Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 1st T20I: Highlights from Dambulla

That wraps up the action for this game! West Indies have taken a 1-0 lead in the series and would be looking to seal the deal in the next one. The second T20I is scheduled on 15th October, with the game set to begin at 1:30 pm GMT. You can join us early for the build-up. ADIOS! 

Rovman Powell, the victorious skipper is in for a chat. Powell emphasized the importance of taking an early lead when playing in Sri Lanka, acknowledging that they are a strong team at home. While he admitted that the toss can be advantageous, he stressed that regardless of conditions, it's crucial to be at the top of their game.Speaking about T20 cricket, Powell highlighted that individual performances often determine the outcome of matches. He encourages his team to step up individually, as more often than not, such contributions lead to team victories. He also mentioned that they want players to play their natural game, a combination that has been working well for them.

Charith Asalanka, the captain of Sri Lanka is in for a chat.  He starts by giving credit to the West Indies batters, it was more about good shots rather then bad balls. Feels that they could've done better in the Powerplay.Asalanka admitted that he was still experimenting, explaining that he wanted to give a few overs to Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who is a part-time bowler, but it didn't work out as planned. He mentioned that he will revert to using Maheesh Theekshana in the next game. Reflecting on the team's performance, Asalanka noted that they batted well, which was a positive takeaway. However, he highlighted the need to improve in certain areas, particularly their Powerplay bowling. He added that the team will address these issues in their upcoming meeting.

Brandon King wins the Player of the Match award for his outstanding knock. He says that his role is to provide a solid start for the team, and with the good wicket, things worked out well. Reflecting on his return from injury, he said it's more of a mental challenge now, building confidence in his body to perform as usual. After being sidelined for a few months, he's glad to be back. Speaking about their approach, he emphasized that chasing a target like 180 requires a strong powerplay, and with clearly defined roles, they are willing to take risks to set the tone for the team early on.

Stay tuned for the presentation...

Earlier in the game, after being put into bat, Sri Lanka lost a few early wickets, which took the momentum away from them. Later on, Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka stitched a 82-run stand to build a solid base for the death overs. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Maheesh Theekshana applied the finishing touches and got a competitive total on the scoreboard. Although, Sri Lanka could not really start well with the ball, and that took the game away from them.

Sri Lanka then managed to drag things back just a little courtesy their spinners. However, West Indies needed just a couple of good knocks and that came from Powell, Chase and Rutherford. They played smartly, just what was needed then and have taken their side over the line. Sri Lanka were superb in the death overs, but only if they had taken some early wickets, it could've been their game.

That got nervy in the end but it is West Indies who have managed to take a 1-0 lead. A fantastic chase by them. We felt the score was a little above par but their openers got them off to a brilliant start. King especially, he took the attack to the bowlers and Lewis played as the perfect foil. They added over 100 and turned the tide completely into their side’s favor.

19.1: Matheesha Pathirana to Sherfane Rutherford, FOUR! Sherfane Rutherford finishes things off in style. Matheesha Pathirana fires in a yorker, in the blockhole. Sherfane Rutherford was ready for it, he picks it up early and lofts it high over mid off. His one hand comes off the bat, but the ball had enough legs on it to touch the ropes. West Indies win by 5 wickets.

18.6: Asitha Fernando to Sherfane Rutherford, Very full, on off. Sherfane Rutherford eases it to mid on for a single. West Indies need 4 runs in the final over.

18.5: Asitha Fernando to Romario Shepherd, Just another single this time around. Asitha Fernando goes hunting for the yorker, but it comes off as a full toss, on the pads. Romario Shepherd misses out on this one, and just flicks it into mid-wicket for one run.

18.4: Asitha Fernando to Sherfane Rutherford, It is full ball, on off. Sherfane Rutherford whips it into mid-wicket for a single. West Indies now a big hit away from victory. They have 8 deliveries in hand as well.

18.3: Asitha Fernando to Sherfane Rutherford, A full toss, around off. Sherfane Rutherford swings hard, he wanted to go over the on side, but the leading edge goes towards mid on. There is no one inside the circle. The batters push hard for the second run and complete it safely.

18.2: Asitha Fernando to Sherfane Rutherford, It is a full ball, on the pads. Sherfane Rutherford flicks it to deep mid-wicket. They take two more runs. This is really good running.

18.1: Asitha Fernando to Sherfane Rutherford, Full ball, wide of off. Sherfane Rutherford reaches out and drives it towards sweeper cover. The fielder in the deep does well to make the stop. Two runs taken.

17.6: Matheesha Pathirana to Romario Shepherd, Matheesha Pathirana nails the yorker this time around, on middle. Romario Shepherd gets his blade down in time and jams it out to safety. West Indies need 13 runs in 12 balls.

17.5: Matheesha Pathirana to Roston Chase, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Is there a twist in the tale? Matheesha Pathirana picks up a wicket at a very crucial juncture of the game. It is a good-length ball, outside off. Roston Chase throws his bat at it and gets a thick outside edge. Kusal Mendis dives in front of him and takes a sharp catch. Romario Shepherd is the new batter in.

17.4: Matheesha Pathirana to Sherfane Rutherford, Fuller one, on the pads. Sherfane Rutherford flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

17.3: Matheesha Pathirana to Sherfane Rutherford, BEATEN! Matheesha Pathirana goes for the yorker, but offer no pace this time around. Sherfane Rutherford looks to carve it through the line but misses.

17.2: Matheesha Pathirana to Roston Chase, Yorker this time, in the channel. Chase waits for it and squeezes it out towards deep backward point for a run.

17.2: Matheesha Pathirana to Roston Chase, WIDE! Matheesha Pathirana goes for the yorker, but it starts around the leg stump and swings down the leg side. The umpire extends his arms. 

17.1: Matheesha Pathirana to Roston Chase, Pathirana starts with a full ball, angled into the pads. Chase stays back and clips it behind square on the leg side. It goes through the gap. They take two runs.

Change. Matheesha Pathirana is back into the attack.

16.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Roston Chase, Tossed up, around off. It grips and turns away. Roston Chase hangs back and eases it to mid off for one. An outstanding over from Maheesh Theekshana comes to an end. West Indies now need 18 runs from 18 balls. A run a ball.

