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Sri Lanka Win ODI Series in West Indies for First Time in 23 Years
11 Jun 2026, 3:30 pm
Sri Lanka Start the Gary Kirsten Era with a Series Win
Sri Lanka wrapped up their three-match ODI series against West Indies with a 1-0 margin after the second and third games in Kingston were both abandoned without a ball bowled due to rain. The result is a landmark one for the touring side. It is Sri Lanka's first ODI series victory in the Caribbean in 23 years, their last coming way back in 2003. More importantly, it marks a winning start for new head coach Gary Kirsten, who only recently took over after a distinguished stint with the South Africa setup.
Chameera and Mendis Lay the Foundation in Game One
The series was decided by the emphatic 41-run win in the opening ODI at Sabina Park on June 3. Sri Lanka posted a strong 303 for 7 in 50 overs on what looked like a bowler-friendly surface, a total built around a 136-run second-wicket partnership between captain Kusal Mendis, who made a quickfire 72, and opener Pathum Nissanka, who contributed a composed 79. Mendis was especially aggressive through the middle overs, smashing four sixes off Gudakesh Motie in the space of three overs alone.
In reply, West Indies never threatened. Despite a bright start from their openers and a steady 56 from captain Shai Hope, the middle order crumbled against Sri Lanka's spinners. Maheesh Theekshana was outstanding with figures of 2 for 26, while Dushmantha Chameera was the key strike bowler, claiming 4 for 67 using reverse swing brilliantly to dismantle the lower order. West Indies were dismissed for 262 in 49.2 overs.
Rain Gifts Sri Lanka the Trophy
With the 1-0 lead secured, Sri Lanka needed only one of the final two games to avoid defeat and claim the series. The weather played its part, washing out both matches at the same venue without a single delivery bowled. While neither side would have wanted a series decided this way, the result still counts and Sri Lanka are rightly celebrating.
T20I Series Starts June 11
Attention now shifts quickly to a three-match T20I series between the same sides, beginning at Sabina Park on June 11. West Indies, currently sitting outside the top eight in ODI rankings, will be eager to bounce back and show a better face in the shortest format.
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