Sri Lanka stamped their authority with a commanding nine-wicket win over the West Indies in Dambulla on Thursday, securing their first T20 International series victory over the Caribbean side. Kusal Mendis led the charge with a flawless 68 not out, steering Sri Lanka to victory with two overs to spare.
Chasing a target of 163, Sri Lanka’s batters made light work of the West Indies bowling attack. Mendis, alongside Pathum Nissanka, gave Sri Lanka the perfect start, putting on a rapid 60-run partnership inside the powerplay. Nissanka’s 39 from 22 balls, including seven boundaries, gave the hosts early momentum before Mendis took control with his clean hitting.
The West Indies missed a key chance to dismiss Mendis on 44 when Roston Chase spilled a tough return catch, allowing the Sri Lankan opener to continue his dominant knock. Mendis found strong support in Kusal Perera, who contributed an unbeaten 55 from 36 balls, and together the pair forged a decisive 106-run stand to see Sri Lanka home.
The West Indies, after electing to bat first, found themselves struggling at 68 for 5 before skipper Rovman Powell and lower-order batter Gudakesh Motie injected some life into the innings. Motie, known for his bowling, surprised with a display of power hitting, smashing three consecutive sixes in one over from Dunith Wellalage. However, his dismissal soon after, stumped off a sharp Wanindu Hasaranga delivery, halted the visitors’ late resurgence.
Sri Lanka’s spinners once again played a pivotal role, with Maheesh Theekshana and Hasaranga taking two wickets apiece. The West Indies struggled to build partnerships on a pitch that offered turn and bounce, with only Powell and Motie showing some resistance late in the innings.
Powell acknowledged Sri Lanka’s superior performance, particularly the impact of their spin attack. “We believed we had enough runs, but Sri Lanka’s spinners were a class apart,” he said.
This victory marks a significant moment in Sri Lanka’s cricketing history, as it adds to a string of recent successes under new head coach Sanath Jayasuriya. Sri Lanka has been on an upward trajectory, having claimed an ODI series win against India in July, followed by a Test victory in England, and a series sweep over New Zealand at home.
With momentum on their side, Sri Lanka’s sights are set on future challenges, as they continue to showcase their growing strength in all formats of the game.
