Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 2nd ODI Match Summary

UPDATE - 10.19 am GMT - Uh, oh! Right on cue, just when the toss was about to take place, the drizzle is back. This means that the toss is delayed yet again and for now, only the pitch is under covers which, hopefully, means that it shouldn't be a full-fledged delay and rather a short one but who knows. Stay tuned as we bring you further updates on the toss and ground conditions.

UPDATE - 10.06 am GMT - Excellent news coming in from Pallekele as the toss is scheduled for 10.15 am GMT, just a few minutes from now. The match is then scheduled to start at 10.45 am GMT and it will be a 45-overs-a-side contest. Strap yourselves in as we gear up for the toss and team updates.

UPDATE - 9.45 am GMT - Some good news coming from the ground as a few of the covers are being removed. We can only hope that the rain stays away now so that the clean up job can be done and we can get the ball rolling with the toss and a start time soon. Stick around for more updates.

UPDATE - 9.23 am GMT - A few sources show that the rain has stopped in Pallekele for a few minutes now but the covers aren't going anywhere. Maybe the ground staff expect some more inclement weather or they are just making sure that the water is first completely removed from the covers and none of it seeps into the ground. Whatever it is, let's hope that it is positive.

Meanwhile, a bit up and to the east in Bangladesh, the 1st Test match between Bangladesh and South Africa is going on. Rain affected that game as well today on Day 3, halting the hosts' second-innings comeback. However, action is about to get back underway right about now, so, you can switch tabs and catch our coverage of that game. But don't be gone for too long though as there's plenty of action to look forward to in Pallekele.

UPDATE - 8.53 am GMT - The broadcasters come live and we can see that there is just a slight drizzle at the moment but the entire ground is covered as there was heavy rain earlier in the day. The ground staff is working to get the water off the covers diligently and the weather is just starting to look a bit clear. However, it does look like this starting delay will be a prolonged one. Let's hope that the weather keeps improving and we can get a starting time soon. Stick around for more updates.

UPDATE - 8.35 am GMT - Toss was scheduled for 8.30 am GMT which was five minutes back but sources have confirmed that the toss has officially been delayed due to rain. Hopefully, it is not a long delay, so, stay tuned as we bring you the latest updates from the ground.

Heading into the second ODI, West Indies will be looking to regroup, especially their top order, which needs to step up if they want to level the series. While their performance was clinical in the opener, Sri Lanka had moments of vulnerability and will aim to address those issues to maintain their dominance. With rain still in question, the second ODI might be interrupted but we hope for a fair result at the end of the day. Will Sri Lanka continue their winning streak and close out the series, or can West Indies fight back and force a thrilling decider? We’ll soon find out! Stay tuned!

In the first ODI, Sri Lanka’s resilience shone through, despite being challenged at moments. The West Indies’ top order faltered early, but a gritty middle-order fightback, led by Sherfane Rutherford and supported by Keacy Carty and Roston Chase, kept their hopes alive. However, rain intervened, halting their momentum and leaving them with a DLS adjusted total to defend. Despite the wet ball conditions making it tough for their bowlers, the West Indies managed to pick up three early wickets, applying pressure on Sri Lanka. But the hosts stayed composed, with a key fourth-wicket partnership between Nishan Madushka and Charith Asalanka helping them ease to victory.

A warm welcome to every one of you joining us here today. Sri Lanka will look to secure a white-ball series double over West Indies as the two teams face off in the second ODI of their three-match series at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. After a successful comeback to win the T20I series and claiming victory in a rain-hit first ODI, the hosts are in prime position to wrap up the series. Meanwhile, the West Indies, eager to stay alive, will be looking to bounce back and force a decider in the final match of the series.

... MATCH DAY ...

After a commanding victory in the first ODI, Sri Lanka will take on West Indies in the second ODI at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy. While Sri Lanka will aim to maintain their momentum and seal the series, the visitors will be eager to bounce back, level the series, and force a decider. In the opener, the West Indies’ top order faltered, but a spirited middle-order recovery led by Sherfane Rutherford and supported by Keacy Carty and Roston Chase gave them hope. Unfortunately, rain disrupted their momentum, leaving them with a DLS-adjusted score to defend. The wet ball conditions added to their challenges, but they still picked up three early wickets to build some pressure. However, a gritty fourth-wicket partnership between Nishan Madushka and Charith Asalanka took the game away, helping Sri Lanka cruise to victory. While batting conditions improved after the rain, the West Indies will need to factor that in and come harder in this match to keep the series alive. On the other hand, Sri Lanka, though clinical, had moments where they were tested and will want to iron out any flaws to get closer to their peak performance. Can the West Indies regroup and take the series to a decider, or will Sri Lanka wrap it up with another win at home? We’ll find out soon!