West Indies A inflict whitewash on Sri Lanka A

West Indies A completed their one-day series whitewash, 3-0 against Sri Lanka A winning the third and final game by 8 runs (D/L method) today at R. Premadasa International Stadium.

In a rain-affected game, Andre McCarthy and skipper Jason Mohommed slammed superb centuries as the Windies posted 305 for 5 after electing to bat first for the third consecutive time.

Left-arm seamer Binura Fernando struck early when he had Kyle Hope caught by Danushka Gunathilaka for 7 in the 8th over. Two balls later, experienced Nuwan Kulasekara clean bowled Assad Fudadin for a golden duck.

When the Windies were 48 for 2 in the 12th over, a brief shower interrupted play and shortened the game to a 47-over affair. After the break, Chadwick Walton was dismissed by Sachith Pathirana for 36 as the hosts restricted the visitors to 59 for 3.

McCarthy and skipper Mohommed completely gained control for the Windies during their massive 163-run stand for the 4th wicket. Right-handed McCarthy smashed 13 fours and 3 sixes as he managed 102 off just 75 deliveries.

Photos: Sri Lanka ‘A’ vs West Indies ‘A’ 3rd unofficial ODI

Photos of the Sri Lanka ‘A’ vs West Indies ‘A’ 3rd unofficial ODI 2016

The visitors accumulated 75 runs off the final 10 overs as Rovman Powell and Kyle Mayers made some useful runs down the order and helped their captain reach his 2nd List A century in the penultimate over. He remained unbeaten on 105 off 108 deliveries with 8 fours and 3 sixes.

Chasing another stiff 300+ target, the Sri Lanka A left-handed opening duo, Sandun Weerakkody and Danushka Gunathilaka added 44 quick runs before the former was caught behind for Ronsford Beaton for 20.

Shehan Jayasuriya who made a century in the previous game made 18 and was involved in a 46-run stand with Gunathilaka to set the platform for the hosts. Gunathilaka was the 3rd wicket to fall as he was stumped by Walton off Mohommed for a well-constructed 60-ball 58 which had 7 fours and a six.

Sri Lanka U19 captain, Charith Asalanka scored 23 off 41 balls while Sri Lanka A skipper Milinda Siriwardana made a blitzkrieg 30-ball 35 to keep the chase alive. Sammu Ashan fell cheaply but Dasun Shanaka and Sachith Pathirana made a few lusty blows to keep up with the required run-rate.

Pathirana slammed 3 fours and 3 sixes during his 20-ball 34 and was also a part of the 33-ball 51-run partnership for the 7th wicket with Dasun Shanaka to up the momentum.

Nuwan Kulasekara and Shanaka needed only 2.1 overs for their unbroken 31-run stand when bad light stopped play at the end of the 38th over. Kulasekara was unbeaten on 12 from 6 balls while Shanaka remained not out on 33 from 26 deliveries.

According to Duckworth and Lewis calculations, Sri Lanka A needed 257 runs in 38 overs to win the game but they were 248 for 7 at the end handing a close win to the visitors. West Indies A won the previous two one-day games convincingly by 165 and 109 runs in Dambulla and Kurunegala respectively.  

West Indies A – 305/5 in 47 overs: Jason Mohommed 105*, Andre McCarthy 102, Chadwick Walton 36, Rovman Powell 24, Nuwan Kulasekara 2/65.

Sri Lanka A – 248/7 in 38 overs: Sandun Weerakkody 20, Danushka Gunathilaka 58, Charith Asalanka 23, Milinda Siriwardena 35, Dasun Shanaka 33*, Sachith Pathirana 34, Ronsford Beaton 2/38, Kesrick Williams 2/74.