West Indies produced one of their most remarkable T20I chases in recent memory, defeating Sri Lanka by five wickets in the third and final T20I at Sabina Park, Kingston. Chasing 170 for victory, the hosts appeared to be heading towards defeat for the majority of the innings before an extraordinary late assault turned the contest on its head. The dramatic victory not only completed a memorable comeback but also secured the three-match series for the Caribbean side.
Shamar Joseph’s career-best figures derail Sri Lanka’s batting effort
After being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka made a positive start despite losing Kusal Mendis early in the innings. Pathum Nissanka finally found some rhythm on the tour, striking a brisk 26 off 17 balls before becoming one of Shamar Joseph’s early victims. The fast bowler then removed Pavan Ratnayake with the very next delivery to leave Sri Lanka under pressure inside the powerplay.
The visitors rebuilt through a series of useful partnerships in the middle overs. Kamindu Mendis and Kamil Mishara steadied the innings before Dasun Shanaka added valuable momentum with a quick cameo. However, the standout performer with the bat was Dunith Wellalage, who produced a mature knock of 43 from 28 deliveries. The left-hander regularly found the boundary through the off side and shared a crucial 49-run partnership with Wanindu Hasaranga.
Just when Sri Lanka looked set to push beyond the 175-run mark, West Indies fought back brilliantly at the death. A stunning direct hit from Sherfane Rutherford ran out Hasaranga, while Joseph returned in the final over to dismantle the lower order. The speedster finished with career-best figures of 5 for 33, including three wickets in the final over, as Sri Lanka were restricted to 169 all out.
Rutherford and Holder power West Indies to an unforgettable victory
The chase got off to the worst possible start for West Indies when captain Shai Hope departed in the opening over. Shimron Hetmyer responded with an aggressive 32 off 19 balls, helping the hosts reach 51 during the powerplay, but Sri Lanka’s spin trio soon tightened their grip on the contest.
Hasaranga, Maheesh Theekshana and Wellalage dominated the middle overs, slowing the scoring rate considerably. At 110 for 4 after 16 overs, West Indies still required 60 runs from just 24 deliveries, leaving Sri Lanka firmly in command.
Rutherford, who survived two dropped chances earlier in his innings, kept West Indies alive with a composed yet increasingly aggressive knock. He found excellent support from Rovman Powell, who smashed 33 runs and added 81 alongside Rutherford for the fifth wicket.
Returning to the side, Jason Holder produced a breathtaking cameo of 21 runs from just five balls. His late assault, combined with Rutherford’s unbeaten 54 off 40 deliveries, helped West Indies secure the win at 170 for 5 in 19.4 overs, wrapping up a highly polished performance from the Caribbean side.
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