Persistent rain in Kingston forced the third ODI to follow the same path as the second, though this time the match did not even reach the toss.
For the second consecutive game at Sabina Park, steady rain caused the ODI between West Indies and Sri Lanka to be abandoned without a ball being bowled. The third and final match of the series therefore confirmed Sri Lanka as winners by a 1-0 margin, after their 41-run victory in the opening ODI.
The umpires carried out several inspections, but after speaking with the curators, they concluded that starting play before the 8.02pm cut-off for a 20-over contest was highly unlikely.
The atmosphere in both camps may have been gloomy, both literally and figuratively, after two straight washouts. Even so, the final result represents a notable achievement for the visiting Lions. It is their first ODI series win in the Caribbean in 23 years, with the previous one coming in 2003. It also marks a positive beginning for newly appointed head coach Gary Kirsten and new ODI captain Kusal Mendis, even if they would have preferred more time on the field for their players.
“Very happy to win the series, we did really well in that one game – in all three departments,” Mendis said. “There are not a lot of matches ahead of next year’s World Cup, happy with my first series victory as captain. Got support of the staff too.” He also praised the bowling unit.
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For West Indies, the rain and the resulting series defeat will be a significant frustration. They were denied the chance to respond to their loss in the opening match, and the outcome also means a first home series defeat in three years. More importantly, it affects their pursuit for crucial ICC ranking points needed for qualification to the 2027 ODI World Cup.
West Indies remain tenth in the ODI rankings for now, sitting just outside the top eight qualification places. Their next ODI assignments are series against New Zealand, ranked World No. 2, and India, ranked No. 1.
“You can’t control mother nature,” Shai Hope said. “Credit just be given to the Sri Lankan team for the way they played in the first game. [T20I series next] We need to look ahead, understand conditions. Adaptability will be key in Jamaica. We’ve got some experience, hope to bounce back there.”
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Both teams will now quickly turn their attention to T20 cricket, with a three-match T20I series set to begin on Thursday, June 11. The remaining two matches are scheduled for June 13 and June 14 at the same Kingston venue. With rain expected to remain around Jamaica over the coming week, the groundstaff face a major task to help the upcoming fixtures avoid the same fate.
