Within the opening match of the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka 2024, the guests secured an emphatic victory in opposition to Sri Lanka on the Rangiri Dambulla Worldwide Stadium. Opting to bowl first, West Indies chased down a difficult goal of 180 with 5 wickets in hand and 5 balls to spare, because of standout performances from Brandon King and Evin Lewis.
Sri Lanka’s innings: Charith Asalanka and Kamindu Mendis lead the cost
Sri Lanka, batting first after dropping the toss, posted a aggressive complete of 179/7 of their allotted 20 overs. The house aspect struggled at first, with Pathum Nissanka (11) and Kusal Mendis (19) unable to transform their begins into vital scores. Kusal Perera departed for a three-ball 6, placing the workforce underneath early stress.
Nevertheless, Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka steadied the ship with a vital partnership. Kamindu performed a stable knock of 51 from 40 deliveries, hitting 5 fours and two sixes, whereas Asalanka was the top-scorer, smashing 59 runs off 35 balls, together with 9 boundaries. Their partnership introduced Sri Lanka again into the sport after early setbacks.
Within the decrease order, Bhanuka Rajapaksa contributed 17 runs off 11 balls, however the West Indies bowlers saved a decent leash on the scoring within the ultimate overs. Romario Shepherd (2/39) was the decide of the bowlers for the Males in Maroon, whereas Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Gudakesh Motie and Shamar Springer additionally chipped in with essential wickets. Regardless of Sri Lanka’s late push, West Indies managed to limit them to 179/7.
West Indies’ response: Brandon King and Evin Lewis shine within the chase
Chasing 180, West Indies acquired off to a flying begin, with openers Brandon King and Evin Lewis launching a counterattack in opposition to the Sri Lankan bowlers. King performed a match-defining knock, scoring 63 off simply 33 deliveries, together with 11 fours and one six. His aggressive strategy set the tone for the chase, permitting West Indies to dominate the powerplay.
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Lewis offered glorious help with a blistering 50 off 28 balls, smashing 5 fours and 4 sixes. Their opening partnership laid the inspiration for the profitable chase. Nevertheless, after Lewis and Shai Hope (7) fell in fast succession, Sri Lanka fought again with wickets from Maheesh Theekshana (1/31) and Wanindu Hasaranga (1/38).
Regardless of the middle-order wobble, with Roston Chase (19) and Rovman Powell (13) failing to capitalize on their begins, West Indies maintained their composure. King’s dismissal introduced Sri Lanka again into the sport, however Matheesha Pathirana’s two wickets couldn’t cease the guests. Sherfane Rutherford (14 not out) and Romario Shepherd (1 not out) accomplished the chase, taking West Indies over the end line.
With this victory, West Indies lead the three-match T20I sequence 1-0. Brandon King was named Participant of the Match for his explosive 63, which proved to be decisive within the sport.
A cushty win for the West Indies, because of Brandon Kings’ 33-ball 63 #SLvWI #T20I #BrandonKing #cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/X3TXQWQMBf
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 14, 2024
The second T20I shall be performed on October 15 on the similar venue.
Additionally READ: Sri Lanka vs West Indies 2024, T20I sequence: Date, Match Time, Squads, Broadcast & Dwell Streaming particulars
