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The first T20 match between Sri Lanka and the West Indies at Dambulla on Sunday saw a dominant performance from the hosts, with Sri Lanka securing a convincing victory. The match began 30 minutes late due to a damp outfield, but despite the delay, the full 20 overs per side were retained. Sri Lanka, asked to bat first, posted a formidable 179-7, setting a challenging target for the West Indies.
The foundation of Sri Lanka's strong total was laid by the dynamic partnership between Kamindu Mendis and skipper Charith Asalanka. The duo combined for an impressive 82-run partnership off just 54 balls, showcasing their aggressive and fluent batting styles. Kamindu Mendis, who has been in remarkable form recently, continued his impressive run, registering his second T20I half-century. He reached 51 off 40 balls, featuring five boundaries and two sixes, before being dismissed by Shamar Springer.
Charith Asalanka, on the other hand, played a blistering knock, scoring a quickfire 59 off 35 balls, including nine fours. His innings provided a powerful boost to Sri Lanka's innings, even though he was unable to clear mid-on in the penultimate over. The West Indies, ranked third in the global T20 rankings, were unable to match the aggression and consistency of Sri Lanka's batting lineup. Their bowlers struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen, despite Romario Shepherd's efforts, who claimed two wickets for 39 runs in his four-over spell.
The remaining two T20s against the West Indies, also at Dambulla, will be played on October 15 and 17, before the teams head to Pallekele for a three-match ODI series. Upbeat hosts Sri Lanka will be looking to continue their recent run of success, having celebrated victories in Tests and ODIs against India, England, and New Zealand. This dominant victory in the first T20 match demonstrates the strength and confidence of the Sri Lankan team as they look to build on their recent success and solidify their position in the global cricketing landscape.
Source: Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka propel Sri Lanka to 179 against West Indies