Sun Oct 13 18:42:41 UTC 2024: ## West Indies Clinch Thrilling Victory Against Sri Lanka in 1st T20
**Colombo, Sri Lanka:** The West Indies secured a nail-biting victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20 of the three-match series played at the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium on Sunday night. The West Indies achieved their victory by 5 wickets with 5 balls remaining.
Sri Lanka, batting first, posted a respectable total of 179 runs for 7 wickets in their allotted 20 overs. Kusal Mendis and captain Charith Asalanka both scored half-centuries, crucial for Sri Lanka’s total. However, Sri Lanka’s early innings saw the loss of their first three wickets within the 8th over, leaving them struggling at 58 runs.
The West Indies’ chase began with a blistering start from Brendon King and Evin Lewis, who combined for a 107-run partnership off 55 balls. Lewis, who smashed 50 runs off 28 balls with 5 boundaries and 4 sixes, was the first to depart. King followed soon after, finishing with a well-crafted 63 runs off 33 balls.
Despite losing King, the West Indies maintained their momentum, with contributions from Rovman Powell, Roeston Chase, and Sherfane Rutherford ensuring a comfortable victory.
Matheesha Pathirana was the pick of Sri Lankan bowlers, taking 2 wickets for 27 runs. Romario Shepherd took 2 wickets for 39 runs for the West Indies.
This victory puts the West Indies 1-0 up in the series, and they will be looking to clinch the series in the upcoming matches.
First Piper 