Nicholas Pooran’s sensational century went in vain as Avishka Fernando set up Sri Lanka’s thrilling 23-run win over West Indies with a maiden hundred in an inconsequential World Cup match in Durham on Monday.
Sent into bat, Sri Lanka’s top-order fired in unison with Fernando hitting a 103-ball 104, the first century for the Island nation in this World Cup. His innings was studded with nine fours and two sixes.
Opener Kusal Perera, too, chipped in with a 51-ball 64 as Sri Lanka posted an imposing 338 for six.
In reply, Pooran blasted a 103-ball 118 laced with 11 hits to the fence and four sixes to keep West Indies in the hunt.
He starred in three crucial partnership, adding 61, 54 and 83 with Jason Holder (26), Carlos Brathwaite (8) and Fabian Allen (51) respectively to take West Indies close to pulling off an incredible chase.
But Angelo Mathews dismissed Pooran in the 48th over as the West Indies could only score 315 for nine in their stipulated 50 overs.
After this win, Sri Lanka are now placed at the sixth spot on the points table with eight points from eight matches. The 1996 champions will now take on India in their final World Cup match on July 6.
West Indies, who are also not in the race for the semifinals, are at the ninth position and will complete their World Cup engagements after a clash with Afghanistan on July 4.
Defending the total, Lasith Malinga struck twice early to leave West Indies at 22 for two in five overs.
Opener Chris Gayle (35) and Shimron Hetmyer (29) shared a 49-ball stand but frittered away their starts.
Skipper Jason Holder then added 61 runs with Pooran, but he too was holed out at mid on as WI lost half their side for 145 in the 29th over.
Pooran played a few big hits but an unfortunate run-out at the other end saw Carlos Brathwaite return back to the pavilion.
Pooran and Allen (51) then produced some lusty blows to reduce the equation to 57 runs off 36 balls.
However, another run-out ended the 83-run stand.
Earlier, Fernando played the role of sheet anchor, stitching 85 runs with Kushal Mendis (39) and then sharing 58 and 67 with Angelo Mathews (26) and Lahiru Thirimanne (45 off 33), respectively, as Sri Lanka went beyond 250 for the first time in the tournament.
With both teams already out of contention for a semifinal spot, Sri Lanka played with freedom as openers Karunaratne and Perera amassed 91 runs for no loss in 15 overs.
After skipper Holder removed his West Indies counterpart Karunaratne (32), Perera too was back after getting run out.
Mendis and Fernando then took Sri Lanka close to 200 before a remarkable caught-and-bowl effort by left-arm spinner Fabian Allen, in the 32nd over, ended the former’s stay.
Mathews came up with an enterprising 20-ball 26 before a perfect yorker by Holder sent him back in the 40th over.
Fernando and Thirimanne then joined hands to help Sri Lanka cross the 300-mark.
Fernando completed his hundred in the 48th over, but soon holed out to Allen off Cottrell’s bowling.