16.5: Maheesh Theekshana to Sherfane Rutherford, It is very full, wide of off. Sherfane Rutherford jams it out towards deep third. The batters take one. 

16.4: Maheesh Theekshana to Sherfane Rutherford, Angled into the pads once again. Sherfane Rutherford tucks it into mid-wicket. Three dots on the trot. 

16.3: Maheesh Theekshana to Sherfane Rutherford, An arm ball, full and on middle. Sherfane Rutherford dabs it out to point.

16.2: Maheesh Theekshana to Sherfane Rutherford, Very full, angling across, around off. Sherfane Rutherford puhses it gently into covers off his front foot.

Sherfane Rutherford walks in at number 6.

16.1: Maheesh Theekshana to Rovman Powell, OUT! CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! Maheesh Theekshana comes back into the attack and provides his team with a crucial breakthrough. It is a bit short, on middle. Rovman Powell hoicks it across the line but does not middle it. He smacks it towards long on but straight down the throat of Wanindu Hasaranga who makes no mistake in the deep.

15.6: Wanindu Hasaranga to Rovman Powell, Full one, around leg. Powell flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. West Indies need 20 runs in 24 balls.

15.5: Wanindu Hasaranga to Rovman Powell, Pitched up, around off. Powell stabs it into covers.

15.4: Wanindu Hasaranga to Rovman Powell, FOUR LEG BYES! Flights it up this time, full and down leg. Powell tries to flick it away but misses. the ball sneaks past the keeper and runs down to deep third for four leg byes.

15.3: Wanindu Hasaranga to Rovman Powell, FOUR! Nicely played. Rovman Powell finds a much-needed boundary here. Short one, outside off, a bit slower as well. Powell waits for it, opens the face and guides it down to deep third for four runs.

15.2: Wanindu Hasaranga to Roston Chase, Quicker and flatter, outside off. Chase taps it to point for a run.

15.1: Wanindu Hasaranga to Roston Chase, A googly this time, around leg. It is full as well. Chase clips it over mid-wicket for two runs.

Change. Wanindu Hasaranga comes back into the attack. 

14.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Rovman Powell, On middle. This is blocked. 

14.5: Maheesh Theekshana to Roston Chase, Now takes one as this is worked down to long on. 

14.4: Maheesh Theekshana to Roston Chase, FOUR! Top shot. Good innovation. He brings out the reverse sweep and hits it past point. This races away to the fence. Release the pressure. 

14.3: Maheesh Theekshana to Rovman Powell, Could have been three! On middle. This is pushed to the right of Theekshana, he dives and makes a half stop. A run taken. 

14.2: Maheesh Theekshana to Rovman Powell, Quick and on off. Powell hangs back and blocks. Two dots in a row now. 

14.1: Maheesh Theekshana to Rovman Powell, Flatter and on middle. This is defended. 

13.6: Kamindu Mendis to Rovman Powell, Another one! 8 from the over without taking any risk! Full and on the pads. This is clipped through square leg for one. 

13.5: Kamindu Mendis to Roston Chase, Full and on middle. This is worked through mid-wicket for one. 

13.4: Kamindu Mendis to Rovman Powell, Way too short outside off. This is cut past point for one. 

13.4: Kamindu Mendis to Rovman Powell, WIDE! Close to the leg stump but still a wide! This lands outside leg and spins a little. Powell leaves it alone. It goes close past the leg pole. 

13.4: Kamindu Mendis to Rovman Powell, Way down the leg side. Wided. Can't bowl extras at the moment. 

13.3: Kamindu Mendis to Rovman Powell, Gets away with one! That's short and outside off. Powell cuts but to point. 

13.2: Kamindu Mendis to Rovman Powell, Two! Full and on middle. This is worked through square leg for two. 

13.1: Kamindu Mendis to Roston Chase, Flatter and on middle. This is worked down to long on for one.

12.6: Asitha Fernando to Roston Chase, A quick single to end! Fuller and on off. This is driven to mid off. A run taken. 

12.5: Asitha Fernando to Rovman Powell, That's a good nut! Full and on middle. This is jammed out to long on for one. 47 needed in 43.

12.4: Asitha Fernando to Roston Chase, Now takes one! Outside off. This is guided past point for one. 

12.4: Asitha Fernando to Roston Chase, Now then, a review is taken! Asitha says he heard a sound but it doesn't seem off the bat. Maybe to save the wide. NOT OUT! That has clipped nothing! It not only stays as a wide but they also lose a review! Down the leg side. Chase looks to flick but misses. Desperate from Sri Lanka. 

12.3: Asitha Fernando to Rovman Powell, Just the one! Around off. This is guided down to third man for one. 

12.2: Asitha Fernando to Rovman Powell, Two in a row! Length and around off. Powell guides it to point. 

12.1: Asitha Fernando to Rovman Powell, Dots is one way of building pressure! On the pads. Powell looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads. 

11.6: Kamindu Mendis to Roston Chase, That's a beauty! Just unplayable! This lands around middle and spins away square. Chase looks to flick but it goes just over the off pole. Top stuff. Top over. 51 needed in 48.

11.5: Kamindu Mendis to Rovman Powell, Powell is off the mark! On middle. This is worked through mid-wicket for one. 

11.4: Kamindu Mendis to Brandon King, OUT! TAKEN! That's the wicket Sri Lanka wanted. King falls. Sri Lanka just about hanging in there. This is tossed up. He drags the length just a little back. King steps out and swings. He looks to go over the leg side but it goes off the top edge and it is taken at cover. Rovman Powell is the new batter in.

11.3: Kamindu Mendis to Brandon King, King makes room. He's followed. King looks to sweep but it goes off the inner half to short fine leg. 

11.2: Kamindu Mendis to Brandon King, FOUR! Hammered! That was close to the bowler but he had no chance. Fuller and on middle. King steps out and hits it hard and back to the bowler. This races away to the fence. 

11.1: Kamindu Mendis to Roston Chase, On the pads. This is worked through square leg for one. 

