“A strong partnership in the middle overs completely shifted momentum after a steady start”
To start with, Sri Lanka batted first after being asked to field and posted 194/6. Kamil Mishara anchored the innings with an unbeaten 61 off 40 balls, while Dasun Shanaka added 58 off 24 balls. Together, their 101-run partnership built the foundation of the total.
In reply, Shamar Joseph led West Indies’ bowling with 3/32 and also delivered a sharp yorker to dismiss Dunith Wellalage on the final ball of the innings.
However, West Indies started poorly and fell to 9/2 early in the chase. After that, Shai Hope and Rovman Powell added 82 runs and briefly brought the chase back under control.
Even so, the turning point came in the 10th over. Hope was run out, and Powell was dismissed soon after, which shifted momentum firmly to Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, Wanindu Hasaranga took 3/38 and broke key partnerships in the middle overs. In addition, Dushmantha Chameera finished with 3/9 to wrap up the innings. Eventually, West Indies were bowled out for 157.
Overall, Sri Lanka controlled the game well and set up a series decider in the final T20.