The Sri Lankan after losing to the Australians were all set to end off on a high winning the 3rd place play-offs. It felt like everything was going in the right direction as we saw a magnificent opening stand of 174 from Mahinda College bat Denuwan Rajakaruna and Anandian Udara Jayasundara which came off 34.1 overs. These two stylish openers were stroking the ball with ease as they slapped most of the bowlers around the park making this the highest partnership in the world cup. The West Indian bowlers seemed helpless and were looking towards the skies hoping their fortunes would change. Their luck did change in the 36th over as 17 year old Kraigg Brathwaite pulled off an inspirational run out to get rid of Jayasundara for 77 runs. Mahanama batsman Dhanushka Gunathileka did not last too long as he fell for 6 runs to the bowling of Cariah. Rajakaruna also made his way back to the pavilion after he was bowled by Bolan for 94 runs. This was Denuwan’s first innings in the world cup and he proved to everyone that he has the talent and ability to compete in the highest level. 

The recovery Duo of Bhanuka Rajapakse and Romesh Buddhika once again were called in to add some stability to the Lankan batting. They responded to the call fiercely with a 74 run partnership for the 4th wicket which came off in just 25 balls. Bhanuka was unbeaten with 43 and Romesh Buddika managed to score a quick fire 34 runs off 17. To finish off the innings Akshu Fernando and Chathura Peiris added 10 and 12* respectively. The Sri Lankans were confident of concluding this tournament with a bang as they glanced towards the score board which read 291 runs in the allotted 5o over which came at 5.82 runs per over. The Windies had to come out with a superlative performance to top the opposition.

It was a dream start for the Lankans as they got rid of West Indian best batsman Kraigg Brathwaite first ball. Captain Chathura Peiris definitely led the charge from the front setting a positive attitude right from the start. Kraigg had accumulated 335 runs at an average of 67.00 in 6 innings which made him a worrying sight for the Lankans prior to the commencement of the game. Left armer Chathura made sure that Kraigg was in the hut doing no damage. He managed to get rid of Trevon Griffith for 1 run. The Lankans seemed to be on the right track as their fast bowlers were doing the damage up front troubling the Windies batsmen. 16 year old John Campbell and 17 year old Yannic Cariah came to the crease when the score read 2/6. The West Indian team needed something concrete out of these two young batsman and they got just that as they managed to add up 120 runs for the 3rd wicket off 111 balls. Cariah managed to muster up a fine 110 not out as Campbell got 77. Shane Dowrich who came in after Campbell got out also helped the cause scoring 33 runs. The final touches were added by right hand batsman Jermaine Blackwood who scored 41 off 59 balls finally falling for the bowling of captain Chathura Peiris who ended up with figures of 3/38 in 9.3 overs.  Leg spinner Saranga Rajaguru was the other pick of the bowlers as he got two vital wickets in the end. The spinner from Nugawela Central ended up taking the wickets of wicket keeper Shane Dowrich and Right hand middle order bat Yannick Ottley. Cariah was the star of the match scoring his century off just 118 balls. His innings took the game away from the Lankans as he got together with Campbell and revived the Windies batting. 

West Indies won the game by 4 wickets with 9 balls remaining. 

Sri Lanka – 291/6 ( Denuwan Rajakaruna 94, Udara Jayasundara 77, Bhanuka Rajapakse 43, Romesh Buddika 34, Nelson Bolan 2/74, Jason Holder 1/48, Yannic Cariah 1/34)

West Indies – 294/6 ( Yannic Cariah 110*, John Campbell 77, Jermaine Blackwood 41, Shane Dowrich 33, Chathura Peiris 3/38, Saranga Rajaguru 2/41)