakesh Motie and occasional spells from Alzarri Joseph, the West Indies&#8217; bowling unit lacked penetration and consistency. Joseph, while effective at times, was only able to perform in patches, unable to sustain pressure throughout.</li>
</ul>



<p>These weaknesses underscore the larger challenge facing the West Indies, who are looking to rebuild and compete consistently on the international stage.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Previous Series and Upcoming Challenges</h2>



<p>Prior to the ODI series, the West Indies had played a three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka, which they also lost 2-1. The results of both series revealed a team struggling to find its rhythm and identity, especially in Asian conditions. ;</p>



<p>The ODI series loss emphasized issues that have plagued the team for some time—an over-reliance on individual performances, a lack of depth in the bowling department, and inconsistencies in the batting order.</p>



<p>The West Indies now face the formidable challenge of hosting England for three ODIs and five T20Is in the Caribbean. This series will be crucial as the team attempts to build on the positives from their win in the last ODI against Sri Lanka while addressing their structural shortcomings.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Series Results Summary</h2>



<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>1st ODI: Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets</li>



<li>2nd ODI: Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets</li>



<li>3rd ODI: West Indies won by 8 wickets (DLS method)</li>
</ol>



<p>In the third West Indies vs Sri Lanka ODI, visitors chased down Sri Lanka’s total of 156/3 with an over to spare, finishing at 196/2 in just 23 overs. The rain-affected match saw both sides adapt their strategies, but it was the West Indies who prevailed, buoyed by standout performances from Lewis and Rutherford.</p>



<p>The series underscored the West Indies&#8217; fighting spirit despite recent struggles. With an eye toward the future, they will be aiming for improved performances against <a href="https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/west-indies-vs-england-2024-25-1433354">England</a>, hoping that the lessons from this series fuel a renewed sense of purpose and competitiveness.</p>

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