Historic T20 Series Win For Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka recorded an impressive 9-wicket win over the West Indies in their third and final T20 game, achieving their first-ever series win over the West Indies (2-1) at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

A superb batting display by Kusal Mendis and Kusal Janith Perera, both of whom made unbeaten half-centuries, propelled Sri Lanka to chase down their target of 163 runs with two overs to spare. The openers, Pathum Nissanka (39 runs off 28 balls with 7 fours and a six) and Kusal Mendis, laid a solid foundation by adding 60 runs in 5.2 overs. Mendis and Perera then dominated the game, forming an unbeaten 106-run second-wicket partnership to seal the historic series victory.

Kusal Mendis scored an unbeaten 68 runs off 50 balls, (5 fours and 3 sixes), while Kusal Janith Perera contributed a brisk 55 runs off 36 balls, (7 fours). Mendis was named the Man of the Match, while Pathum Nissanka received the Player of the Series award.

West Indies won the toss and elected to bat first, aiming to score over 140 runs but ended up with a total of 162 for 8 wickets in 20 overs, which proved to be a challenging score on this surface.

The West Indies had a poor start, with opener Evin Lewis dismissed for a first-ball duck, as Maheesh Theekshana caused early damage in the fourth ball of the first over. Wicketkeeper Shai Hope joined opener Brandon King in a partnership that added 37 runs for the second wicket before King was dismissed for 23 runs off 19 balls, hitting 3 fours and a six, with Theekshana claiming his second wicket.

Despite their efforts, the West Indies struggled during the first ten overs and managed only 55 runs for 4 wickets, with the Sri Lanka spinners dominating. However, skipper Rovman Powell and Gudakesh Motie rebuilt their innings, forming a successful 54-run partnership for the sixth wicket that shifted the momentum. Gudakesh hit three consecutive sixes in Wellalage’s final over, which went for 25 runs, while Powell also played briskly to increase the run rate. Gudakesh made 32 runs off 15 balls (1 four and 3 sixes), while Powell scored 37 runs off 27 balls (1 four and 3 sixes). The West Indies added 107 runs in the last ten overs to finish at 162 for 8 wickets in 20 overs.

Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga took two wickets each, while Wellalage, the successful bowler from the previous game, conceded 36 runs in his 4-over spell without claiming a wicket. Pacemen Matheesha Pathirana and Nuwan Thushara chipped in with one wicket each.

The West Indies made two changes, bringing back Shai Hope in place of Andre Fletcher and replacing Shamar Springer with spin all-rounder Fabien Allen, while Sri Lanka fielded an unchanged side.

Following this T20 series, the two teams will meet for their first ODI match of the three-match series on Sunday (20) at Pallekele.

Chief scores

West Indies 162 for 8 wickets in 20 overs Brandan King 23,Shai Hope 18, Rovman Powell 37, Gudakesh Motie 32 , Romario Shepherd 18, Maheesh Theekshana 2/19,Nuwan Thushara 1/27 ,Wanindu Hasaranga 2/24 , Kamindu Mendis 1/21,Charith Asalanka 1/14,Matheesha Pathirana 1/15,

Sri Lanka 166 for 1 wicket in 18 overs Pathum Nissanka 39, Kusal Mendis 68*, Kusal Janith Perera 55*, Gudakesh Motie 1/31