- Jediah Blades match winning 5-28 dismantles Sri Lanka in the three-match decider.
- Academy rallied from 0-1 deficit to win series 2-1
- “We Before Me” philosophy emphasizes collective success over personal accolades
The West Indies Academy completed a remarkable comeback to secure a 2-1 ODI series victory over Sri Lanka Emerging Players, culminating in a dominant seven-wicket win in the decisive third match at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound.
The hosts’ turnaround was anchored by left-arm seamer Jediah Blades’ devastating five-wicket haul, which dismantled Sri Lanka’s batting order and restricted them to 144 all out in 35.5 overs.
Blades struck early and often, removing key batsmen including Nipun Dhananjaya (5), Sohan de Livera (0), Shevon Daniel (8), and Ahan Wickramasinghe (0) to leave the visitors reeling at 18-4.
Captain Dhananjaya Lakshan (36) and Sahan Kosala (40) mounted a spirited 74-run partnership, with Kosala stroking five boundaries in his defiant knock.
However, Blades returned to complete his masterpiece with figures of 5-28, his fifth was the wicket of Melan Hasanka at which time, Sri Lanka were in danger at 130-7.
The Academy’s chase was led by Jewel Andrew’s explosive 38 off 24 balls, featuring eight boundaries that set the tone for victory.
Ackeem Auguste provided stability with his own 38, and despite Melan Hasanka claiming two wickets to briefly raise Sri Lankan hopes, Mavendra Dindyal (32*) and Carlon Bowen-Tuckett (25*) sealed the victory with an unbroken partnership, reaching 147-3 in just 24.1 overs.
The series began dramatically differently, with Sri Lanka claiming the opening match through Ahan Wickramasinghe’s century, a boundary-laden 103 off 79 balls and Nipun Dhananjaya’s 88 from 125 deliveries with nine boundaries in a match-winning 155-run partnership for the fourth wicket while chasing 238.
The Academy responded emphatically in the second match, with Rivaldo Clarke’s 74 and Carlon Bowen-Tuckett’s 50 propelled them to 290-9.
Sri Lanka’s middle order crumbled under pressure despite Sahan Kosala’s 75 off 87 balls, falling 19 runs short at 271.
This ODI triumph followed a 1-1 draw in the two-match four-day series at Coolidge Cricket Ground the previous week.
When asked about tactical adjustments after the opening loss, Academy head coach Ramesh Subasinghe shared,
“We didn’t make any major tactical adjustments because we believed in the strength of the plan we had put in place from the start of our preparation for the Sri Lankan series in May.”
“We trusted both our strategy and our players’ skills to turn things around.”
“After the first game, we took time to reflect on where we could have been better and how we could be smarter in those critical moments that shape the outcome of matches.”
The Academy’s fighting spirit which saw them level the two-match unofficial Test series and come back to win the ODI series, stems from a carefully cultivated team culture built around their core philosophy.
“For the past 10 months, the Academy environment has been built around the slogan ‘We Before Me.'”
“When a group of players comes together with a shared commitment to giving their maximum effort for the team and for West Indies cricket, that’s where the fighting spirit emerges.”
“At the Academy, we don’t measure performances solely by milestones like fifties, hundreds, or five-wicket hauls.”
“What we value most is players doing the job the team needs in the moment—that’s the performance we truly cherish.”
He continued, “We are focused on supporting the long-term growth of players to help them succeed at the highest level for West Indies.”
“Providing opportunities and exposing players to specific roles is a key part of that process.”
“We work together with the senior team to align our team targets and player roles, ensuring clarity for each position.”
“Our training is tailored to help players develop the skills needed to execute those roles effectively.”
Regarding the squad’s readiness for higher-level cricket, Subasinghe drew an important distinction,
“For me, being ready and being ready to succeed are two different things. We want our players to remain hungry for development and to work hard towards having a career at the highest level.”
“Sometimes a young player will earn an early opportunity at the top level and that experience can be invaluable for their growth, exposing them to the standards and pressures they’ll face.”
“That’s why it’s crucial we set clear expectations around what’s required and then back them up with the support they need to thrive.”
The series success extended beyond mere results, with significant development evident across multiple areas.
“What’s been fantastic is seeing how much the players have developed—not just in performances, but in work ethic, self leadership and on field problem solving,” Subasinghe said.
“Against Sri Lanka, our batters embraced the challenge of a quality spin attack, rotating the strike and finding scoring pockets we don’t normally target, while our fast bowlers maintained relentless aggression to build pressure.”
“Above all, that squad unity and collective resolve made this series a genuine success.”
The West Indies Academy’s series victory represents more than a statistical triumph. It demonstrates the effectiveness of their player development philosophy and the emergence of a resilient, unified squad capable of performing under pressure at crucial moments.
