Tue Oct 15 18:47:03 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Dominate West Indies in T20 Series Thriller
**Dambulla, Sri Lanka -** Sri Lanka roared back in the three-match T20 series against the West Indies, securing a resounding 73-run victory on Tuesday. This emphatic win levels the series at 1-1 and marks Sri Lanka’s largest ever margin of victory against the Caribbean side.
The match was dominated by Sri Lanka’s spin attack, which claimed nine wickets and skittled the West Indies for a paltry 89 runs in 16.1 overs, their lowest total against Sri Lanka in T20 internationals. Debutant all-rounder Dunith Wellalage starred with a sensational performance, taking 3-9 in four overs, including the dismissals of key West Indies batsmen Brandon King and Roston Chase.
Earlier, Sri Lanka set a competitive target of 163 thanks to a solid opening partnership between Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, who top-scored with 54 runs.
Sri Lankan captain Charith Asalanka described the victory as “very pleasing” and praised Wellalage’s performance as “sensational.”
Despite a valiant effort by West Indies spinners Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie, who combined for a frugal 37 runs in eight overs, the visitors struggled to counter Sri Lanka’s dominant spin attack.
West Indies captain Rovman Powell acknowledged his team’s poor batting performance and praised Sri Lanka for utilizing the conditions effectively. However, he remains optimistic about the series decider, which takes place on Thursday in Dambulla.
The thrilling series now culminates with a decisive final match, where eighth-ranked Sri Lanka will aim to secure an upset victory over the third-ranked West Indies. The T20 series will be followed by a three-match ODI series.
First Piper 