10.6: Wanindu Hasaranga to Brandon King, FOUR! Finds the gap! That's what Sri Lanka did not need! They needed Hasaranga to end the over well. Tossed up outside off. This is dragged wide of long on and this races away to the fence. 

10.5: Wanindu Hasaranga to Brandon King, Excellent timing! Two taken! On middle. This is pushed wide of the fielder at long on. Two taken. 

10.4: Wanindu Hasaranga to Roston Chase, A little too short. This turns back in. Chase works it through square leg for one. 

10.3: Wanindu Hasaranga to Brandon King, On middle. This is worked through square leg for one. 

10.2: Wanindu Hasaranga to Roston Chase, Way too full. This is worked down to long on for one. Chase is off the mark. 

10.1: Wanindu Hasaranga to Shai Hope, OUT! TWO IN QUICK TIME! They need to keep taking wickets if they are to have a chance here. This is on off. It lands and turns back in. Hope looks to flick but closes the face of the bat early. It goes off the leading edge and the bowler makes no mistake. 

9.6: Matheesha Pathirana to Shai Hope, Matheesha Pathirana fires in a yorker, right in the blockhole. Shai Hope clips it to the right of mid on. They take one run. 7 runs and a wicket come from this over.

9.5: Matheesha Pathirana to Shai Hope, Two dots on the trot! A sharp bumper, outside off. Hope leaves it alone for the keeper.

9.4: Matheesha Pathirana to Shai Hope, Back of a length, outside off. Hope looks to cut it away but it catches the under edge and it goes back towards the bowler.

9.3: Matheesha Pathirana to Shai Hope, A low full toss, on the pads. Hope clips it to deep square leg for two runs.

9.2: Matheesha Pathirana to Shai Hope, FOUR! Shai Hope opens his account in fine fashion. Maheesh Theekshana goes for the toe-crushing yorker. Shai Hope picks it up early and flicks it to deep square leg. The fielder in the deep lets it through his legs and into the boundary.

Shai Hope is the new batter in.

9.1: Matheesha Pathirana to Evin Lewis, OUT! CAUGHT! Matheesha Pathirana picks up a very important wicket here. He serves a slower one, full and outside off. Lewis ends up stabbing at it. The ball takes the outer half and flies towards backward point. Chamindu Wickramasinghe dives in front and takes a solid catch. This is the opening that Sri Lanka were after. They will try to make inroads now.

8.6: Wanindu Hasaranga to Evin Lewis, Tossed up this time, around off. Lewis knocks it down the park for a single. The stand moves to 107. 

8.5: Wanindu Hasaranga to Evin Lewis, A googly this time, around off. Lewis defends it sharply on his front foot.

8.4: Wanindu Hasaranga to Evin Lewis, SIX! High and handsome. It is a short one, around middle. Evin Lewis swivels and pulls it into the leg side for a biggie.

8.3: Wanindu Hasaranga to Evin Lewis, Flatter and shorter, outside off. Lewis chops it into covers

8.2: Wanindu Hasaranga to Evin Lewis, It is tossed  up, full and on leg. Evin Lewis goes for the sweep but misses.

8.1: Wanindu Hasaranga to Evin Lewis, SIX! WHAT A SHOT! It is tossed up, full and on off. Evin Lewis dances down the track and smokes it down the park for a maximum. West Indies bring up 100 in no time.

7.6: Matheesha Pathirana to Brandon King, A huge appeal for LBW but the umpire is unmoved. A length ball, angled into the pads. King looks to clip it away but misses. The ball hits him on the pads. The umpire thinks that this is sliding down leg.

7.5: Matheesha Pathirana to Brandon King, No run.

7.4: Matheesha Pathirana to Brandon King, FOUR! TOP SHOT!. Brandon King picks up his 11th half-century in T20Is. It is pitched up, wide of off. King reaches out and slashes it through covers for a cracking boundary.

7.3: Matheesha Pathirana to Brandon King, SIX! THIS IS HUGE! A short ball, outside off. Brandon King picks it up early and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

7.2: Matheesha Pathirana to Evin Lewis, LEG BYE! It is a length ball, on the pads. Lewis tries to flick it away but misses. The batters cross for a leg bye.

7.1: Matheesha Pathirana to Brandon King, Back of a length, on off. Brandon King lofts it over the bowler's head. It lands safely at mid off. They take one.

6.6: Wanindu Hasaranga to Brandon King, Floated and full, around off. King flicks it into the leg side for one. 8 runs come from this over. West Indies are marching along really well here. They need 98 more runs to win.

6.5: Wanindu Hasaranga to Evin Lewis, Fuller and on off. Lewis pushes it into covers for one.

6.4: Wanindu Hasaranga to Evin Lewis, A googly this time, around middle. Lewis defends it out solidly.

6.3: Wanindu Hasaranga to Evin Lewis, FOUR! Nicely played. It is floated and full, around leg. Evin Lewis gets low and sweeps it behind square on the leg side. The ball races away to the boundary.

6.2: Wanindu Hasaranga to Brandon King, This is tossed up, full and on off. King uses his feet, and looks to flick it away. The ball catches the inner half and runs down to fine leg. They take one.

6.1: Wanindu Hasaranga to Evin Lewis, It is a googly, around off, on the shorter side. Lewis whips it down to long on for one.

5.6: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Brandon King, Full length, outside off. King looks to drive it through the line, but it catches the inner half and rolls back towards the bowler. A solid comeback by Chamindu Wickramasinghe after taking a beating in the first three balls. At the end of Powerplay, West Indies are 74 for no loss.

5.5: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Evin Lewis, Evin Lewis now rotates the strike as he knocks this full ball past the bowler towards mid on.

5.4: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Evin Lewis, This is very full, around middle, nips back in a bit. Lewis uses his feet and blocks it back to the bowler.

5.3: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Evin Lewis, FOUR! Evin Lewis is putting pressure on the youngster here. It is a length ball, angling across, around off. Lewis gets a hold of it and smack it down to long off for a boundary. 15 runs coming from the first three deliveries here.

5.3: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Evin Lewis, WIDE! The umpire now extends his arms as the ball goes down the leg side.

