Shamar Joseph was named Player of the Match (POTM) after delivering an outstanding performance, taking 5 wickets for 33 runs. His efforts helped the West Indies secure a 2-1 series victory over Sri Lanka in the final match of their T20I series.
Winning the toss, the West Indies chose to field first. Joseph made an early impact by dismissing Pathum Nissanka, who scored 26 runs off 17 balls. Nissanka, however, achieved a personal milestone as he became Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer in T20Is, surpassing Kusal Mendis.
The West Indian bowlers maintained consistent pressure on the Sri Lankan batsmen. Roston Chase got Kamil Mishara out lbw for 28 runs, and Jason Holder took down Dasun Shanaka, leaving Sri Lanka at 111 for 6 in 14.1 overs. It looked difficult for Sri Lanka to even reach 150 runs at that point.
However, some late resistance came from Sri Lanka’s spin-bowling all-rounders. Dunith Wellalage scored 43 off 28 balls, while Wanindu Hasaranga contributed 21 off 13. They formed a vital 49-run partnership for the seventh wicket, lifting the team’s total to a more competitive 169 runs. Wellalage hit six fours and one six, but Joseph ended his innings to break the partnership.
West Indies’ chase
The West Indies’ innings started poorly when captain Shai Hope was dismissed for a duck on just the third ball. However, Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer steadied the innings with a quick partnership of 51 runs off 35 balls. King struggled to find his footing on the pitch and was dismissed by Hasaranga, leading to a mini-collapse as the West Indies found themselves at 53 for 4 in 8.2 overs.
At this crucial moment, Sherfane Rutherford and Rovman Powell responded well, forming an impressive 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket. This partnership became the highest fifth-wicket stand in West Indies’ T20I history, breaking the previous record of 80 runs set by King and Powell.
Though Powell was dismissed by Dushmantha Chameera with 36 runs still needed, Jason Holder finished the match dramatically. Holder scored 21 runs off just 5 balls, including three sixes, and secured the victory for the West Indies with two balls and five wickets remaining.