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In the opening match of the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka 2024, the visitors secured an emphatic victory against Sri Lanka at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Opting to bowl first, West Indies chased down a challenging target of 180 with five wickets in hand and five balls to spare, thanks to standout performances from Brandon King and Evin Lewis.
Sri Lanka’s innings: Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis lead the charge
Sri Lanka, batting first after losing the toss, posted a competitive total of 179/7 in their allotted 20 overs. The home side struggled at the start, with Pathum Nissanka (11) and Kusal Mendis (19) unable to convert their starts into significant scores. Kusal Perera departed for a three-ball 6, putting 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 from 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.
In the lower order, Bhanuka Rajapaksa contributed 17 runs off 11 balls, but the West Indies bowlers kept a tight leash on the scoring in the final overs. 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 chipped in with crucial wickets. Despite Sri Lanka’s late push, West Indies managed to restrict them to 179/7.
West Indies’ response: Brandon King and Evin Lewis shine in the chase
Chasing 180, West Indies got off to a flying start, with openers Brandon King and Evin Lewis launching a counterattack against the Sri Lankan bowlers. King played a match-defining knock, scoring 63 off just 33 deliveries, including 11 fours and one six. His aggressive approach set the tone for the chase, allowing West Indies to dominate the powerplay.
Also READ: Top 5 highest powerplay total in T20Is
Lewis provided excellent support with a blistering 50 off 28 balls, smashing five fours and four sixes. Their opening partnership laid the foundation for the successful chase. However, after Lewis and Shai Hope (7) fell in quick succession, Sri Lanka fought back with wickets from Maheesh Theekshana (1/31) and Wanindu Hasaranga (1/38).
Despite the middle-order wobble, with Roston Chase (19) and Rovman Powell (13) failing to capitalize on their starts, West Indies maintained their composure. King’s dismissal brought Sri Lanka back into the game, but Matheesha Pathirana’s two wickets couldn’t stop the visitors. Sherfane Rutherford (14 not out) and Romario Shepherd (1 not out) completed the chase, taking West Indies over the finish line.
With this victory, West Indies lead the three-match T20I series 1-0. Brandon King was named Player of the Match for his explosive 63, which proved to be decisive in the game.
A comfortable win for the 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 on October 15 at the same venue.
