Stokes' Record-Breaking Half-Century Secures Series Win for England
England captain Ben Stokes smashed a record-breaking half-century, the fastest for his country in Tests, as England defeated the West Indies at Edgbaston to secure a 3-0 series win.
This win not only showcased their individual talents but also clinched the series for Sri Lanka with a 2-0 lead in the three-match ODI series.
The West Indies, opting to bat first, faced a tough challenge as they were restricted to a mere 92 runs. The absence of Hayley Matthews was felt, as the team struggled to put up a competitive total. Only Rashada Williams managed to contribute a significant 24 runs. Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Dilhari’s impressive 4-20, left the West Indies lineup in disarray, with seven batters dismissed for single-digit scores.
Sri Lanka’s response was swift, despite early setbacks from Aaliyah Alleyne and Shamila Cornell. The partnership between Dilhari and Gunaratne proved to be a turning point, putting up a solid 58-run stand that diminished the West Indies’ chances of a comeback. Although Karishma Ramharack claimed two quick wickets, it wasn’t enough to deter Sri Lanka from reaching a comfortable win.
Final Scores: West Indies: 92 all out in 31 overs (Rashada Williams 24; Kavisha Dilhari 4-20, Chamari Athapaththu 2-8) Sri Lanka: 93/5 in 21.2 overs (Vishmi Gunaratne 50, Kavisha Dilhari 28; Karishma Ramharack 2-29)
Sri Lanka’s victory by 5 wickets is a testament to their dominant performance, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the ODI series.
