West Indies Edge Sri Lanka by 5 Wickets in Thrilling 1st T20I | SL vs WI, 1st T20

The West Indies kicked off their tour of Sri Lanka with a nail-biting 5-wicket win in the first T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Chasing 180 for victory, the visitors secured the win with just five balls to spare, thanks to a collective batting effort led by Brandon King and Evin Lewis.

After winning the toss and opting to bowl, West Indies restricted Sri Lanka to 179/7 in their 20 overs. Sri Lanka's Charith Asalanka, captaining the side, played a captain's knock of 59 off 35 balls, with vital contributions from Kamindu Mendis (51 off 40) and Bhanuka Rajapaksa (17 off 11). Romario Shepherd (2/39) and Shamar Joseph (2/27) were the key bowlers for West Indies, preventing Sri Lanka from posting an even bigger total.

In response, West Indies started strongly with openers Brandon King (63 off 33) and Evin Lewis (50 off 28) laying the foundation for the chase with a 107-run opening stand. Though Sri Lanka fought back with wickets in the middle overs, including two from Matheesha Pathirana (2/27), Shai Hope (7 off 6) and captain Rovman Powell (13 off 18) fell cheaply, but Sherfane Rutherford’s unbeaten 14 guided the team home.

West Indies reached 180/5 in 19.1 overs, clinching a tense win and taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.

Scorecard:

Sri Lanka Innings: 179/7 (20 Overs)

• Charith Asalanka (c): 59 (35), Kamindu Mendis: 51 (40), Kusal Perera: 6 (3)
• Shamar Joseph: 4-0-27-2, Romario Shepherd: 4-0-39-2

West Indies Innings: 180/5 (19.1 Overs)

• Brandon King: 63 (33), Evin Lewis: 50 (28), Sherfane Rutherford: 14* (12)
• Matheesha Pathirana: 3.1-0-27-2, Wanindu Hasaranga: 4-0-38-1

Result: West Indies won by 5 wickets
Player of the Match: Brandon King

West Indies will look to continue their momentum in the second T20I, while Sri Lanka will need to regroup quickly to stay in the series