West Indies completed an incredible series win, outshining Sri Lanka by five wickets in the third and final T20I at Sabina Park on Monday, securing a 2-1 series win. Putting on a complete all-round show, West Indies rose to the occasion, chasing down Sri Lanka’s total of 169 in 19.4 overs with five wickets in hand.
Sri Lanka, who had fought back in the second T20I to level the series, could not go all the way despite challenging West Indies. On the other hand, it was a brilliant comeback by West Indies, who had opened the series with a thumping win. Now, in the third match, Shamar Joseph delivered a magnificent performance with the ball, snaring five wickets to restrict Sri Lanka from building partnerships. He struck regularly to maintain pressure throughout the match and bowl Sri Lanka out for 169 in 20 overs.
Sri Lanka went on to lose wickets at regular intervals during the middle phase. However, in the final stages of the match, Dunith Wellalage blasted a fiery cameo, smashing 43 off 28 to provide a much-needed boost. Pathum Nissanka and Kamil Mishara contributed 26 and 28, respectively.
Chasing the target, West Indies lost their skipper Shai Hope in the very first over. However, Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer brought some stability, scoring 16 and 32, respectively. But the ultimate change came through a standout 81-run partnership between Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford, smacking 33 and 54*, respectively. And, in the 19th over, Jason Holder, who was unbeaten on 21, launched three sixes to take the side to victory.