Chester-le-Street: Avishka Fernando's maiden ODI ton helps Sri Lanka post a mammoth target of 338/6. Opting to bowl first, West Indies hoped for early wickets to dismantle the Sri Lankan innings and bundle them for below par total, however, Lankan openers Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Perera had other things in their mind as the duo stitched a 93 runs opening stand to help The Lions lay a solid foundation.
The team from the subcontinent lost their first wicket in the second ball of the 16th over when Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne (32) was caught behind by Shai Hope off Jason Holder's delivery. Perera (64) soon followed his skipper back to the pavilion as the southpaw was found to be short of the crease after an error in call which involved his partner Fernando.
The duo of Fernando and Kusal Mendis then stitched on an 85-runs partnership before Mendis was caught and bowled by Fabian Allen. Avishka Fernando went on to make 104 and was ably supported by Lahiru Thiramanne (45*) as Sri Lanka ended on scoring 338 for the loss of 6 wickets.
Jason holder was the pick of the bowler for Windies, picking up 2 wickets while giving away 59 runs in his 10 overs. Other bowlers who managed to pick wickets apiece were Cottrell, Thomas and Fabian Allen.
Windies now require 339 to win the match, and Sri Lanka would have to win this match if they are to continue fighting for a place in the semis. Windies, on the other hand, are out and a win would just help them boost their morale after yet another disappointing show in this World Cup.
