3rd ODI: Rain plays spoilsport as Sri Lanka clinch series 1-0 to end 13-year Caribbean drought | Cricket News

3rd ODI between West Indies and Sri Lanka has been abandoned (Photo by @wiplayers on X)

Sri Lanka secured the ODI series against West Indies after the third and final match was abandoned because of rain, just like the second game. Persistent wet conditions meant officials called off the match without a ball being bowled, handing Sri Lanka a 1-0 series victory.The visitors had already taken control of the series by winning the opening ODI by 41 runs, their first one-day international victory in the Caribbean in 13 years. With the next two matches washed out, that result proved enough to seal the series.Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis was pleased with the team’s performance, especially in the only completed match of the series. He felt the side had delivered in all areas and was encouraged by the result ahead of next year’s World Cup.“We’re very happy to win the series,” Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis said. “We did really well in that one game in all three departments. There’s not a lot of matches ahead of next year’s World Cup and I’m happy with my first series victory as captain.”The triumph also marked the first series win for Sri Lanka under new head coach Gary Kirsten, the former South Africa star.

Rain frustrates West Indies

West Indies captain Shai Hope acknowledged that weather played a major role in the outcome but credited Sri Lanka for making the most of their opportunity in the opening game.“You can’t control mother nature,” West Indies captain Shai Hope said. “Credit must be given to the Sri Lankan team for the way they played in the first game.”Although the ODI series ended in frustrating fashion, both teams will now shift their focus to the T20I leg of the tour. The first of three Twenty20 internationals is scheduled to take place in Kingston on Thursday.