Windies look to sweep Sri Lanka, Pooran targets 1,000 ODI runs

WEST INDIES (WI) return to the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, on Sunday, goal-bound on completing a One-Day International (ODI) three-match series sweep against Sri Lanka from 9.30 am.

The hosts will be once again banking on the good form of their opening batsmen Evin Lewis and Shai Hope, who have since produced stern contributions in the top order throughout the past two ODIs.

The pair was integral in setting up both victories as Lewis smashed 65 and 103 and Hope blasted 110 and 84 respectively to lead from the start.

Additionally, Nicholas Pooran is also on the verge of achieving a regional cricket milestone. He needs 33 more runs to complete 1,000 runs in ODIs. If Pooran achieves the feat in the next two innings, he will become the third-fastest West Indian to reach the mark and would sit among WI legends Sir Vivian Richards and Gordon Greenidge.

In Friday’s second ODI win, he was nerveless in the final over, which WI needed nine from for victory. Tasked with the responsibility, Pooran led the maroon home to a welcome series win.

Additionally, Jason Mohammed’s inclusion for this series has reaped great dividends for the hosts. His off-spin has made a substantial impact as he bagged five wickets for 59 from the two previous matches. He was also instrumental in keeping Sri Lanka at bay during the middle overs of Friday’s meeting.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, continues to face an uphill task. After losing the T20 International series against WI 2-1, their lone victory here was their only one since December.

The squad continue to be plagued with absenteeism for various reasons. On this tour, Lahiru Kumara couldn’t make it because he contracted covid19, Dasun Shanaka’s visa didn't come through and Angelo Mathews has had to return home for personal reasons.

The players that remain have shown fight at times, putting together decent partnerships, occasionally stringing together some solid spells, but the series wins have eluded them.

During yesterday’s pre-match press conference with Lewis, he said a series sweep is crucial for the maroon. The pitch for the third ODI is likely to be batting-friendly, as the surfaces for the first two were.

WI may also be tempted to give Kevin Sinclair or Kyle Mayers a game, though as ODI Super League points are on the line, there is the temptation to play their best XI even for this matchup.