Sri Lanka prepare for New Zealand challenge with unchanged T20I squad
Sri Lanka have named a strong 16-member squad led by Charith Asalanka for a six-match white-ball series involving three T20Is followed by three ODIs, against New Zealand.
West Indian batsman Evin Lewis hit his maiden one-day
international hundred but his efforts went in vain as Sri Lanka held their
nerve to secure a one-run victory at Queens Sports Club on Wednesday and advance to
the triangular series final.
Playing just his fourth ODI, Lewis struck a superb 148 but a
series of run-outs ultimately hurt the West Indies as they finished on 329 for
nine in response to Sri Lanka’s 330 for seven.
Advertisement
Sri Lanka’s total was set up by Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal
Mendis, who both scored 94 after the West Indies had won the toss and opted to
bowl first.
Advertisement
The victory ensured Sri Lanka’s passage to Sunday’s final,
while the West Indies must avoid defeat in their final group game against hosts
Zimbabwe on Friday if they are to progress.
Brief scores
Sri Lanka: 330/7 off 50 overs (Dickwella 94, Mendis 94, de
Silva 58; Holder 3-57)
West Indies: 329/9 off 50 overs (Lewis 148, Holder 45 not
out; Kulasekara 2-73, Lakmal 2-67).
Advertisement
