DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka — Sri Lanka produced a shocking efficiency to stage the three-match T20 collection in opposition to the West Indies with a commanding 73-run victory on Tuesday, their largest margin of victory over the Caribbean aspect in T20 internationals.
This dominant show at Dambulla additionally marked Sri Lanka’s sixth-largest T20 win general. After setting a aggressive goal of 163, Sri Lanka’s spin assault decimated the West Indies, bowling them out for a paltry 89 in simply 16.1 overs — the West Indies’ lowest ever whole in opposition to Sri Lanka in T20s and their sixth lowest within the format.
Debutant all-rounder Dunith Wellalage was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, taking 3-9 from his 4 overs, as West Indies crumbled beneath relentless strain. Wellalage’s bowling efforts have been supported by Maheesh Theekshana, Charith Asalanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga, who took two wickets every. Sri Lanka’s spinners bowled 13.1 of the 16 overs, with solely three overs of tempo, completely exploiting the deteriorating pitch circumstances.
A 72-run opening stand
Sri Lanka’s innings was anchored by opener Pathum Nissanka, who top-scored with 54 off 49 balls in a 72-run opening stand with Kusal Mendis (24). Nissanka’s innings featured 9 boundaries, serving to Sri Lanka put up 162, a complete that proved far an excessive amount of for the West Indies on a difficult floor.
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West Indies’ batsmen struggled from the outset, with Wellalage putting early to dismiss each Brandon King and Roston Chase, leaving the guests reeling at 17-3. Solely Johnson Charles (23) supplied any resistance as wickets continued to tumble, with the West Indies managing simply 21 runs on the finish of the powerplay.
Regardless of tight bowling spells from West Indies’ spinners Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie, who conceded simply 37 runs in eight overs, Sri Lanka’s whole proved insurmountable.
The collection is now tied 1-1, establishing an exciting decider on Thursday at Dambulla, the place Sri Lanka, ranked eighth, will look to upset third-ranked West Indies and declare the collection.
