West Indies Open Sri Lanka Tour with Commanding 5-Wicket Win in First T20I
 |
| Brandon King and Evin Lewis starred for West Indies with a century partnership, setting up the chase with aggressive half-centuries / Getty |
The West Indies started their tour of Sri Lanka in style with a convincing 5-wicket victory in the first T20I, chasing down Sri Lanka’s 179 with five balls to spare. A stellar opening partnership between Brandon King and Evin Lewis set the foundation for the win, while the West Indian bowlers did well to contain Sri Lanka on a batting-friendly track in Dambulla.
Sri Lanka's Solid Start
After winning the toss and opting to bowl, the West Indies faced a delayed start due to inclement weather. Sri Lanka’s top order capitalized on the conditions, with Kamindu Mendis continuing his fine form from the Test series, anchoring the innings with a well-compiled half-century. Skipper Charith Asalanka added crucial runs with his own fifty, helping the hosts post a competitive 179/7 in their 20 overs.
 |
| Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka's half-centuries helped Sri Lanka post 179/7 in their 20 overs. / Getty |
The West Indies bowlers performed admirably on a flat track, with Romario Shepherd being the pick of the bowlers, claiming 2/32. Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, and Shamar Springer chipped in with a wicket each, keeping the Sri Lankan middle order in check.
West Indies’ Commanding Chase
In reply, the West Indies’ openers, Brandon King and Evin Lewis, put their team in a commanding position right from the start. The duo added a blistering 74 runs during the powerplay and went on to post a 107-run partnership for the first wicket. Evin Lewis played aggressively, scoring 50 off just 28 balls before being dismissed.
Brandon King, who top-scored with 63 off 33 balls, continued to build momentum after reaching his half-century, hitting boundaries to keep the visitors in the driver’s seat. Despite a few hiccups in the middle order, with Shai Hope, Roston Chase, and Rovman Powell struggling to score freely, Sherfane Rutherford held his nerve, ensuring West Indies crossed the line.
Rutherford’s unbeaten 14 from 12 balls helped the West Indies chase down the target with five wickets in hand and five balls to spare, sealing a comprehensive victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Score Summary:
Sri Lanka – 179/7 (Kamindu Mendis 54, Charith Asalanka 50; Romario Shepherd 2/32)
West Indies – 180/5 in 19.1 overs (Brandon King 63, Evin Lewis 50; Kasun Rajitha 1/27)
West Indies won by 5 wickets.