West Indies have beaten Sri Lanka twice in the last three days to win their three match series. On Thursday Shivnerine Chanderpaul hit a six of the last ball to snatch a famous victory. Saturday saw them stroll to an easy win in a rain affected game.
There are some consolations for Sri Lanka. In a series where they have been without Murali, Dilhara Fernando and Lasith Malinga, a couple of gems have shone through.
Chamara Kapugedera, a 21 year old all rounder, showed everyone his capabilities with an outstanding 95. He came in with the score at 49-5, and played himself in before launching into the bowlers with a few overs to go.
Ajantha Mendis emerged from the weak bowling attack to take three wickets. The mystery spinner stayed calm on his one-day international debut, and looks to be an exciting prospect, dare I say someone to replace Murali?
Chris Gayle took West Indies to 109/1 in reply, but a fall of wickets put the game back in the balance. Dwayne Bravo was batting like a dream, until he was comically run out. The wickets kept falling, and it was left to Chanderpaul to smash his side home.
In a low key second game, Sri Lanka struggled to 112-5 before the rain came. Chasing a revised total, Chanderpaul and Marlon Samuels both struck half-centuries. It was good to see Samuels back to his hard-hitting best, after a run of poor form.
1 Comment
April 22, 2008 at 12:50 am
Simply the best game of cricket i have ever seen. Even if you ignore the fact that i had money on the Windies win i still think that i would be celebrating this historical game of cricket. Shivvy Chanders, take a bow my son!!!