3rd T20I, Dambulla, October 17, 2024, 07:00 PM
162/8(20.0ov)
166/1(18.0ov)
Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 9 wickets
Best Batsmen
R
B
4S
6S
SR
Best Bowler
O
R
W
Econ
Man of the Match
Kusal Mendis
Commentry
And that's a wrap on the Sri Lanka vs West Indies T20 series! Sri Lanka, under Sanath Jayasuriya's guidance, has bounced back from their initial loss to clinch the trophy 2-1. But the cricket fever doesn't end here! With an exciting lineup of international matches ahead, fans have plenty to look forward to. Until next time, thank you for joining us!
Charith Asalanka has been handed the trophy and he joins his teammates for further celebrations.
Charith Asalanka, the victorious skipper of Sri Lanka says that the top-order batters batted brilliantly and that helped the team win the series. Mentions that throughout the series he kept reminding his side that they did well against India as well and if they just win those close moments they could be a hard team to beat and it reflected in this series. Reckons that that the aggressive start at the top is something that the two at the top decided by themselves and thanks to them for that solid start at the top.
Rovman Powell the losing skipper of West Indies says they had enough runs on the board on such a tricky track but credit goes to Sri Lanka as they batted well. Mentions that as a bowling group, they failed to make a game of it and the game went away from them in the PP itself. Reckons that the quality of spinners on both sides was the difference but they will learn from this. Closes by saying that these were unfamiliar conditions for them but acknowledges that his side did well and they have a lot of positives from this series. Thanks the Sri Lankan crowd for the love and support they have shown towards them.
Pathum Nissanka is the PLAYER OF THE SERIES.
Kusal Mendis is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH. Mendis is up for a chat and says he played well and the inning from Pathum Nissanka helped as that allowed him time at the top. Mentions that they are familiar with these conditions and his partnership with Kusal Perera in the middle was a good one as well as they kept rotating strike.
Time for the presentation ...
Earlier in the game, the West Indies batted first after winning the toss and scored 162 runs for the loss of 8 wickets. Despite a shaky start where they lost key wickets early, particularly with Evin Lewis falling for a golden duck and struggling performances from Shai Hope and Roston Chase, Rovman Powell and Gudakesh Motie stabilized the innings. Motie contributed aggressively with 32 runs off 15 balls, while Powell added 37 runs off 27 balls. The Sri Lankan bowlers Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana each took 2 wickets, helping keep the West Indian score in check.
West Indian bowling attack failed to make an impact, leaving Rovman Powell disappointed. Despite the pitch offering ample assistance to spinners, the Caribbean spinners couldn't capitalize, while the seamers also struggled to make inroads
Chasing 162 on a challenging pitch seemed daunting, but Sri Lanka dismantled the target with ease. They exploited the Powerplay to perfection, racing to 66/1 in the first six overs. Pathum Nissanka's departure didn't derail their momentum, as Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera forged a pivotal partnership. The Kusal's steered Sri Lanka to a resounding 9-wicket triumph over the West Indies, making the chase look effortless. The most important aspect of the chase was the way these two ran in between the wickets.
Sri Lanka delivers a dominant and thoroughly professional performance to outclass West Indies by 9 wickets, sealing the series 2-1 convincingly. The exceptional display from the hosts ensured a one-sided contest, showcasing their all-round prowess and cementing their status as series champions.
In over# 18
4
1
0
1wd
1
4
2
Alzarri Joseph 38/0(3)
17.6
4
FOUR! A BOUNDARY TO WRAP THINGS UP! Short-pitched around leg, Kusal Perera flicks this wide to the right of the short fine leg fielder this time and ends the game with a boundary. Sri Lanka wins this by 9 wickets and a good chunk of 12 balls to spare.
17.5
1
Yorker around off, Kusal Mendis rolls this towards long on for one. SCORES ARE LEVEL!
17.4
.
With the crowd looking to roar the loudest so far, Alzarri Joseph bowls an absolute beauty outside off, beating the outside edge of Mendis. Where was this throughout the game, Mr. Joseph?
17.4
1wd
WIDE! On a length down the leg, Kusal Mendis swings and misses. Wided. Just 2 needed now.
17.3
1
On a length around off, Kusal Perera tucks this through mid-wicket and runs one.
17.2
4
FOUR! FIFTY FOR PERERA! Yorker, down the leg, Kusal Perera moves in and flicks this fine and wide to the left of short fine leg for a boundary to bring up his half-century.
17.1
2
On a length around off, angling away from the batter. Kusal Mendis flicks this towards the left of Shamar Springer at wide long on and runs two yet again.