Nissanka, Wellalage propel Sri Lanka to series-leveling win over West Indies
Sri Lanka produced a dominant performance to defeat the West Indies by 73 runs in the second T20I at Dambulla on Tuesday (October 15), levelling the series 1-1.
Pathum Nissanka’s well-crafted fifty and Dunith Wellalage’s brilliant three-wicket haul were the standout performances that paved the way for a comprehensive Sri Lankan victory.
After winning the toss and opting to bat first, Sri Lanka had a sluggish start, with the West Indies bowlers keeping things tight in the powerplay. Nissanka, alongside Kusal Mendis, managed only 8 runs in the first three overs.
However, the momentum shifted in the fourth over when Nissanka unleashed an array of aggressive strokes, including five consecutive boundaries off Shamar Joseph, propelling Sri Lanka into a strong position.
Nissanka’s 54 off 49 balls, laced with 9 fours and 1 six, set the tone for the innings, building crucial partnerships with Mendis (26) and Kusal Perera (24).
Sri Lanka’s middle order contributed vital runs as Kamindu Mendis (19) and skipper Charith Asalanka (9) ensured they reached a competitive total of 162/5. Extras played a significant role, with the West Indies conceding 20 runs, including 10 wides.
Despite some disciplined bowling from Gudakesh Motie, who conceded only 13 runs in his four overs, the rest of the West Indies attack struggled to contain Sri Lanka’s aggressive approach.
Chasing 163 to win, the West Indies never found their footing, as Sri Lanka’s bowlers ran riot. Mahesh Theekshana and Dunith Wellalage dismantled the West Indies top order, reducing them to 21/3 in the powerplay.
Wellalage, in his debut T20I match for Sri Lanka, was particularly impressive, taking 3 wickets for just 9 runs in his four overs, including the key dismissals of Brandon King, Andre Fletcher and Roston Chase.
Asalanka’s part-time off-spin also proved effective, claiming 2 wickets for 6 runs, while Theekshana cleaned up the tail, finishing with 2/7 from 3.1 overs.
Despite Rovman Powell’s 20 and Alzarri Joseph’s late 16, the West Indies were bundled out for a paltry 89 in 16.1 overs, falling short by a massive 73 runs.
Source: Cricket Times
