October 27, 2024: In a thrilling conclusion to the ODI series, Evin Lewis powered West Indies to an eight-wicket victory over Sri Lanka, marking their first win on Sri Lankan soil since 2005. Despite the loss, Sri Lanka clinched the series 2-1.
Evin Lewis was named ‘Player of the Match’ for his explosive performance, which helped the West Indies secure a memorable win.
After winning the toss, West Indies chose to bowl in a rain-affected match reduced to 23 overs. Sri Lanka’s openers, Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando, started strong, building an 81-run partnership before Roston Chase dismissed Fernando for 34.
Nissanka continued to impress, scoring 56 off 62 balls, but his innings ended with a run-out, leaving Sri Lanka at 138/2. Kusal Mendis then took charge, smashing a quick-fire 56 in just 22 balls, leading Sri Lanka to a total of 156/3.
Chasing a revised target of 195, West Indies lost Brandon King early for 16. However, Lewis and skipper Shai Hope forged a solid partnership, putting on 72 runs together. Lewis reached his half-century in 34 balls and ultimately brought up his fifth ODI hundred in just 61 balls, hitting nine fours and four sixes. Sherfane Rutherford contributed significantly as well, scoring 52 off 26 balls, sealing the match alongside Lewis.
