Sri Lanka Clinches ODI Series with Gritty 5-Wicket Win Over West Indies
Sri Lanka Seals ODI Series with Confident Chase
The second ODI between Sri Lanka and West Indies had everything you want from a cricket match: momentum swings, tough bowling spells, and batters stepping up under pressure. The atmosphere at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on October 25 was tense, with both sides feeling the heat. West Indies batted first and their innings never really ignited, managing 189 all out in just 36 overs. Sri Lanka’s seamers and spinners kept things tight, and only a few West Indies batsmen managed to find any real rhythm out in the middle. Runs were precious, wickets kept tumbling, and the scoring rate crawled.
Early on, West Indies looked to build a platform but lost wickets consistently. The pressure built with every dot ball, and Sri Lanka’s bowlers were relentless. Even the usually hard-hitting top order struggled to get past Sri Lanka’s field arrangements and stifling spells. By the halfway mark, West Indies were already on the back foot and, despite a brief fight in the lower order, they wrapped up at 189.
Mathews and de Silva: Pillars of the Chase
Chasing a modest total isn’t always easy, especially with the nerves that come with a big opportunity. Sri Lanka’s reply got off to a rocky start with early wickets, but the experienced Angelo Mathews and the determined Dhananjaya de Silva locked in. They combined for an 83-run stand that pretty much tipped the match in Sri Lanka’s favor. Mathews, calm under pressure, anchored the innings with a patient yet vital 77. De Silva was no less steady, his 69 keeping the scoreboard ticking and the run chase on track.
The disciplined West Indies attack tried to exploit cracks in the Sri Lankan order, but Mathews and de Silva soaked up the pressure, rotated the strike, and punished loose deliveries. Their partnership frustrated bowlers and fielders alike. Even after de Silva was dismissed, Mathews kept going, ensuring the chase stayed on course until the final punch saw Sri Lanka finish on 190 for 5 in 38.2 overs—sealing the win with 34 balls to spare.
With this victory, Sri Lanka moves to an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series. The mood in the camp is unmistakably upbeat, while the West Indies squad has one last shot in the series finale to restore some pride and avoid a whitewash. The next game on October 26 promises more fireworks, as both sides come out swinging for very different reasons. If there was any doubt about Sri Lanka’s ability to control the ODI format at home, this contest has put it to rest.