Sri Lanka have won the 2nd T20 from West Indies by 37 runs. Sri Lanka bounced back in style to level the T20I series against West Indies at 1-1. The visitors delivered a complete team performance, excelling with both bat and ball to force a series decider.
The victory also ended Sri Lanka’s recent struggles in the format and provided a much-needed boost ahead of the final match.
Sri Lanka faced early trouble after losing three wickets for just 43 runs. The innings appeared to be drifting before Dasun Shanaka and Kamil Mishara took charge.
The pair rebuilt the innings with a crucial partnership worth 103 runs for the fifth wicket. Both batters played positively and reached impressive half-centuries. Their attacking approach shifted momentum and helped Sri Lanka recover from a difficult position.
As the innings progressed, Sri Lanka accelerated further and posted a competitive total.
For West Indies, Shamar Joseph led the bowling effort with three wickets. Matthew Forde claimed two, while Shamar Springer picked up one. However, the hosts struggled to contain the scoring late in the innings as Sri Lanka finished strongly.
Chasing a challenging target in 2nd T20 against Sri Lanka, West Indies suffered an immediate setback. Both openers departed within the first two overs, leaving the hosts on the back foot.
Despite the early losses, Rovman Powell and Shimron Hetmyer launched a counterattack. The pair played aggressively and put together an 81-run partnership that briefly brought West Indies back into the contest.
Several chances went down during their stand, allowing the batters to keep the scoreboard moving. For a while, momentum appeared to be shifting toward the home side.
The turning point arrived when Pavan Rathnayake produced a brilliant run out to dismiss Hetmyer. The breakthrough changed the complexion of the chase.
In the same over Powell also departed. Suddenly, West Indies lost two key batters and their innings began to unravel.
The hosts collapsed from a promising position and lost wickets at regular intervals. Their middle and lower order failed to recover as pressure mounted.
Although Akeal Hosein and Shamar Joseph struck a few boundaries late in the innings, the required rate continued to climb beyond reach.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack remained disciplined throughout the chase. Dushmantha Chameera and Dunith Wellalage provided early breakthroughs, setting the tone from the start.
Later the spinners tightened their grip on the game. Wanindu Hasaranga led the charge with three wickets, while Maheesh Theekshana removed the dangerous Powell at a crucial stage.
Chameera capped off an outstanding performance by finishing with three wickets and ensuring there would be no late comeback.
Sri Lanka outplayed West Indies in all departments and deservedly secured the victory. The result levels the series and sets up an exciting winner-takes-all final match.
While West Indies showed flashes of promise they failed to capitalize on key moments in the 2nd T20 against Sri Lanka. Missed opportunities in the field and a dramatic batting collapse ultimately proved costly.
Sri Lanka meanwhile, will enter the decider full of confidence after producing one of their most complete performances of the series.