Sri Lanka storm back to level T20 series with an all-round masterclass in Kingston

KINGSTON, Jamaica — After a disappointing loss in the series opener, Sri Lanka delivered an emphatic response on Saturday night, producing a dominant all-round performance to secure a series-levelling 37-run victory over West Indies at Sabina Park.

Powered by a blistering unbeaten 61 from opener Kamil Mishara and a breathtaking 19-ball fifty from captain Dasun Shanaka, Sri Lanka posted a formidable total of 194 for six before their bowlers closed out the game with ruthless efficiency.

Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga claimed three wickets apiece as the hosts crumbled to 157 all out, falling well short of the target.

The visitors roared out of the blocks in the Powerplay, thanks to Kusal Mendis’s aggressive 31 off just 19 balls. However, Mendis and Pathum Nissanka fell within four deliveries of each other, and when Pavan Rathnayake departed shortly after, Sri Lanka found themselves wobbling at 43 for 3.

That’s when Mishara and Kamindu Mendis joined forces. The pair constructed a cautious 45-run stand off 35 deliveries, steadying the innings without taking undue risks. But the calm was shattered by Shanaka’s arrival.

The all-rounder launched a savage assault on Roston Chase, beginning with a six that cleared the roof and went outside the ground and into the adjacent Alpha Academy High School.

A 19-run 14th over, featuring another six and a four, set the tone. Shanaka continued to find boundaries off Shamar Springer, while Mishara slowly shifted gears.

Mishara, who had crawled to 22 off 23 balls, exploded in the death overs, reaching his fifty with a six off Romario Shepherd and finishing unbeaten on 61 off 40 deliveries. He targeted Matthew Forde with a couple of maximums as the runs flowed freely.

Shanaka brought up his 19-ball half-century with a six off Springer, his innings eventually concluding on 58 off just 24 balls, a stunning knock that included five fours and four sixes.

The only blemish on Sri Lanka’s innings was a brilliant final over from Shamar Joseph, who conceded just three runs and claimed two wickets, including Shanaka, preventing the tourists from surging past 200.

Joseph ended with 3-32 with Forde snaring 2-38.

The home side’s reply got off to a nightmare start as they slumped to 9 for 2 inside the second over. Dunith Wellalage removed Shai Hope for 6, while Chameera accounted for Brandon King for 2.

Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell mounted a spirited fightback, keeping West Indies level with the required rate until nearly the halfway mark.

They plundered 28 runs off two Eshan Malinga overs and 18 off a Maheesh Theekshana over. Hetmyer even survived a tricky stumping appeal, but his luck ran out four balls later on 36 when he was run out in a disastrous 10th over.

That double-wicket over derailed the chase completely. Powell, who had thrown his bat around for a 26-ball 43, also departed.

From a promising 91 for 4, West Indies suffered a spectacular collapse, losing their remaining six wickets for just 66 runs. The middle and lower order failed to capitalise on the platform, and the innings ended at 157 in the 19th over.

With the series now squared, both teams will head into Sunday’s decider with everything to play for.

Summarised Scores

SRI LANKA 194-6 in 20 overs (Kamil Mishara 61 not out, Dasun Shanaka 58, Kusal Mendis 31, Kamindu Mendis 24; Shamar Joseph 3-32, Matthew Forde 2-38).

WEST INDIES 157 in 18.1 overs (Rovman Powell 43, Shimron Hetmyer 36, Roston Chase 17; Dushmantha Chameera 3-9, Wanindu Hasaranga 3-38).

Toss: West Indies elected to field.

Player-of-the-Match: Dasun Shanaka

Result: Sri Lanka won by 37 runs to tie the three-match series 1-1.

Umpires: Chris Taylor, Leslie Reifer

TV Umpire: Deighton Butler

Reserve Umpire: Zahid Bassarath

Match Referee: Richie Richardson.

(CMC)