The three-match T20I series between the West Indies and Sri Lanka started with an
absolute thriller. The hosts put on a dominant performance to clear any doubts about their strength in the shortest format of the game. With an excellent bowling display early on and a calm run chase later, they comfortably crossed the finish line.
With this impressive victory, the West Indies have taken a crucial 1-0 lead in the series. Sri Lanka fought hard in patches but failed to maintain pressure at the most critical moments of the match. Let us look at how the entire game unfolded.
Sri Lanka Wins the Toss and Bats First
Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat first on a pitch that looked good for scoring runs. Their main plan was to build a huge total and put the West Indian batting lineup under pressure. The openers walked out with a very positive intent to exploit the powerplay overs.
However, the West Indies bowling attack came prepared with very specific plans for the batsmen. They did not allow the opening pair to score freely in the first few overs of the innings. The pressure started building up right from the first over.
Jason Holder Strikes with Double Blow
The experienced all-rounder Jason Holder turned the game around in the fifth over of the match. First, he bowled a beautiful delivery to dismiss the dangerous-looking Pathum Nissanka for 18 runs. Nissanka had already hit three boundaries before getting clean-bowled.
Right on the very next ball, Holder struck again to remove Lasith Croospulle for a duck. This double blow completely destroyed Sri Lanka’s early momentum and pushed them straight onto the back foot. The visitors suddenly found themselves in deep trouble.
Shamar Joseph Dismantles the Top Order
Young pace sensation Shamar Joseph kept up the intense pressure from the other end. He bowled with great speed and accuracy, making it very difficult for the new batsmen to settle down. He soon dismissed Pavan Rathnayake for just 4 runs.
By the end of the sixth over, Sri Lanka was struggling terribly at 49 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. The West Indian team was completely dominating the first half of the innings with their aggressive bowling.
The Mendis Captain's Rescue Mission
When everything looked lost, skipper Kusal Mendis and Kamindu Mendis came together to rescue the team. They showed great maturity and started rebuilding the innings with sensible cricket. They rotated the strike regularly to keep the scoreboard moving.
Kusal Mendis played a brilliant, aggressive knock of 36 runs off just 23 deliveries. His entertaining innings included two fours and three massive sixes. He really helped in shifting some pressure back onto the home side.
Kamindu Mendis Hits a Fighting Fifty
After the captain got out, Kamindu Mendis took full control of the Sri Lankan batting. He anchored the innings beautifully and played some gorgeous shots all around the ground. He brought up a very crucial half-century for his team.
Kamindu scored 51 runs off 39 balls, hitting four boundaries and two sixes along the way. Thanks to his fighting knock, Sri Lanka looked safe enough to reach a very competitive total in their 20 overs.
Dasun Shanaka Offers Useful Support
Experienced all-rounder Dasun Shanaka also played an important role in the middle overs. He joined Kamindu Mendis and focused on building another helpful partnership. He scored a steady 22 runs off 23 balls to keep the team afloat.
Their partnership helped Sri Lanka cross the 120-run mark comfortably. At that specific moment, it looked like the visitors would easily set a target of around 160 runs for the hosts.
Sri Lanka’s Dramatic Late Collapse
Just when Sri Lanka needed a strong finish, their lower batting order completely collapsed. Roston Chase broke the dangerous partnership by removing Dasun Shanaka in the 16th over. After his departure, no other batsman could stay at the crease.
The visitors lost their last five wickets for just 23 runs in the final overs. Brilliant fielding and sharp bowling restricted Sri Lanka to 147 runs for 9 wickets in their official 20 overs.
West Indies Bowling Statistics
Jason Holder was definitely the standout bowler for the West Indies team. He completed his four overs, took three wickets, and gave away only 18 runs. His brilliant economy rate kept the batsman completely quiet.
Shamar Joseph was equally impressive with his raw pace and aggression. He also picked up three crucial wickets for 29 runs in his four-over spell. Roston Chase supported them perfectly by giving away just 19 runs.
Brandon King Fires in Run Chase
Chasing a modest target of 148 runs, the West Indies openers gave their team a flying start. Brandon King came out with an extremely aggressive mindset and attacked the bowlers immediately. He hit boundaries at will during the powerplay.
King smashed an entertaining 37 runs off just 22 balls, including two fours and three sixes. He shared an explosive 67-run opening stand with Shai Hope before getting out to Wanindu Hasaranga.
Shai Hope Anchors the Innings Perfectly
After King's departure, skipper Shai Hope took complete charge of the run chase. He played a classic anchor role and showed amazing composure under pressure. He made sure that the required run rate never went out of control.
Hope remained unbeaten till the very end, scoring a magnificent 65 runs off 54 balls. His captain's knock was beautifully decorated with five boundaries and two massive sixes over the ropes.
Short Cameos Ensure Comfortable Victory
Shimron Hetmyer also played a quick, fiery cameo to keep the momentum going. He smashed 17 runs off just 9 balls with two boundaries and a six. His short stay kept the Sri Lankan bowlers under immense pressure.
Later, Rovman Powell finished the match in style by hitting a quick 10 runs off 6 balls. The West Indies reached 149 for 3 in 19.2 overs, winning the match comfortably by 7 wickets.
Sri Lanka’s Bowling Highlights
Sri Lankan captain Wanindu Hasaranga tried his best with the ball to defend the total. The star leg-spinner bowled beautifully, taking two wickets for 32 runs in his four overs. He was the only bowler who troubled the batsmen.
Eshan Malinga also bowled a very decent spell, taking one wicket for 26 runs. However, the other bowlers failed to pick up wickets, making the chase way too easy for the strong West Indian lineup.
What Lies Ahead in the Series?
The West Indies have made a very strong statement with this comprehensive win. Their team looks completely balanced in both the batting and bowling departments. They will look to seal the series in the next match.
On the other hand, Sri Lanka has a lot of thinking to do before the second game. Their batsmen need to avoid middle-order collapses to give their bowlers a better total to defend.
What do you think?
What was the biggest turning point of the match according to you? Was it Jason Holder's double-wicket over or Shai Hope’s unbeaten half-century? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Read Also: Click here to see which three players were on the verge of massive milestones before this match started!
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