Thu Oct 17 19:01:18 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka Clinches First T20I Series Win Against West Indies With Convincing Victory
**Dambulla, Sri Lanka:** Kusal Mendis led Sri Lanka to their first-ever T20I series victory against the West Indies with a dominant nine-wicket triumph in the third and final match on Thursday. The hosts chased down a target of 163 with 12 balls to spare, sending the packed Dambulla crowd into raptures.
Mendis, who remained unbeaten on 68 off 48 balls, was the hero of the night. His innings included five boundaries and three sixes, showcasing his masterful batting skills on a challenging pitch.
The Sri Lankan opener, alongside Pathum Nissanka (39 off 22 balls), provided a blistering start, putting on a 60-run partnership in just 5.2 overs. After Nissanka’s dismissal, Mendis, with the help of Kusal Perera’s unbeaten 55 off 36 balls, anchored Sri Lanka to victory, crafting a 106-run unbroken partnership.
Earlier, the West Indies, who opted to bat first, were in early trouble, slumping to 68-5. However, a crucial 54-run partnership between captain Rovman Powell and Gudakesh Motie gave them a glimmer of hope. Despite Motie’s impressive 32 off 13 balls, Sri Lanka’s spin department proved too strong, with Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga claiming two wickets each.
West Indies skipper, Powell, acknowledged their struggles against Sri Lanka’s spin attack, saying “We knew spin was going to play a key role and Sri Lanka were far better.”
This series win caps a remarkable period for the Sri Lankan team under new coach Sanath Jayasuriya. Within the last three months, the team has achieved a series of impressive victories, including an ODI series win over India after 27 years, a Test win in England after a decade, and a historic two-Test series sweep against New Zealand earlier this month.
First Piper 