West Indies failed in their bid to avoid a second successive whitewash on Sri Lankan soil when they suffered a narrow six-run defeat in a tense final One-Day International (ODI) on Sunday.
Chasing a difficult 308 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, West Indies produced a spirited run chase but lost key wickets inside their last three overs to watch their challenge slip away to end on 301 for nine — the highest-ever losing total at the venue.
They required 13 runs from the final over and number seven Fabien Allen with his late cameo almost did the trick with a 15-ball 37.
Five years ago, Jason Holder’s side suffered a similar thrashing (3-0) clean sweep, extending the Windies’ unenviable record of having won only a single ODI in Sri Lanka in 12 appearances.
Hai Hope had earlier top scored with 72 off 88 balls while opening partner Sunil Ambris blasted a run-a-ball 60 as the regional side made a gallant start to their chase.
Left-hander Nicholas Pooran struck 50 alongside Captain Kieron Pollard who made 49 from 30 deliveries but the disastrous run out of Daren Bravo for eight in the 44th over saw the West Indies lost six wickets for 59 runs.
In the second One-Day International match a few days earlier, West Indies suffered their heaviest-ever defeat to Sri Lanka.
Asked to complete their highest-ever successful chase in pursuit of 346 at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, West Indies crumbled for 184 in the 40th over, to surrender by 161 runs and fall 2-0 behind.
