Kusal Mendis scored an impressive unbeaten 68, leading Sri Lanka to their first-ever T20 international series win against the West Indies with a commanding nine-wicket victory in the third and final match on 16 October.
Sri Lanka successfully chased down the 163-run target with 12 balls to spare, sending the packed crowd in Dambulla into a frenzy. With this, the team registered their maiden T20I 2-1 series win against the Windies.
“Happy to get the team over the line,” Mendis said, having struck five fours and three sixes during his innings. “Not the easiest pitch to bat on, but these are conditions that we are used to playing.”
The visitors nearly had a chance to dismiss Mendis when he was on 44, but Roston Chase failed to secure a challenging return catch.
Mendis and his opening partner Pathum Nissanka formed a rapid partnership of 60 runs in just 5.2 overs. Nissanka, in fine form, scored 39 runs off 22 balls, hitting seven fours and a six before being dismissed by a low delivery from Gudakesh Motie.
Mendis continued his steady innings skillfully driving the spinners through the covers and pulling the seamers with confidence. He was joined by Kusal Perera, who scored an impressive unbeaten 55 off 36 balls, demonstrating his determination as he battled through cramps to secure his 15th T20I half-century.
Together Mendis and Perera built a formidable partnership of 106 runs without losing their wicket, steering Sri Lanka to a historic victory over their higher-ranked opponents.
The West Indies opted to bat first but initially struggled – finding themselves at 68-5 before captain Rovman Powell and Gudakesh Motie combined for a rapid 54-run partnership off just 26 balls.
Motie hit Dunith Wellalage for three consecutive sixes and a four in the 15th over but was ultimately stumped by Mendis off Wanindu Hasaranga’s bowling. Sri Lanka leaned heavily on their spin attack with Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga each claiming two wickets.