5.2: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Evin Lewis, SIX! This one is even better. Chamindu Wickramasinghe fires it full, on off. This is in the blockhole. Evin Lewis reads it well and smokes it over the bowler's head for a maximum.

5.1: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Evin Lewis, FOUR! Nicely played. Around the wicket this time. A short ball, angled in around off. Lewis picks it up nicely and pulls it over mid on. The ball races away to the boundary.

Change. Chamindu Wickramasinghe comes back into the attack now. 

4.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Brandon King, FOUR AGAIN! Finds the gap again. King is in brilliant touch here. He comes down the track again. This time gets to the pitch of it and hits it wide of mid off. Even Theekshana is going for runs. 

4.5: Maheesh Theekshana to Brandon King, FOUR AGAIN! Finds the gap. He steps out and Theekshana sees that. This is fired wide outside off. King still manages to hit it wide of cover and it races away. 

4.4: Maheesh Theekshana to Evin Lewis, Now takes one and the fifty is up for his side! On the pads. This is worked through square leg for one. 

4.3: Maheesh Theekshana to Evin Lewis, FOUR! Finds the gap! Shorter and on off. Lewis hits it hard into the ground. This finds the gap and it races away to the fence. 

4.2: Maheesh Theekshana to Evin Lewis, Tossed up nicely on middle. Defended. 

4.1: Maheesh Theekshana to Evin Lewis, On middle. This is worked to mid-wicket. 

3.6: Asitha Fernando to Brandon King, FOUR! Top edge and it races away. He does not end it well. It ends up being another good over for the West Indies. This is short and on middle. King looks to pull but this goes off the top edge and over the short fine leg fielder. 

3.5: Asitha Fernando to Brandon King, Well bowled again! Sees King step out and bowls a pace off ball outside off. King looks to cut but misses. Can he end the over well now? It has been a good one so far. 

3.4: Asitha Fernando to Brandon King, FOUR! Fortunate boundary! King clears his front leg. This is full and on the pads. He looks to flick but it goes off the inner half down to the fine leg fence. 

3.3: Asitha Fernando to Brandon King, Well bowled again! Another slower one outside off. King looks to cut but it goes off the under edge to the keeper. 

3.2: Asitha Fernando to Brandon King, Well bowled! Sees King make room and goes wide and slower. King chops it to point. Need more dots to build pressure. 

3.1: Asitha Fernando to Evin Lewis, Good running! Length and on off. This is pushed to cover for one.

2.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Evin Lewis, Full and on the pads. Lewis looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken. 

2.6: Maheesh Theekshana to Evin Lewis, Way down the leg side. Wided. 

2.5: Maheesh Theekshana to Brandon King, On middle. This is punched down to long on for one. 

2.4: Maheesh Theekshana to Brandon King, Flatter and on middle. King defends it back to the bowler. 

2.3: Maheesh Theekshana to Brandon King, Two more! Angled into the pads. King works it through square leg for two. 

2.2: Maheesh Theekshana to Brandon King, FOUR MORE! West Indies are running away with the game here. King steps out. This is shortish and on off. It is hit hard down to long off. Boundary. 

2.1: Maheesh Theekshana to Brandon King, Flatter and on middle. This is pushed down to long on for two.

West Indies have been quite expressive with the bat. Will this force Charith Asalanka to go for an early change? Yes, it does. Time for some spin. Maheesh Theekshana comes into the attack now.

1.6: Asitha Fernando to Brandon King, Just the single but that brings an end to a big over! Short and on the body. This is pulled through square leg for one.

1.5: Asitha Fernando to Brandon King, FOUR! Up and over! This is brilliant batting! Sri Lanka under a lot of pressure here. King steps out. This is full and on off. It is lofted over mid off and it goes to the fence. 

1.5: Asitha Fernando to Brandon King, WIDE! That's a poor ball. It is way too short and down the leg side. King looks to pull but misses. 

1.4: Asitha Fernando to Brandon King, FOUR! Hammered down the ground! King makes room. This is on a good length and around off. He slams it past mid off and it races away. This is a flying start. 

1.3: Asitha Fernando to Brandon King, Almost! This stays a touch low! On middle. Shortish. King looks to pull but misses. This goes over the middle pole. 

1.2: Asitha Fernando to Brandon King, Better! Slightly fuller and on middle. This is defended back to the bowler. 

1.1: Asitha Fernando to Brandon King, FOUR! Pulled away! King joins the act now. West Indies are off to a flier! On middle. Shortish. This is pulled over the mid on fielder and it races away to the fence. 

Asitha Fernando to share the new ball.

0.6: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Evin Lewis, FOUR MORE! 11 from the first over then! This is full and outside off. Lewis looks to go over covers. He does not time it that well but hits it well enough to clear the infield. A boundary. 

0.5: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Evin Lewis, SIX! Bang! That's where Lewis likes it. He's off the mark in style. This is short and on the pads. He hammers it over square leg and it goes all the way. 

0.4: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Evin Lewis, A little too high! On the pads. Lewis looks to flick but misses. He gets hit high on the pads. 

0.3: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Evin Lewis, Got the last one to move away, this time this one holds its line. Lewis pushes it to mid on. 

0.2: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Evin Lewis, Lovely stuff! Length and around off. This lands and shapes away. Lewis looks to push at it but is beaten. 

0.1: Chamindu Wickramasinghe to Brandon King, Good ball to begin with! Goes very full. It swings away from middle. King looks to flick. It goes off the outer half through point for one. West Indies are underway! 

We are back for West Indies' reply. Sri Lanka players can be seen to be in a huddle, before they spread out on the field. Followed by Brandon King and Evin Lewis who walk out to open for West Indies. It will be Chamindu Wickramasinghe to start with the new ball.

... The Run Chase ...

Right then, West Indies batters have their task cut out. They need to get off to a flier, and make sure to stitch some valuable partnerships in the middle. Sri Lanka on the other hand, will be hoping to pick some early wickets and apply pressure from the get go. Do join us shortly for the second essay to find out how things pan out.

