Sri Lanka vs West Indies, ODI (Source – Getty Images)
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has designated the third ODI between Sri Lanka and West Indies at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Saturday as ‘Pink Ribbon Day’ to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October.
The initiative saw Sri Lankan players donning pink ribbons during the match, symbolizing their solidarity with breast cancer awareness efforts.
The series-concluding match, which has already seen the hosts clinch the series, after winning the first two games, began under overcast conditions with West Indies skipper Shai Hope winning the toss and electing to field first. However, the game was soon interrupted by rain which delayed the proceedings of the game.
Also Read: Sri Lanka vs West Indies Match Preview, 3rd ODI
Sri Lanka and West Indies 3rd ODI halted due to persistent rain
Despite the weather challenges, the hosts have been brilliant throughout the series. The team came into this series after their ODI series victory against India in August and has continued their dominance in both batting and bowling departments against the Caribbean side.
In the game, the opening partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Avishka Fernando provided a firm start, with Nissanka remaining unbeaten on 44 off 53 deliveries, while Fernando contributed a 34 before falling to Roston Chase. At 81/1 in 17.2 overs, the game was stopped due to heavy showers
Meanwhile, the series has been particularly impressive for captain Charith Asalanka as he has scored consecutive half-centuries in the previous matches and Wanindu Hasaranga has claimed six wickets so far.
The West Indies, despite facing series defeat, has seen some brilliance from Sherfane Rutherford’s bat and Gudakesh Motie’s economical bowling. However, their captain Hope had earlier emphasized the need for more positive intent from his batters and called for improvement in their spin bowling department.