The visitors registered a convincing win over Sri Lanka at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in the opening match of the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka 2024. Opting to bowl first, West Indies chased down a challenging target of 180 with five wickets in hand and five balls to spare. Brandon King and Evin Lewis.
Sri Lanka batting: Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis lead the way
Batting first after losing the toss, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 179/7 in the allotted 20 overs. The hosts had a hard time at the start, Pathum Nissanka (11) and Kusal Mendis (19) could not turn their starts into a significant score. Kusal Perera departed for a three-ball 6 and put the team under early pressure.
However, Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka steadied the ship with a crucial partnership. Kamindu played a solid knock of 51 off 40 deliveries, hitting five fours and two sixes, while Asalanka was the top scorer, smashing 59 runs off 35 balls, including nine boundaries. Their partnership brought Sri Lanka back into the game after early setbacks.
Down the order, Bhanuka Rajapaksa contributed 17 runs off 11 balls, but the West Indies bowlers maintained a solid string of runs in the final innings. Romario Shepherd (2/39) was the pick of the bowlers for the Men in Maroon, while Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie and Shamar Springer also took important wickets. Despite Sri Lanka’s late West Indies managed to restrict them to 179/7.
West Indies reply: Brandon King and Evin Lewis shine in the chase
Chasing 180, West Indies got off to a flying start as openers Brandon King and Evin Lewis launched a counter-attack against the Sri Lankan bowlers. King scored a match-defining knock, hitting 63 off just 33 deliveries, including 11 fours and a six. His aggressive approach set the tone for the chase and allowed the West Indies to dominate the power play.
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Lewis provided excellent support by hitting 50 off 28 balls, hitting five fours and four sixes. Their opening partnership laid the foundation for a successful chase. However, after Lewis and Shai Hope (7) fell in quick succession, Sri Lanka bounced back with the wickets of Maheesh Theekshana (1/31) and Wanindu Hasaranga (1/38).
Despite a fluctuating middle order with Roston Chase (19) and Rovman Powell (13) failing to capitalize on their starts, West Indies kept their cool. King’s dismissal brought Sri Lanka back into the game but Matheesha Pathirana’s two wickets failed to stop the visitors. Sherfane Rutherford (14 not out) and Romario Shepherd (1 not out) completed the chase to take West Indies to the finish line.
With this win, West Indies lead the three-match T20I series 1-0. Brandon King was adjudged Man of the Match for his explosive 63 which proved decisive in the game.
A comfortable win for West Indies thanks to Brandon Kings’ 33-ball 63 #SLvWI #T20I #BrandonKing #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/X3TXQWQMBf
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 14, 2024
The second T20I will be played at the same venue on October 15.