West Indies got off to a strong start with Romario Shepherd striking early inside the Powerplay, followed by Shamar Joseph adding another breakthrough. The spin pair of Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie bowled tightly in the middle overs to control the run flow. Post the halfway mark, West Indies lost a bit of control over the run flow. Romario Shepherd came back stronger in the death overs and got an important wicket which ensured that Sri Lanka do not cross the 180-run mark. He stood out with the ball with his two wickets.

Sri Lanka posted a competitive total after a cautious start. Despite losing early wickets, they recovered through key partnerships in the middle overs. Charith Asalanka led from the front with a captain’s knock. Sri Lanka found themselves in early trouble after being put in to bat, with Nissanka and Kusal Perera falling quickly. However, the duo of Mendis and Kamindu steadied the ship with a 31-run stand, followed by an 82-run partnership between Kamindu and Asalanka. Although Kamindu Mendis was dismissed after his half-century, Asalanka continued to anchor the innings, finding a reliable partner in Bhanuka Rajapaksa to push the total into competitive territory. They could've even gotten to 190 if these two were on the crease till the final delivery.

Maheesh Theekshana finishes things off in style for Sri Lanka. A boundary off the very last delivery, and the hosts head into the break with the momentum on their side. West Indies started positively with the new ball, but might feel that they lost their way in the middle overs. 

19.6: Romario Shepherd to Maheesh Theekshana, FOUR! Up and over! Theekshana ends it with a boundary! Still though, that's a fine last over! This is full and outside off. It is lofted over cover for a boundary. 

Maheesh Theekshana comes out to bat now.

19.5: Romario Shepherd to Chamindu Wickramasinghe, OUT! RUN OUT! Importantly it's another dot! A slower one outside off. Chamindu swings but misses. They look to sneak a bye but the keeper hits the stumps at his end. 

19.4: Romario Shepherd to Chamindu Wickramasinghe, FOUR! He has clobbered that! A welcome boundary! A slower one. On middle. Chamindu waits and then slams it down to the long on fence. Top shot. 

19.3: Romario Shepherd to Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Three in a row now! Another short one. Quick and on middle. Chamindu looks to pull but misses. 

19.2: Romario Shepherd to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, OUT! A dot and now a wicket to begin the last over! Brilliant! A slower short ball on the body. This is pulled towards square leg. It is more off the splice. The fielder runs in, dives and takes it. Chamindu Wickramasinghe is the new man in.

19.1: Romario Shepherd to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, A fine slower one to begin with! Outside off. Rajapaksha looks to drive but is beaten. 

18.6: Alzarri Joseph to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, He retains strike! This is full and on off. This is jammed out to cover for one. 

18.5: Alzarri Joseph to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, FOUR! That's glorious! What a shot! Full and outside off. Rajapaksha creams it past cover. No chance of stopping that. Wonderful. 

18.4: Alzarri Joseph to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Two! Full and on the pads. This is clipped past square leg for two. 

18.3: Alzarri Joseph to Wanindu Hasaranga, Hasaranga is off the mark! Short and around off. He guides it towards third man. A run take. 

Wanindu Hasaranga comes in at number 7.

18.2: Alzarri Joseph to Charith Asalanka, OUT! That's a fine catch! Brilliantly taken! A slower one. On middle. Asalanka looks to go over long on. He's through the shot early. It goes more towards deep mid-wicket. Lewis takes a fine catch. End of a brilliant knock from Asalanka. West Indies will be pleased with the wicket as this could make a difference of around 10 runs to the final score. 

18.1: Alzarri Joseph to Charith Asalanka, A fumble means an easy two! On middle. This is swept through square leg for two. 

17.6: Shamar Joseph to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, SIX! Fails to end it well. That's exactly where Rajapaksha likes it. Short and on middle. Into the body. He pulls it with the angle and over the square leg fence. Top shot and this was needed for Rajapakha. 

17.5: Shamar Joseph to Charith Asalanka, Brilliant stuff! Just the one again as this low full toss is flicked through square leg. Can he end the over well now? 

17.4: Shamar Joseph to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Just the one again! Outside off. Shortish. This is cut past point for one. 

17.3: Shamar Joseph to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dots are gold! Sees Rajapaksha come down and bowls it full and on middle. This is jammed back to the bowler. 

17.2: Shamar Joseph to Charith Asalanka, Only one! Fuller and on middle. This is hit down to long on for one. 

17.1: Shamar Joseph to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Slower one on off. This is guided to point for one. 

16.6: Shamar Springer to Charith Asalanka, FORTUNATE BOUNDARY! FOUR! That spoils the over! This is short and on middle. Asalanka looks to pull but it goes off the top edge and over the short fine leg fielder. Boundary. 

16.5: Shamar Springer to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Rajapaksha uses his feet. He makes it into a low full toss and hits it through point for one. 

16.4: Shamar Springer to Charith Asalanka, Goes short again and on middle. This is pulled down to long on for one. 

16.3: Shamar Springer to Charith Asalanka, FOUR! Gets his fifty up in style! This is banged in short and on the body. Asa Lanka pulls it. It goes over the short fine leg fielder and a boundary results. This was way too straight. Easy pickings. Another good knock from Asalanka. 

16.2: Shamar Springer to Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Rajapaksha is off the mark! Around off. This is pushed past cover for one. 

Who will come out now?

16.1: Shamar Springer to Kamindu Mendis, OUT! Taken! That's welcome wicket. These two were batting brilliantly. A top innings from Mendis comes to an end. Springer bangs it in short and on the body. Mendis is cramped for room. He looks to pull. This goes off the splice towards deep square leg. A good catch from the field as he runs in and dives forward. 

15.6: Roston Chase to Charith Asalanka, FOUR! He fails to do so. Another top shot from Asslanka. This is full and on off. Charith slams it down the ground and to the long off fence. 

15.5: Roston Chase to Charith Asalanka, Flatter and on off. Asalanka slaps it but to covers. Can he end the over well now? 

15.4: Roston Chase to Kamindu Mendis, Yet again tries the reverse sweep. This is full and around off again. He misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken. 

