Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 2nd T20I Sri Lanka Cruise to 73-Run Victory

Sri Lanka secured a commanding 73-run win over West Indies in the second T20I of the 2024 series, clinching the match and the series in Dambulla. A disciplined Sri Lankan bowling performance, highlighted by debutant Dunith Wellalage’s remarkable 3/9, decimated the West Indies batting lineup as they crumbled to 89 all out in 16.1 overs, chasing Sri Lanka’s total of 162/5.

Sri Lanka Post a Competitive 162/5

Batting first after winning the toss, Sri Lanka’s top order provided a solid platform. Pathum Nissanka anchored the innings with a steady 54 off 49 balls, supported by Kusal Mendis (26) and Kusal Perera (24). Nissanka’s composed knock, laced with nine boundaries and a six, ensured that Sri Lanka kept the scoreboard ticking.

Romario Shepherd (2/23) and Shamar Springer (1/24) were the pick of the West Indies bowlers, but the extras conceded—20 in total—allowed Sri Lanka to reach a challenging 162/5 in their 20 overs.

West Indies Collapse Against Spin

Chasing 163, West Indies struggled from the outset against Sri Lanka’s spinners. Maheesh Theekshana (2/7) set the tone with his sharp turn and accuracy, dismissing Evin Lewis for 7 early in the innings. However, it was the debutant Dunith Wellalage who stole the show, taking 3/9 in his 4 overs. Wellalage’s precise left-arm spin had the West Indies in disarray, with key batters like Brandon King (5), Andre Fletcher (4), and Roston Chase (0) falling cheaply.

Captain Charith Asalanka (2/6) joined the spin party, while Wanindu Hasaranga (2/32) cleaned up the lower order. Rovman Powell (20 off 17) and Alzarri Joseph (16 off 10) tried to mount a late recovery but were left with too much to do as West Indies slumped to 89 all out in 16.1 overs.

Match Summary:

• Sri Lanka 162/5 (20 overs):

  • Pathum Nissanka 54 (49), Kusal Mendis 26 (25), Kusal Perera 24 (16)
  • Romario Shepherd 2/23, Shamar Springer 1/24

• West Indies 89 all out (16.1 overs):

  • Rovman Powell 20 (17), Alzarri Joseph 16 (10), Sherfane Rutherford 14 (16)
  • Dunith Wellalage 3/9, Maheesh Theekshana 2/7, Charith Asalanka 2/6

Result:

Sri Lanka won by 73 runs.

Sri Lanka’s comprehensive victory was built on a well-rounded team performance, especially from their spinners