Sri Lanka roared back to level the three-match T20 series with an emphatic 73-run victory over the West Indies on Tuesday. This decisive win marked Sri Lanka’s largest ever margin of victory against the Caribbean side. The dominant performance at Dambulla was Sri Lanka’s sixth-largest T20 win against any team, surpassing their previous best over West Indies — a 57-run triumph in London in 2009.
Sri Lanka, after setting a competitive target of 163, unleashed a relentless assault from their spinners, skittling the visitors for just 89 runs in 16.1 overs. This score marked the West Indies’ lowest total against Sri Lanka in T20 internationals, and their sixth lowest ever. The spin-dominated attack claimed nine wickets, with only three overs of pace bowled, capitalising on a worn pitch that deteriorated quickly, leaving West Indies with no foothold in the chase.
Sri Lanka’s spin magic struck early, removing both openers within the first four overs. Evin Lewis and Brandon King, who had been the architects of West Indies’ explosive start in the first match with a 107-run partnership, were neutralised by Sri Lanka’s bowlers. Debutant all-rounder Dunith Wellalage made an immediate impact, dismissing King with a sharp stumping in his first over, while almost sending Lewis packing on his first ball — though a missed review kept Lewis briefly in play.
Wellalage struck again, claiming Roston Chase at slip, as the West Indies stumbled to 17-3, and struggled to 21-3 by the end of the power play. Wellalage’s stunning debut saw him finish with figures of 3-9 in four overs. Maheesh Theekshana, Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga supported Wellalage’s efforts with two wickets each, cementing Sri Lanka’s grip on the game.
Sri Lanka’s total of 162 was built on the solid foundation set by openers Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, who combined for a 72-run stand. Nissanka top-scored with 54 off 49 balls, peppering the boundary with nine fours and a six. Contributions from Kusal Perera (24) and Kamindu Mendis (19) helped push the total past 160, setting up a challenging chase for the West Indies.
On the visitors’ side, spinners Chase and Gudakesh Motie were economical, giving away only 37 runs in their combined eight overs, raising questions about the West Indies’ decision not to include an additional spinner. The stage is now set for a thrilling series decider on Thursday, also at Dambulla, with eighth-ranked Sri Lanka eyeing an upset series victory over the third-ranked West Indies.
Sri Lanka’s Spinners Expose West Indies’ Weakness
The West Indies, after a commanding five-wicket victory on Sunday, were completely outplayed by Sri Lanka’s spin attack. The spinners were relentless in their pursuit of wickets, and the West Indies batsmen struggled to cope with the turn and bounce on offer. This was a stark reminder of the West Indies’ weakness against spin bowling, a weakness that has been exposed on numerous occasions in the past. The dominance of the Sri Lankan spinners left many questioning the West Indies’ decision not to include an additional spinner in their playing eleven.
Debutant Wellalage Steals the Show
Debutant Dunith Wellalage was the star performer for Sri Lanka, claiming three wickets in a stunning performance. He was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3-9 in four overs. Wellalage’s ability to spin the ball both ways and his accuracy made him a nightmare for the West Indies batsmen. He was a constant threat and his performance will undoubtedly give him a lot of confidence going forward.
West Indies Need To Find Answers Quickly
The West Indies will need to find answers quickly if they want to avoid a series loss. They need to address their weakness against spin bowling and they need to find a way to counter Sri Lanka’s relentless attack. The third and final T20 match promises to be an exciting affair with both teams eager to secure a series victory.
A Series of Twists and Turns
This three-match T20 series has been a rollercoaster of twists and turns, with both teams pushing each other to their limits. The series is now level at 1-1, with the final match on Thursday set to be a thrilling encounter that could go either way. The series will be followed by a three-match ODI series.
Conclusion: Spinners Rule the Day
The second T20 match was a masterclass in spin bowling. Sri Lanka’s spinners dominated the West Indies, showcasing their ability to spin the ball both ways and their accuracy. The West Indies were left floundering, and the match was decided in the first half. This series has been a testament to the importance of spin bowling in modern T20 cricket. It will be interesting to see how the West Indies respond in the final match. Could the tide turn or will the Sri Lankan spinners continue to reign supreme?
