West Indies win 3rd ODI, sweep SL 3-0: Interesting numbers
A defiant hundred by Darren Bravo helped West Indies defeat Sri Lanka in the third ODI at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Opener Shai Hope and skipper Kieron Pollard were also among runs as the home side routed Sri Lanka 3-0 in the ODI series. The former was named the Player of the Series for his incredible run. Here are the interesting numbers.
How did the 3rd ODI pan out?
Sri Lanka made an ideal start after West Indies opted to bowl in the 3rd ODI. Openers Danushka Gunathilaka and Dimuth Gunathilaka added 68 runs before the former got dismissed. The hosts suffered an untimely batting collapse, having reduced to 151/6. However, Ashen Bandara and Wanindu Hasaranga propelled SL to 274/6 (50). Although WI started poorly, a hundred by Bravo ensured a victory.
Hope was named the Player of the Series
As stated, WI opener Hope turned out to be the Player of the Series. He finished as the leading run-scorer with 258 runs at a phenomenal average of 86.00. The 27-year-old notched-up 64 off 72 balls in the 3rd ODI, his third score of 50+ in the series. During the match, Hope also completed 3,500 runs in ODI cricket.
Consecutive 50+ ODI scores by WI batsman
Hope has become only the third West Indian batsman after Sir Gordon Greenidge and Chris Gayle to register six or more consecutive 50+ ODI scores. His recent ODI scores read as - 64, 84, 110, 72, 51, and 115.
Bravo fires fourth ODI ton, Pollard finishes the game
Middle-order batsman Darren Bravo brought up his fourth ODI century as West Indies attempted to chase 275. In the process, the left-handed batsman also completed 3,000 runs in ODI cricket. He was named the Player of the Match for his astonishing knock (102). Meanwhile, skipper Pollard added the finishing touch with his 11th ODI half-century. His unbeaten 53 secured the victory for West Indies.
WI have been dealing in extremes!
There is a reason why Windies are deemed as one of the most unpredictable ones in world cricket. Since January 2020, each of the four ODI series involving WI has resulted in a clean sweep. During this period, they routed Ireland 3-0. They then suffered consecutive series defeats to Sri Lanka (0-3) and Bangladesh (0-3). Now, they have again cleaned up Sri Lanka 3-0.
The graph of Sri Lanka has plunged big time
On the other hand, Sri Lanka has been reeling even more. They have won only one out of their last 12 international games, having lost 11. The Lankans have suffered five consecutive series defeats now to WI (3), SA (1), and England (1).
