WI in SL: Sri Lanka win second ODI to clinch series 2-0

Two half centuries from opener Kusal Perera and Lahiru Thirimanne enabled Sri Lanka to chase down a target of 225 from 38 overs and record a convincing 8-wicket win against West Indies in the second ODI, to clinch the series 2-0 at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on Wednesday (4).   Electing to bat first West Indies made 214 after the match was reduced to 38 overs due to heavy downpours.   Opener Johnson Charles top scored with a 70-ball 83 inclusive of seven fours and four sixes.   Stand in skipper Marlon Samuels hit a 61-ball 63 inclusive of four boundaries and two sixes.   Milinda Siriwardana and Lasith Malinga took two wickets each and Suranga Lakmal and Sachitra Senanayake claimed a scalp each while four Windies batsmen were dismissed by run outs.   Opener Perera reached his third highest score falling short of a well deserved hundred by a run, for 99.   He faced 92 deliveries and hit six fours and four sixes while featuring in a partnership of 156 for the second wicket with Thirimanne, who made an unbeaten 81.   Thirimanne faced 95 deliveries and hit five fours and a six as Perera claimed the man-of-the-match award.   The third and final ODI will be played at the Pallekele Stadium in Kandy on Saturday (7).   West Indies 214 all out (37.4) (Johnson Charles 83, Darren Bravo 21, Marlon Samuels 63m Carlos Brathwaite 17, Milinda Siriwardana 2/27, Lasith Malinga 2/43)   Sri Lanka 225 for 2 wickets (36.3) (Kusal Perera 99, TM Dilshan 17, Lahiru Thrimanne 81n.o, Dinesh Chandimal 15n.o.)