Mon Oct 14 02:59:45 UTC 2024: ## West Indies Dominate Sri Lanka in First T20, King and Lewis Lead Charge
**Dambulla, Sri Lanka:** The West Indies roared to a dominant five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the first T20 match of the three-match series on Sunday. Brandon King and Evin Lewis smashed a record-breaking partnership, setting the tone for a comfortable chase of 180 runs.
King and Lewis unleashed a barrage of boundaries, reaching 74 runs within the first six overs, leaving Sri Lanka reeling. King reached his half-century off just 25 balls, while Lewis followed soon after with a 27-ball half-century. Their partnership, eventually ending at 107 runs off nine overs, was the highest opening stand for West Indies against Sri Lanka in T20 cricket.
King top-scored with a blistering 63 runs off 33 balls, including 11 fours and a six, while Lewis contributed 58 runs. The rest of the West Indies lineup comfortably finished the chase, securing a 1-0 lead in the series.
Sri Lanka, despite half-centuries from Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka, couldn’t match the West Indies’ explosive batting. Asalanka, the Sri Lankan skipper, admitted that his team needed to address some issues after their disappointing performance.
The two remaining T20 matches will take place in Dambulla on October 15 and 17, followed by a three-match ODI series in Pallekele. The West Indies, currently ranked third in the world, will look to maintain their momentum and build on their strong start.
First Piper 