Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera 50’s Power Sri Lanka to Series Victory Over West Indies
Author: Vishnu Reddy
Updated At:
Sri Lanka secured a dominant nine-wicket win over West Indies to claim the T20I series 2-1, led by brilliant half-centuries from Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera. Chasing 163, Sri Lanka made quick work of the target, reaching 166 for 1 with 12 balls to spare in front of an enthusiastic crowd in Dambulla.
Pathum Nissanka got the chase off to a flying start, and Mendis and Perera built an unbeaten 106-run partnership for the second wicket, guiding Sri Lanka to a comfortable victory. This marks the first time Sri Lanka has beaten West Indies in a T20I series, and the chase seemed almost effortless at Rangiri Dambulla International stadium.
West Indies posted a respectable 162 for 8 after a late blitz from Gudakesh Motie, who smashed 32 off 15 balls to lift his side to a competitive total on a spin-friendly pitch. However, Sri Lanka's spinners, led by Maheesh Theekshana (2-19), kept West Indies' scoring in check, aside from Motie's late charge.
Sri Lanka's Dominant Chase
Nissanka set the tone early, hitting three boundaries in the first over off spinner Fabian Allen, and followed it up by taking Alzarri Joseph for two sixes and a four in the next over. By the time Nissanka was dismissed for 39 off 22 balls in the sixth over, Sri Lanka had raced to 60.
From there, Mendis (68* off 50) and Perera (55* off 36) took control. The middle overs were relatively quiet, but Perera soon found his rhythm, particularly playing strong shots off his legs. Mendis, who had accelerated towards the end of the powerplay, kept finding the boundary as he notched his 15th T20I half-century. Perera also reached his 15th T20I fifty in what turned out to be the final over of the game.
Missed Opportunities for West Indies
West Indies had their chances to disrupt Sri Lanka's chase but failed to capitalize. Rovman Powell missed an opportunity to catch Nissanka in the first over, while Roston Chase dropped a simple return catch off Mendis when he was on 44. Additionally, Shai Hope missed a run-out chance on Mendis when he was on 34, failing to hit the stumps.
Motie’s Late Heroics
West Indies’ innings had struggled at 86 for 5 after 14 overs, but Motie’s explosive batting in the 15th over gave the visitors hope. He hammered left-arm spinner Dunith Wellalage for 25 runs in the over, including three consecutive sixes – one straight down the ground and two over deep midwicket. His cameo helped push West Indies to a competitive total, but it ultimately wasn’t enough.
Sri Lanka’s T20I Resurgence
This series win marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka's resurgence in T20 cricket, a format they’ve struggled with in recent years. Under new coach Sanath Jayasuriya, Sri Lanka has shown renewed vigor, having also won five Test matches this year and a bilateral ODI series against India in July. The victory further solidifies Jayasuriya's impact on the team. Lank's resurgence also presents exciting times for cricket betting experts to bet on upcoming ODI series against West Indies.
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