15.3: Roston Chase to Kamindu Mendis, This is fired full outside off as he sees Mendis shaping for the reverse sweep. Mendis misses. 

15.2: Roston Chase to Charith Asalanka, Flatter and around off. This is pushed through covers for one. 

15.1: Roston Chase to Charith Asalanka, That's such a good shot! It is flatter and on off. Not a lot of room. Asalanka gors back and lofts it over cover for two. 

14.6: Alzarri Joseph to Charith Asalanka, A length ball, around off. Charith Asalanka pushes it to covers for one.

14.5: Alzarri Joseph to Charith Asalanka, FOUR! WHAT A SHOT! Alzarri Joseph dishes it full, in the slot. Charith Asalanka lofts it down the park, and it goes away to the boundary.

14.4: Alzarri Joseph to Kamindu Mendis, Just another single now as Mendis whips this full ball through the gap at mid-wicket.

14.3: Alzarri Joseph to Charith Asalanka, Back of a length, on middle. Charith Asalanka mistimes his pull to deep mid-wicket for a single.

14.2: Alzarri Joseph to Charith Asalanka, FOUR! UP AND OVER! It is very full, angling across, outside off. Charith Asalanka winds up, and lofts it over extra covers. The ball races away to the boundary.

14.1: Alzarri Joseph to Charith Asalanka, A couple of runs to start the 15th over. It is a length ball, on the pads. Charith Asalanka nudges it towards mid on. There is no one inside the circle. The batters take two runs. This is superb running.

13.6: Romario Shepherd to Charith Asalanka, Slower one, full and on middle. Charith Asalanka tucks it into the leg side for one.

13.5: Romario Shepherd to Charith Asalanka, Shorter, just outside off. Charith Asalanka taps it to point off his front foot.

13.4: Romario Shepherd to Kamindu Mendis, FIFTY FOR MENDIS! A slower bouncer, on middle. Mendis pulls it with control towards deep square leg. The batters take a single. Kamindu Mendis is the key for Sri Lanka for a huge finish here.

13.3: Romario Shepherd to Charith Asalanka, Back of a length, on middle. Charith Asalanka swivels and pulls it to deep square leg for one.

13.2: Romario Shepherd to Kamindu Mendis, It is full, on the pads. Mendis clips it to square leg for one more.

13.1: Romario Shepherd to Charith Asalanka, Fuller and slower, outside off. Asalanka works it to mid off for a single.

12.6: Shamar Joseph to Kamindu Mendis, Back of a length, angling across, wide of off. Kamindu Mendis throws the kitchen sink at it but only manages to connect with thin air.

12.5: Shamar Joseph to Kamindu Mendis, Over the wicket now. Short ball, around middle and leg. Mendis is cramped for room. He just helps it back to the bowler.

12.5: Shamar Joseph to Kamindu Mendis, WIDE! Joseph goes full, but it is outside leg. Wided.

12.4: Shamar Joseph to Kamindu Mendis, SIX! BANG! Kamindu Mendis moves to 48 and takes this stand to 55 with this huge hit. Shamar Joseph fires it full and into the pads. Kamindu Mendis uses the angle to his benefit and just smokes it over the square leg fence for a biggie.

12.3: Shamar Joseph to Kamindu Mendis, A length ball, angled into the pads, it slides down the leg side. Mendis tries to tickle it away but gets no bat on it. 

12.3: Shamar Joseph to Kamindu Mendis, WIDE! Shamar Joseph goes for the slower ball this time, but sprays it way down the leg side. Wide called.

12.2: Shamar Joseph to Kamindu Mendis, SWING AND A MISS! Back of a length, wide outside off. Mendis looks to go over covers, but misses out once again.

12.1: Shamar Joseph to Kamindu Mendis, Shamar Joseph also comes 'round the wicket for the left-hander. He serves a good-length ball, outside off. This one nips away off the deck. Mendis slashes hard at it but gets beaten.

11.6: Shamar Springer to Charith Asalanka, A length ball, angled in around off. Charith Asalanka presses forward and bunts it into covers. An expensive start for the debutant as he goes for 14 runs.

11.5: Shamar Springer to Charith Asalanka, Length ball, around the pads. Charith Asalanka flicks it to deep mid-wicket for two runs. The stand moves to 48.

11.4: Shamar Springer to Charith Asalanka, FOUR! Charith Asalanka has put the debutant under pressure. Shamar Springer continues to come 'round the wicket and serves a short ball, outside off. Charith Asalanka slashes hard at it. The ball catches the outside edge and runs down to deep third for four runs.

11.3: Shamar Springer to Charith Asalanka, FOUR! AMAZING! Second one on the trot. 100 is up for Sri Lanka. It is full, angled into the pads. Charith Asalanka flicks it over square leg. The ball races away to the boundary.

11.2: Shamar Springer to Charith Asalanka, FOUR! This is nicely played. Shamar Springer dishes it full, around off. Charith Asalanka gets under it and whacks it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

11.1: Shamar Springer to Charith Asalanka, Shamar Springer starts with a full ball, around middle and leg. Charith Asalanka closes the face and tucks it to mid-wicket.

10.6: Roston Chase to Charith Asalanka, Three singles on the trot to end the over! An arm ball, full and on leg. Charith Asalanka clips it into mid-wicket for another single. He will retain the strike here.

10.5: Roston Chase to Kamindu Mendis, On the pads, Mendis tucks it into mid-wicket for one more.

10.4: Roston Chase to Charith Asalanka, Flatter and quicker, on off. Asalanka pushes it to mid off for one.

10.3: Roston Chase to Charith Asalanka, FOUR! Charith Asalanka gets a hold of this one. It is short, on middle. Charith Asalanka opens up his body and pulls it towards the cow corner region. He gets it in the gap. One bounce and into the ropes.

10.2: Roston Chase to Kamindu Mendis, An arm ball, short as well, on middle and leg. Mendis stays back and lofts it over mid off. They take one.

10.1: Roston Chase to Charith Asalanka, Back of a length, outside off. Charith Asalanka backs away and cuts it through point for a single.

9.6: Gudakesh Motie to Kamindu Mendis, SIX! That's sweet! This is short and it sits up to be hit. Mendis slams it down the ground and over the long on fence. 

