Sri Lanka sealed the three-match ODI collection in opposition to the West Indies with a dominant efficiency within the second recreation, because of Maheesh Theekshana’s spin brilliance. The off-spinner was instrumental in breaking the Caribbean batting order, dismissing key gamers, together with Alick Athanaze, in a show that captivated followers and secured a 2-0 lead for Sri Lanka.
Maheesh Theekshana’s magic supply cleans up Alick Athanaze
Within the third over of the West Indies innings, Theekshana delivered what could possibly be described because the ball of the match. Going through Caribbean promising batter Athanaze, Theekshana unleashed a tossed-up supply that drifted into the center stump, forcing Athanaze to lean ahead. The ball spun sharply away, beating the batter’s exterior edge and clattering into the highest of the off-stump. Athanaze might solely watch as his stumps had been shattered, departing for simply 1 run off 3 balls. Theekshana’s pleasure was evident as he jumped and punched the air, celebrating a dream supply.
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#ICYMI: Difficult Theekshana grabbed 3/26 and earned the Participant of the Match award as Sri Lanka sealed the ODI collection in scientific style. 💪#SLvWIonFanCode pic.twitter.com/vstSJGh952
— FanCode (@FanCode) October 24, 2024
Theekshana’s affect didn’t cease with Athanaze. The spinner continued to dominate, claiming two extra important wickets. He bowled Keacy Carty for six and later dismissed Hayden Walsh for simply 1, ending with outstanding figures of three wickets for 25 runs in his 9 overs. His distinctive economic system fee of two.80 performed a pivotal position in stifling the Caribbean batting lineup.
For his match-winning efforts, Theekshana was rightfully named the Participant of the Match.
Additionally READ: All-round Sri Lanka seals the ODI collection in opposition to West Indies
Sri Lanka clinches collection 2-0
Regardless of Theekshana’s dominance, West Indies discovered some resistance in Sherfane Rutherford, who performed a lone hand for his facet. Rutherford top-scored with a well-compiled 80, which included seven fours and 4 towering sixes. Nevertheless, his effort wasn’t sufficient because the West Indies had been bowled out for a modest complete of 189.
Alongside Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga additionally delivered a standout efficiency with the ball. The leg-spinner picked up 4 wickets in his 8-over spell, additional weakening the West Indies’ probabilities of placing up a difficult rating. Collectively, the Sri Lankan spinners ensured that West Indies might by no means construct momentum.
In response, Sri Lanka made gentle work of the 190-run goal, chasing it down with 5 wickets in hand below the DLS methodology. Captain Charith Asalanka led from the entrance, anchoring the chase with a composed knock of 62 not out. His knock, that includes 7 boundaries and a six, ensured Sri Lanka crossed the road comfortably.
With this complete win, Sri Lanka wrapped up the collection 2-0, having only one match left within the three-match collection. The crew’s scientific efficiency with each bat and ball underscored their dominance, whereas Theekshana’s brilliance offered a spotlight that will probably be remembered for a while.
