A stunning last-minute chase, however, saw West Indies clinch a memorable 5-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the 3rd and final T20I at Sabina Park, Kingston, winning the series 2-1.
While chasing 170, the hosts looked like heading for a thrashing through much of their innings. In the middle overs, West Indies were kept under pressure by Sri Lanka’s bowlers led well by Wanindu Hasaranga and Dunith Wellalage. However, an explosive ending altered the entire match.
Sherfane Rutherford led the chase with a solid unbeaten 54 off 40 balls. Rovman Powell, however, aided him with a helpful 33 runs in an endeavour that kept the host side looming. Shimron Hetmyer gave the innings the impetus it needed earlier on with a quickfire 32 off only 19 deliveries.
West Indies needed big strokes at the end, though, despite those contributions. The tide turned when experienced all-rounder Jason Holder targeted the bowlers for 21 runs off just five balls. His fireworks at the death guided the hosts to chase down the target with two deliveries to spare.
Sri Lanka had scored 169 runs batting first on the day earlier. Pathum Nissanka laid the foundation to a greater extent for the visitors but by stretching the middle-order partnerships, provided a vital scoring rate. Dunith Wellalage gave his best T20I performance with the bat, scoring a more than useful 43 off 28 balls as did Wanindu Hasaranga.
Shamar Joseph was the star with the ball. The pace bowler produced a spell of his life, 5 for 33 being his best ever. Joseph picked at vital times, not letting any batter settle into the innings during both the powerplay and death overs. His brilliant final over not only limited Sri Lanka’s runs but also set West Indies a target they could live with.
Sri Lanka will be ruing missed opportunities, having eased to victory had they managed even a couple of dismissals citing the two catches Rutherford offered during the chase. West Indies took full advantage, and Ervine lamented those missed opportunities which in the end were to cost them dearly.
This exceptional win finished a terrific comeback for West Indies and also secured the T20I series, providing their fans with one of the most entertaining close finishes in memory.
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