Windies Lose Series To Sri Lanka

The West Indies have fallen to Sri Lanka for a fourth time in a row, this time in the second match of the Honor Cup One Day International Series. This defeat at Pallekele saw the visitors surrender the three-match series, as the hosts secured an unassailable 2-0 lead. The match had a delayed start due to rain, which led to the number of overs being reduced to 44 per side. After losing the toss, the Windies were sent in to bat and quickly lost several early wickets. Their struggles against Sri Lanka’s spin attack persisted, with many players being beaten by turning deliveries on the used surface. At one point, the team was struggling at 68-8. However, a record ninth-wicket partnership between Gudakesh Motie and Sherfane Rutherford, worth 119 runs, dragged the Windies to a total of 189 all out by the end of their innings. Rutherford, who was dropped on 23 and again on 72, registered his second consecutive score over 50, finishing on 80. His eventual dismissal was controversial, with fielder Dunith Wellalage appearing to step on the boundary rope while catching the ball. Motie added an unbeaten maiden half-century, further showcasing his potential as an all-rounder. For...