West Indies Academy outplayed as Sri Lanka Emerging level series

A blistering century from opener Sineth Jayawardena propelled Sri Lanka Emerging to a commanding 125-run victory over the West Indies Academy at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground in Colombo, levelling the one-day series and setting up an exciting decider.
After losing the toss and being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka posted an imposing 360 all out in their allotted 50 overs. The foundation for the massive total was laid by openers Sineth Jayawardena and Vishen Halambage, who shared a superb 164-run partnership for the first wicket.
Halambage played an aggressive hand, scoring 50 from just 45 deliveries before leg-spinner Zishan Motara broke the stand by trapping him leg before wicket. Jayawardena, however, continued to dominate the West Indies Academy bowling attacak, producing a scintillating innings of 118 from only 63 balls. His knock featured 13 boundaries and eight towering sixes.
Captain Nipun Dhananjaya provided valuable support with 55 from 66 balls, striking four fours and a six, while Ranesh Silva added a steady 46 from 60 deliveries to keep the scoreboard moving.

For the visitors, Jediah Blades and Motara were the standout bowlers, both claiming three wickets. Blades finished with figures of three for 60, while Motara returned three for 48.
Chasing a daunting target of 361, the West Indies Academy began positively through opener Mavendra Dindyal, who scored a brisk 31 from 24 balls. Kevlon Anderson led the resistance with a well-compiled 63 from 68 deliveries, while Nathan Edward remained unbeaten on 32 from 34 balls.
Despite their efforts, the visitors struggled to keep pace with the required run rate and were eventually dismissed for 235 in 45.4 overs.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack shared the spoils, with Akmal Fazly claiming three for 37 and Mihiranga Silva taking three for 46 to seal a comprehensive victory.
The result levels the series and sets the stage for a winner-takes-all decider, which will be played today.