The West Indies bounced back from their ODI series disappointment to secure a hard-fought 2-1 T20I series victory over Sri Lanka, sealing the contest with a dramatic five-wicket win in the third and final match at Sabina Park, Kingston, on Sunday. After both teams claimed one victory each in the opening two matches, the series went down to the wire, with the hosts holding their nerve in a tense run chase to emerge victorious and lift the series trophy.
1st T20I: Hosts take early control
West Indies began the series in dominant fashion. Their bowling attack, led by Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph, restricted Sri Lanka to 147/9. Chasing a manageable target, Shai Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten 65 as the hosts reached the target comfortably with four balls remaining.
2nd T20I: Shanaka levels the series
Sri Lanka responded strongly in the second match to keep the series alive. Dasun Shanaka produced a blistering knock of 58 off just 24 deliveries, powering the visitors to an imposing 194/6. The pressure of the chase proved too much for the West Indies batting lineup, which crumbled for 157 in 18.1 overs, handing Sri Lanka a convincing 37-run victory and setting up a winner-takes-all decider.
3rd T20I: Shamar Joseph and Holder deliver series triumph
The final match produced the most thrilling contest of the series. Fast bowler Shamar Joseph starred with the ball, claiming sensational figures of 5/33 to bowl Sri Lanka out for 169. However, the chase was anything but straightforward as the required rate continued to climb in the closing stages. With West Indies needing 29 runs from the final two overs, veteran all-rounder Jason Holder swung the momentum dramatically. Holder launched three towering sixes off Dushmantha Chameera in the penultimate over, reducing the equation and putting the hosts back in control. Sherfane Rutherford then kept his composure, finishing unbeaten on 54 off 40 deliveries to guide West Indies home with two balls to spare and secure a memorable series victory.
T20I Series Results
- 1st T20I – June 11, Sabina Park: Sri Lanka 147/9 (20 overs) lost to West Indies 149/3 (19.2 overs) by 7 wickets.
- 2nd T20I – June 13, Sabina Park: Sri Lanka 194/6 (20 overs) beat West Indies 157 all out (18.1 overs) by 37 runs.
- 3rd T20I – June 14, Sabina Park: Sri Lanka 169 all out (20 overs) lost to West Indies 170/5 (19.4 overs) by 5 wickets.
The white-ball leg of the tour now gives way to red-ball cricket. Both teams will participate in a four-day warm-up match beginning on June 18 before turning their attention to the two-Test series, which starts on June 25 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua.
