Sri Lanka thrash West Indies by nine wickets in third T20I to win series 2-1 in Dambulla

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Sri Lanka carried forward their resurgence in international cricket with a 2-1 series win against West Indies following their nine-wicket win in the third and decisive T20I at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Thursday, October 17.

West Indies opted to bat first and posted 162/8 after lower middle-order contributions from captain Rovman Powell (37 off 27), and Gudakesh Motie (32 off 15), however Sri Lanka's top three made it a one-sided affair by completing the chase in just 18 overs.

In-form Pathum Nissanka scored 39 off 22 with the help of seven fours and a six before getting clean bowled by Motie. His opening partner Kusal Mendis remained unbeaten on 68 off 50, while Kusal Perera scored 55 not out runs off just 36 deliveries.

But the stage was set in the first half of the West Indies batting innings. The hosts were reduced to 62/5 after brilliant bowling displays from Sri Lanka openers Maheesh Theekshana (2/29), Wanindu Hasaranga (2/24), Kamindu Mendis (1/21) and Charith Asalanka (1/14).

Notably, Sri Lanka had lost the first T20I by five wickets. But they bounced back with a 73-run win in the second match. The spinners bundled out West Indies for 89 in the match, and quite clearly West Indies batters were nervous against the Sri Lanka spinners again in the decider.

The two teams will now lock horns in a three-match ODI series starting Sunday, October 20 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium. All the matches at the same venue.