West Indies made a winning start to the three-match T20I series with a comfortable seven-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first match at Sabina Park, Kingston, Newswire reported.
Sri Lanka were sent in to bat after losing the toss and openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis briefly threatened to post a competitive total, taking risks early in the powerplay. But regular wickets thereafter pegged the visitors back to a below-par 147 for 9 in their 20 overs.
Kamindu Mendis, promoted at No. 5, anchored the innings with a half-century to keep Sri Lanka in the contest. He found little support from the middle and lower order as West Indies’ bowlers chipped away through the death.
The chase was never in doubt. Captain Shai Hope set the tone with a composed 65 not out off 54 balls, guiding the home side over the line in the final over.
The result extends a mixed Caribbean tour. Sri Lanka won the 1st ODI by 41 runs in Kingston but the 2nd ODI was abandoned to rain, and the visitors were fined for a slow over rate in the 1st ODI. The T20I series continues this week ahead of the ICC men’s T20I rankings cycle in which Sri Lanka sit ninth.
Sources: West Indies beat Sri Lanka by 7 wickets in the 1st T20I — Newswire, June 12.
