Sri Lanka celebrated a commanding nine-wicket win over the West Indies in the third and final T20 international, securing their first-ever series victory against the Caribbean side in this format. A packed Dambulla stadium witnessed the home team comfortably chase down the 163-run target with two overs to spare, thanks to Kusal Mendis’ sublime unbeaten 68.
Opening the innings, Mendis and Pathum Nissanka quickly set the pace, amassing 60 runs in just over five overs. Nissanka, in red-hot form, hammered 39 from just 22 balls before being dismissed by a sharp delivery from Gudakesh Motie. Mendis, however, continued to bat with finesse, dispatching the West Indies bowlers with ease. His innings featured five boundaries and three towering sixes, anchoring the chase alongside Kusal Perera, who contributed a gritty 55 off 36 balls.
The pair’s unbroken 106-run stand ensured Sri Lanka’s emphatic victory, with Mendis reflecting on the win: “It wasn’t the easiest pitch to bat on, but we knew how to handle these conditions. I’m glad I could take us over the line.”
Despite an early collapse that left the West Indies at 68-5, the visitors fought back through a 54-run partnership between captain Rovman Powell and Motie, who smashed Dunith Wellalage for three consecutive sixes. However, Sri Lanka’s spinners, led by Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, restricted the tourists’ momentum. Both spinners took two wickets each, keeping the West Indies to a manageable total.
Powell expressed disappointment after the match, saying, “We thought we had set a competitive target, but Sri Lanka’s spinners dominated us.”
The series win caps a golden period for Sri Lanka, who have been on a roll under coach Sanath Jayasuriya. Having won an ODI series against India and a historic Test in England, the team is clearly finding its stride.
With Sri Lanka asserting dominance over the West Indies and building momentum, they now look forward to continuing their resurgence on the international stage.
