Despite a strong effort from Kusal Mendis, Sri Lanka managed to defeat the West Indies by nine wickets in the third and final game, sealing their first ever T20 series win against the Caribbean team. Mendis' unbeaten 68 runs, which included five fours and three sixes, proved to be the decisive factor in the match. The victory was met with jubilation from the home crowd in Dambulla, where the match was held.
Sri Lanka Triumphs in Historic T20 Series Victory over West Indies
Sri Lanka has etched its name in cricket history, securing its first-ever T20 series win against the formidable West Indies. The decisive win in the third and final match at Dambulla on Thursday marked a significant milestone for the island nation.
Match Highlights
Sri Lanka's victory was orchestrated by the brilliance of Kusal Mendis, who struck an unbeaten 68 runs off 42 deliveries. His knock included five boundaries and three maximums, guiding the team towards victory after West Indies posted a challenging total of 166 runs.
Chasing the target, Sri Lanka lost opener Pathum Nissanka early but Mendis and Dhananjaya de Silva forged a crucial partnership. Mendis's aggressive batting proved pivotal, and he was ably supported by de Silva's 24-run contribution.
Series Significance
This series win is a testament to Sri Lanka's growing prowess in the shortest format of the game. Previously, the West Indies had held the upper hand in T20 cricket, having won eight out of 10 matches against Sri Lanka.
The victory holds special significance as it coincides with Sri Lanka's 75th year of independence. The team's performance has brought joy and pride to the nation amidst challenging economic and political circumstances.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
Q: When was the series played? A: The T20 series between Sri Lanka and West Indies was played from March 4-9, 2023.
Q: Where were the matches held? A: All three matches were played at the Dambulla International Cricket Stadium in Dambulla, Sri Lanka.
Q: Who was the leading run-scorer in the series? A: Kusal Mendis was the leading run-scorer for Sri Lanka, accumulating 124 runs in three matches. Nicholas Pooran was the leading run-scorer for West Indies with 121 runs.
Q: Who won the Player of the Series award? A: Kusal Mendis was awarded the Player of the Series award for his outstanding performances throughout the series.
Q: What is the significance of this series win for Sri Lanka? A: This series win marks Sri Lanka's first-ever T20 series victory against the West Indies and is a significant boost to their confidence ahead of future international tournaments.
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