Marlon Samuels century guides West Indies to 206/9 in 3rd ODI against Sri Lanka at Pallekele

West Indies returned from the dead and posted a defendable total of 206 for 9 in 36 overs in the 3rd and the final One-day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka at Pallekele. Their bowlers now have a chance to restrict Sri Lanka and snatch one fanciful victory. Once again rains heavily interrupted the play as overs were cut down to 36 overs a side. Marlon Samuels scored a determined century and helped his side to make a comeback after losing wickets in abundance at the start. Sri Lanka won the toss and elected ro field first on a surface which had enough help for the seam bowlers.  LIVE SCORECARD: Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 3nd ODI at Pallekele

Lasith Malinga provided an early breakthrough in the very first over of the game and was equally supported by Suranga Lakmal form the other end. They lost four quick wickets inside first six overs for a mere score of 18. None of te to-order batsmen barring Samuels made any substantial contribution. Some resistance was provided by Jason Holder and Carlos Brathwaite lower down the order. They needed partnerships but their batsmen floundered as wickets fell like nine pins.  LIVE BLOG: Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 3nd ODI at Pallekele

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Sri Lankan bowlers bowled with unmatched confidence and kept chipping wickets at regular intervals. They somehow couldn’t manage to get rid of the centurion Samuels ho had a strategy planned against them. Sri Lanka have to chase down a target of 190 runs from 36 overs (D/L method). They have enough ammunition in their batting line-up an with most of their batsmen being in form. Another nail-biting finish is on the cards as the second innings is about to start.

Brief scores:

West Indies 206 for 9 in 36 Overs (Marlon Samuels 110, Jason Holder 19; Dushmantha Chameera 2 for 39) against Sri Lanka

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