9.5: Gudakesh Motie to Charith Asalanka, Outside off. This is swept through square leg for one. 

9.4: Gudakesh Motie to Kamindu Mendis, This is fired in quick and on middle. It is hit down to long on for one. 

9.3: Gudakesh Motie to Kamindu Mendis, Two! On middle. Mendis works it past mid-wicket. Two taken. 

9.2: Gudakesh Motie to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! Misfield! That should have been stopped! Around off. Mendis plays the reverse sweep. It goes towards deep point. The fielder lets it through. Boundary again. 

9.1: Gudakesh Motie to Kamindu Mendis, Extra bounce! This is flatter and outside off. This lands and spins back in. Mendis looks to play the reverse sweep but gets a top edge and then onto the body. 

8.6: Roston Chase to Kamindu Mendis, Angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

8.5: Roston Chase to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! Motie can consider himself slightly unlucky there. This is full and outside off. Mendis drives it brilliantly wide of long off. Motie runs to his right, stops it but skids a long way and touches the ropes with the ball in hand. Welcome boundary. Things had got a little quiet. 

8.4: Roston Chase to Charith Asalanka, On middle. This stays a touch low. This is pushed down to long on for one. 

8.3: Roston Chase to Charith Asalanka, Slower and on middle. Asalanka defends. 

8.2: Roston Chase to Kamindu Mendis, Flatter again and on the pads. This is tucked around the corner for one. 

8.1: Roston Chase to Kamindu Mendis, On the pads. Mendis works it wide of deep mid-wicket and takes two. Good running. 

7.6: Gudakesh Motie to Charith Asalanka, Dot to end then! On middle. Pushed through. This is worked to mid-wicket. 

7.5: Gudakesh Motie to Kamindu Mendis, Another one on middle. This is played down to long on for one more. 

7.4: Gudakesh Motie to Charith Asalanka, On middle. This is pushed down to long on for one. 

Charith Asalanka comes in at number 5.

7.3: Gudakesh Motie to Kusal Mendis, OUT! Timber! Motie strikes and gets the massive wicket of Mendis. Excellent change in pace! This is fired in on the off pole. Mendis looks to guide it down to third man but it goes off the face and clips the off pole. Too close to play that shot. In trouble are the hosts. 

7.2: Gudakesh Motie to Kusal Mendis, Flatter and on middle. Mendis pushes it back to the bowler. 

7.1: Gudakesh Motie to Kusal Mendis, Just short! That turned! This lands on middle. Mendis looks to work it on the leg side but this turns away, it goes off a soft leading edge and lands short of cover. 

6.6: Roston Chase to Kamindu Mendis, A dot to end then! Fuller and outside off. Mendis drives but straight to cover. 

6.5: Roston Chase to Kamindu Mendis, Confusion but safe! Fired into the pads. Mendis flicks it but straight to short fine leg. Another yes and no situation but it ends up all good. 

6.4: Roston Chase to Kamindu Mendis, Angled into the pads. Mendis works it through square leg and takes two this time. 

6.3: Roston Chase to Kamindu Mendis, Mendis makes room! This is on off. He drives but to cover. 

6.2: Roston Chase to Kusal Mendis, Good call in the end! On middle. This is nudged on the leg side. They take one. Kusal wants a second and sets off but is sent back in time. 

6.1: Roston Chase to Kamindu Mendis, Very nicely timed! Fuller and on off. This is driven down to long off. A single taken. 

Change. Roston Chase now comes into the attack.

5.6: Romario Shepherd to Kamindu Mendis, Now a quick run! Fuller and on off. This is pushed towards mid off. A run taken. 

5.5: Romario Shepherd to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! Very nicely hit! Slightly short and angled into the body. Mendis pulls it over mid-wicket. This one races away to the fence. Picked his spot well.

5.4: Romario Shepherd to Kamindu Mendis, Angles this one into the pads. Mendis tucks it to mid-wicket. 

5.3: Romario Shepherd to Kusal Mendis, Slightly shorter and outside off. Mendis guides it past point. A run taken. 

5.2: Romario Shepherd to Kamindu Mendis, Outside off now. Mendis waits and then guides it past point. A run taken.

5.1: Romario Shepherd to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! Pulled away! That's a poor ball! A drag down. On the body. Mendis says thank you very much and pulls it behind square on the leg side. This races away to the fence. 

4.6: Alzarri Joseph to Kamindu Mendis, A length ball, around off. Kamindu Mendis pushes it through covers for one.

4.5: Alzarri Joseph to Kamindu Mendis, Good length, angling across, wide of off, shaping further away. Kamindu Mendis throws his bat at it but misses.

4.4: Alzarri Joseph to Kusal Mendis, A length ball, around off. Kusal Mendis pushes it into covers for one.

4.3: Alzarri Joseph to Kusal Mendis, FOUR! Incredible shot. Kusal Mendis is stepping on the gas here. Back of a length, around off. Mendis gets a hold of it and pulls it over mid-wicket. The ball has enough legs to reach the fence.

4.2: Alzarri Joseph to Kusal Mendis, SIX! THIS IS HUGE! It is too full and on the pads. Kusal Mendis reads it well, gets his wrists into play and flicks it over the square leg fence for a biggie.

4.1: Alzarri Joseph to Kusal Mendis, JAFFA! Alzarri Joseph dishes a good-length ball, in the channel. This one holds its line. Kusal Mendis tries to block it away, but the ball zips past the outside edge.

3.6: Shamar Joseph to Kamindu Mendis, FOUR! Kamindu Mendis opens his account with a boundary. Short ball, outside off. This one sits up nicely. Kamindu Mendis pulls it over mid-wicket for four runs.

3.5: Shamar Joseph to Kamindu Mendis, Length ball, around off, Kamindu Mendis remains solid in his defense this time around.

3.4: Shamar Joseph to Kamindu Mendis, This is a bit short, angled into the left-hander. This one skids through. It catches Kamindu Mendis by surprise. He fails to tuck it away, and takes a blow near his abdomen.

