KINGSTON, 9 June (H.S.):

Rain interrupted play for the second consecutive match on Monday as the third and final One-Day International between West Indies and Sri Lanka at Sabina Park was abandoned without a single ball being bowled. As a result, Sri Lanka secured the three-match series 1-0.

Sri Lanka had taken a decisive advantage by winning the opening ODI by 41 runs, while the remaining two matches were washed out due to persistent rain.

Match officials conducted multiple inspections throughout the day, but after consulting with the curator, it was determined that conditions would not allow even a reduced 20-over contest to begin within the allotted time frame.

The series victory is a historic achievement for Sri Lanka, marking the team's first ODI series triumph on Caribbean soil in 23 years. The last time Sri Lanka won an ODI series in the West Indies was in 2003.

The success also represents an encouraging start for newly appointed head coach Gary Kirsten and newly named captain Kusal Mendis. However, the team was denied valuable match practice because of the weather disruptions.

Speaking after the series victory, Mendis expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance.

We are delighted to win the series. In the first match, we performed well in all three departments—batting, bowling and fielding. There are not many matches left before the next World Cup, so winning my first series as captain is very special. We have also received excellent support from the coaching staff, Mendis said.

For West Indies, the result was a disappointing one. The home side was denied an opportunity to stage a comeback and suffered its first ODI series defeat at home in three years.

The loss could also have significant implications for the team's World Cup qualification hopes. West Indies currently sits 10th in the ODI rankings and remains outside the top eight teams that will qualify directly for the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup. The Caribbean side still faces challenging upcoming series against New Zealand and India.

West Indies captain Shai Hope acknowledged the circumstances while crediting Sri Lanka for its performance.

The weather is beyond our control. Sri Lanka played better cricket in the first match and deserves credit for the victory. Our focus now shifts to the T20I series, and we must adapt to the conditions as best as possible, Hope said.

Both teams will now turn their attention to the three-match T20 International series, which is scheduled to begin on June 11. The remaining matches will be played on June 13 and June 14, with all three fixtures taking place at Sabina Park in Kingston.

However, forecasts continue to indicate the possibility of further rain in the coming days, presenting ground staff with a significant challenge in ensuring that the matches proceed as scheduled.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar