Sri Lanka clinch ODI series 1–0 after second match in Kingston ends in washout
· Sri Lanka
Persistent rain in Kingston once again disrupted play, as the third and final ODI between West Indies and Sri Lanka was abandoned without a ball being bowled. With two consecutive washouts at Sabina Park, Sri Lanka sealed the series 1–0, thanks to their 41-run win in the opening match.
Despite multiple inspections by the umpires and discussions with ground staff, conditions failed to improve, making even a reduced 20-over contest impossible before the cut-off time.
The result hands Sri Lanka a landmark ODI series victory in the Caribbean—its first in 23 years since 2003. It also marks a positive start for new head coach Gary Kirsten and ODI captain Kusal Mendis, although limited game time prevented further assessment of the squad.
Mendis expressed satisfaction with the series win, praising his team’s all-round performance in the opener and highlighting the importance of momentum ahead of future World Cup preparations.
For West Indies, the washouts proved costly, denying them a chance to level the series and impacting their ICC ranking points in the race for automatic qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup. They currently sit just outside the top eight in the rankings.
Skipper Shai Hope acknowledged the frustration but urged focus ahead of the upcoming T20I series, stressing adaptability in challenging Jamaican conditions.
Both teams now turn their attention to the three-match T20I series starting June 11, with all games scheduled at the same venue in Kingston, where weather could again play a decisive role.