3.3: Shamar Joseph to Kamindu Mendis, A length ball, around off. Kamindu Mendis makes a solid block.

Who comes out now? Kamindu Mendis is the new batter in.

3.2: Shamar Joseph to Kusal Perera, OUT! CLEANED UP! Shamar Joseph comes 'round the wicket and gets the better of Kusal Perera. The crowd has gone silent. It is a length ball, angled in around off. It shapes in off the deck as well. Kusal Perera stays inside the crease and tries to put it away, but fails to get any bat on it. The ball goes past the blade and disturbs the furniture behind.

3.1: Shamar Joseph to Kusal Mendis, Slower and fuller, angled into the pads. Kusal Mendis clips it towards mid on and crosses.

2.6: Romario Shepherd to Kusal Perera, FOUR! This is a wonderful looking shot. Kusal Perera has decided to shift gears now. It is a length ball, outside off. Perera hangs back and nails his punch through the gap at covers for a boundary. The third one of this wicket-taking over.

2.5: Romario Shepherd to Kusal Perera, Back of a length, on the fourth stump line. Kusal Perera looks to work it point, but it catches the underedge, sneaks past the leg pole. They take two runs.

Who will walk out now? Kusal Perera comes in at number 3.

2.4: Romario Shepherd to Pathum Nissanka, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Romario Shepherd has the last laugh here. Pathum Nissanka gets a couple of boundaries to his name, but takes the early walk back to the dressing room. Romario Shepherd goes short this time, wide of off. Pathum Nissanka eyes lit-up. He goes for the cut shot, but only manages to get a thick outside edge. Shai Hope makes no mistake behind the stumps.

2.3: Romario Shepherd to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries, and on both occasions the batters wasn't in control. Romario Shepherd follows the batter with a full one, outside leg. Pathum Nissanka goes back, and gets it to fine leg off the inside edge. The ball runs down to the fine leg fence.

2.2: Romario Shepherd to Pathum Nissanka, FOUR! EDGY! First boundary for Sri Lanka. It is a bumper, angled into the body once again. Pathum Nissanka backs away a bit, and swings hard across the line. The ball catches the top-edge and flies over the keeper's head for four runs.

2.1: Romario Shepherd to Kusal Mendis, Romario Shepherd starts with a short ball, around middle. Kusal Mendis pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

1.6: Shamar Joseph to Kusal Mendis, Short ball, outside off. Kusal Mendis cuts it to deep point for one.

1.5: Shamar Joseph to Pathum Nissanka, LEG BYE! It is a length ball, nipping in from outside off. Pathum Nissanka is cramped for room. He looks to defend it out from inside the crease but misses. The ball goes in front of slip off the thigh pads. They cross for a leg bye.

1.4: Shamar Joseph to Pathum Nissanka, Back of a length, outside off. Pathum Nissanka punches it to point off his back foot.

1.4: Shamar Joseph to Pathum Nissanka, WIDE! Shamar Joseph errs in his line this time. He goes very full, but way down the leg side.

1.3: Shamar Joseph to Pathum Nissanka, Back of a length, outside off. Pathum Nissanka lets it be.

1.2: Shamar Joseph to Pathum Nissanka, A length ball, around off, shaping away a bit. Pathum Nissanka gets it through cover-point off outer half. They take two runs.

1.1: Shamar Joseph to Pathum Nissanka, Shamar Joseph starts his spell with a peach of a delivery. It is good-length ball, that lands outside off and nips away just a bit. It is a scrambled seam delivery. Pathum Nissanka gets on his toes and looks to block it away but misses.

Who will share the new ball? Shamar Joseph to attack from the other end.

0.6: Alzarri Joseph to Kusal Mendis, CLOSE! It is a short ball, outside off. Mendis frees his arms and goes for the cut shot, but gets beaten on the outside edge this time.

0.5: Alzarri Joseph to Pathum Nissanka, LEG BYE! Good length, angled into the pads. Pathum Nissanka is caught inside the crease, as this skids through. He looks to flick it away but misses. The ball rolls towards short fine off the thigh pads. They collect a leg bye.

0.4: Alzarri Joseph to Kusal Mendis, This is full, wide of off. Kusal Mendis bunts it to the right of extra covers. Rovman Powell makes a meal of it as he dives over it. The batters take three runs.

0.3: Alzarri Joseph to Kusal Mendis, BEATEN! Good length this time, outside off. This one nips away a bit. Kusal Mendis looks to hit it away from his body but gets beaten on the inside edge here.

0.3: Alzarri Joseph to Kusal Mendis, WIDE! It is a bumper this time, sliding down leg. Kusal Mendis looks to hook it away but misses. Wide called.

0.2: Alzarri Joseph to Kusal Mendis, Alzarri Joseph dishes a full ball, inswinging as well. Kusal Mendis stays deep inside the crease and blocks it into point. Right under his eyes as well.

0.1: Alzarri Joseph to Pathum Nissanka, Pathum Nissanka and Sri Lanka open their account instantly. It is a length ball, outside off. Nissanka waits for it, opens the face late and guides it down to deep third for a single.

Right then, we are done with all the pre-match proceedings. This 3-match T20I series is set to kick-off. West Indies players stride out and take the field. Followed by Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis who stride out to open for the hosts. It will be Alzarri Joseph to start with the new ball.

The crowd has turned up in huge numbers. The cheers only get louder as the two teams stride out and line-up for their respective national anthems. It is going to be West Indies' first, followed by one for the hosts.

Charith Asalanka, the captain of Sri Lanka says that they would have opted to bowl first as well, considering the weather conditions. He expressed his anticipation for beginning the preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Rovman Powell mentioned that West Indies will bowl first due to the uncertain weather conditions and the wet field. He expressed hope that the bowlers could take advantage of the conditions. Reflecting on the team's recent form, Powell added that they have performed very well over the last 12 to 15 months.

West Indies (Playing XI) - Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Shai Hope (WK), Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Rovman Powell (C), Sherfane Rutherford, Shamar Springer (On T20I Debut), Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Kusal Mendis (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (C), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando.

TOSS - The coin goes up and lands in favour of West Indies. They will BOWL first.