The scene was Pallekele, where Sri Lanka and the West Indies were battling it out in a three-match ODI series. Having already bagged the first win, the hosts entered the second game with momentum. The match took place on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the historic Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. Heavy rains forced both teams to agree on a reduced 44-over quota. Upon winning the toss, Sri Lanka opted to field first.
The West Indies' opening pair of Alick Athanaze and Brendan King tried to set a foundation, but it was short-lived. Maheesh Theekshana struck early, bowling Athanaze for a single run. Asitha Fernando then intensified the attack, catching and bowling Brandon King for 16 before removing Shai Hope for 5 with a delivery that the keeper unfortunately guided onto his own stumps.
The collapse continued when Maheesh Theekshana dismissed Keacy Carty for 6, leaving the visitors in a dire state at 31-4. Wanindu Hasaranga then tore through the middle order in the 14th over, utilizing a precise googly to get Roston Chase (8) and a leg break to dismiss Romario Shepherd (4).
In the following over, Theekshana cleaned up Hayden Walsh for only 1 run with a quick, flat delivery. Shortly after, Alzarri Joseph fell to Hasaranga for 1 run, unable to handle a faster ball. However, the tail fought back as Sherfane Rutherford and Gudakesh Moti launched a spirited counterattack. Rutherford played a blistering knock, smashing 80 runs off 82 balls—including 7 boundaries and 4 sixes—before eventually being dismissed by Fernando.
Hasaranga eventually closed out the innings by dismissing Jayden Seales for 5 with another googly. Meanwhile, Moti provided solid support, reaching a half-century off 61 deliveries. In the end, the West Indies were all out for 189 with eight overs still remaining. The standout performer was Hasaranga with four wickets, supported by Theekshana and Fernando, who took three each.
Tasked with a target of 190, Sri Lanka's start was shaky. Openers Nishan Madushka and Avishka Fernando struggled to find their rhythm, with Fernando falling for 9 to Joseph, followed closely by Kusal Mendis, who was bowled out for 3 by Motie.
The hosts regained their footing thanks to a stabilizing 62-run partnership between Madushka and Sadeera Samarawickrama, making the chase feel manageable. However, the wickets continued to fall; Madushka was bowled by Joseph's slow off-cutter for 38, and Samarawickrama was dismissed for 38 off 50 balls after a miscalculated paddle shot to Roston Chase.
Janith Livanage contributed 24 runs, but it was Captain Asalanka who steered the ship home with a composed and aggressive unbeaten 62. He was supported by Kamindu Mendis, who remained not out on 11, guiding Sri Lanka to 190-5 in 38.2 overs. With this win, Sri Lanka made history by winning a bilateral ODI series against the West Indies for the first time.