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Source: @ESPNcricinfo X
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In the third and final Twenty20 International of the series at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Sri Lanka defeated the West Indies by a commanding 163-run target with a few overs remaining, thanks to a roaring powerplay and a fierce partnership between Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera.
The visitors chose to bat first because the series was tied at one apiece going into the match. Evin Lewis was cleaned up for a golden duck after a peach of a ripper, which came after a sharp crunch through point to start the proceedings. Maheesh Theekshana recorded his second wicket of the evening using the identical method of dismissal when he had Brandon King swinging at thin air in the final over of the powerplay.
Sri Lanka vs West Indies Highlights:
History for Sri Lanka! A 2-1 series victory gives them their first bilateral T20I victory against West Indies 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/WHj29sY6PV
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 17, 2024
At the midway point of their innings, the visitors were on 55 for four wickets, and their situation didn't appear encouraging. Charith Asalanka immediately got into the attack and took a wicket, upending Sherfane Rutherford's furniture. The Windies needed a 25-run over from Dunith Wellalage to change the tide, and Gudakesh Motie went into overdrive with three consecutive tall maximums.
The Windies finished with a score of 162/8, despite his dismissal in the very next over, which paved the way for the other batters to contribute. According to Rovman Powell, a par score on such a surface would be between 145 and 150. The outcome of the game and the series would depend on how the West Indies' bowlers bowled during the run-chase, even though their score appeared competitive on the surface. After being a little too pricey in the first two games of the series, Hasaranga returned well with figures of 2/24.
Lankans' historic win:
Kusal Mendis brings up his 15th T20I fifty, in a series-deciding chase!
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 17, 2024
Live: https://t.co/QPjeRFVMso | #SLvWI pic.twitter.com/tJV1iLzKot
Like the Lankans with Theekshana, the West Indians began with spin. It didn't go as planned, though, as Pathum Nissanka, who seemed in the mood right away, exiled Fabien Allen for three weeks. In the very next over, Nissanka looked fierce as Alzarri Joseph went for 15 runs. Mendis joined in the fun by extending a warm welcome to Shamar Joseph with two powerful pumps that could be heard everywhere. The hosts were in a dominant position at 67 by the time Motie went through Nissanka and the powerplay phase was over.
The Windies certainly had their share of opportunities, so it wasn't bad. In the ninth and tenth overs, respectively, they had the chance to get Mendis and Perera out. The two did, however, grow into their innings after a missed run-out opportunity and a sitter of an opportunity that Roston Chase fluffed.
In the 20-over format, Sri Lanka achieved their first-ever bilateral series victory over the Men in Maroon when Mendis reached his half-century in the 14th over and Perera reached his in the 18th. Their respective 15th T20I fifties saw them chase down the goal with two overs remaining.
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