Sri Lanka Bounce Back in Style to Level T20I Series Against West Indies
 |
| Sri Lanka leveled the T20I series (1-1) with a commanding 73-run victory over West Indies at Dambulla / Getty |
Sri Lanka produced a commanding performance to secure a comprehensive 73-run victory over the West Indies in the second T20I, leveling the three-match series 1-1. Charith Asalanka's side put on a dominant display in front of a spirited home crowd at Dambulla, setting up a thrilling decider at the same venue on October 17.
 |
| Pathum Nissanka's 54 and Kusal Mendis' 26 set up Sri Lanka's solid start with a 77-run opening partnership. / Getty |
Opting to bat first on the same surface used in the opening game, Sri Lanka’s openers Pathum Nissanka (54) and Kusal Mendis (26) gave the team a solid foundation, putting together a 77-run partnership. However, after the powerplay, West Indies clawed back into the game as the ball began to turn sharply. Romario Shepherd led the way with the ball for the visitors, picking up 2/23 as Sri Lanka managed to post 162/5 in their 20 overs.
Chasing 163 on a tricky pitch, West Indies found themselves in early trouble. Sri Lanka's spinners dominated from the outset, with the hosts striking twice inside the first four overs. The West Indies batters were unable to cope with the spin-friendly conditions, losing wickets at regular intervals and failing to build any momentum.
 |
| Debutant Dunith Wellalage impressed with 3/9, contributing to Sri Lanka's dominant bowling performance. / Getty |
Debutant Dunith Wellalage (3/9) was the standout performer, leading the Sri Lankan spin attack that claimed nine of the ten wickets. West Indies were eventually bowled out for just 89 in 16.1 overs, falling 73 runs short of their target.
The emphatic victory sets up a tantalizing finale, as both teams will return to Dambulla for the series decider on October 17. Sri Lanka’s win was a crucial response after losing the opening match, giving them confidence heading into the final game of the series.
Brief Scores:
- Sri Lanka: 162/5 in 20 overs (Pathum Nissanka 54, Kusal Mendis 26; Romario Shepherd 2/23)
- West Indies: 89 all out in 16.1 overs (Dunith Wellalage 3/9, Maheesh Theekshana 2/18)
Sri Lanka won by 73 runs. Series level 1-1.