Sri Lanka Clinch T20I Series with Dominant Nine-Wicket Win Over West Indies
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| Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera anchored Sri Lanka's innings with an unbeaten partnership of 106 runs, Mendis scoring 68* and Perera 55* to comfortably chase down 163. / Getty |
Sri Lanka secured a historic 2-1 series victory over the West Indies with a commanding nine-wicket win in the third T20I at a packed Poya-day crowd in Dambulla. This is the first time Sri Lanka has won a T20I series against the West Indies, marking a significant achievement for the hosts, who chased down the 163-run target with 12 balls to spare.
Led by unbeaten fifties from Kusal Mendis (68* off 50) and Kusal Perera (55* off 36), Sri Lanka’s top order made light work of the chase. Pathum Nissanka set the tone with a blistering 39 off 22, launching Sri Lanka's innings with aggressive stroke play. His quick start, followed by a clinical 106-run unbeaten partnership between Mendis and Perera, ensured Sri Lanka's dominance as they coasted to 166 for 1 in 18 overs.
Earlier, West Indies had posted a competitive 162 for 8, largely thanks to a late cameo from Gudakesh Motie, who smashed 32 off 15 balls. The visitors struggled against Sri Lanka’s spinners, with Maheesh Theekshana (2/19) and Wanindu Hasaranga keeping the run rate in check. Although West Indies rallied briefly, Motie's assault in the 15th over helped them recover from a precarious 86 for 5.
Despite some fielding mishaps, including missed chances to dismiss Nissanka and Mendis, Sri Lanka remained in control throughout the chase. Mendis reached his 15th T20I half-century, while Perera brought up his fifty in the final over of the game, sealing the series win for Sri Lanka.
This victory further demonstrates Sri Lanka's resurgence across formats, following a successful year in Test cricket and an ODI series win over India. Under new coach Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka's T20I fortunes are also on the rise, as they look ahead to future challenges with renewed confidence.
Brief Score:
West Indies: 162/8 in 20 overs (Rovman Powell
37, Gudakesh Motie 32, Maheesh Theekshana 2/19)
Sri Lanka: 166/1 in 18 overs (Kusal Mendis 68*, Kusal Perera 55*, Pathum
Nissanka 39)
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| Sri Lanka have beaten the West Indies for the first time in a bilateral T20I series / Getty |
Sri Lanka won by nine wickets.