Thu Oct 17 13:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Dominate West Indies, Level T20 Series with Record Win
**Dambulla, Sri Lanka:** Sri Lanka stormed back into the three-match T20 series with a resounding 73-run victory over the West Indies on Tuesday, marking their largest-ever margin of victory against the Caribbean side.
The emphatic win at Dambulla was Sri Lanka’s sixth-largest T20 victory against any opponent, surpassing their previous best against the West Indies, a 57-run triumph in London back in 2009.
After setting a competitive target of 163 runs, Sri Lanka’s spin bowlers wreaked havoc, dismantling the West Indies batting lineup for a paltry 89 runs in just 16.1 overs. This marked the West Indies’ lowest total ever against Sri Lanka in T20 internationals and their sixth lowest overall.
Debutant all-rounder Dunith Wellalage made an immediate impact, claiming two wickets in his first over, including the dismissal of Brandon King with a sharp stumping. Maheesh Theekshana, Charith Asalanka, and Wanindu Hasaranga each claimed two wickets as well, contributing to the spin-dominated attack that saw only three overs of pace bowled throughout the innings.
The Sri Lankan spinners capitalized on a deteriorating pitch, leaving the West Indies struggling to find any footing in their chase. The opening pair of Evin Lewis and Brandon King, who had put on a 107-run partnership in the first match, were quickly dismissed, leaving the West Indies reeling at 17-3 after the powerplay.
Sri Lanka’s total of 162 was built on the solid foundation laid by openers Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, who combined for a 72-run stand. Nissanka top-scored with 54 off 49 balls, hitting nine fours and a six.
The series now moves to a thrilling decider on Thursday, also in Dambulla, with Sri Lanka aiming for an upset series victory over the third-ranked West Indies. The West Indies had won the first match by five wickets on Sunday.
The T20 series will be followed by a three-match ODI series.
First Piper 