Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 20 runs after an inspired batting performance by Charith Asalanka and Pathum Nissanka in their ICC T20 World Cup 2021 Group I match, in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a big total of 189/3 in 20 overs which the West Indies failed to chase down after losing wickets at regular intervals.
The Windies finally finished for 169/8, thanks to an amazing batting performance towards the end of the innings that ended in vain from Shimron Hetmyer.
WINDIES START POORLY
West Indies were off to a disastrous start losing the huge wicket of Chris Gayle, who was out caught at mid-off by Wanindu Hasaranga off Binura Fernando in the second over.
However, Evin Lewis kept counter-attacking as he clattered two consecutive boundaries off the fourth and fifth balls before he bowled by Fernando.
The Windies were in serious trouble at 10/2 after two overs.
Nicholas Pooran showed positive intent and took the attack to the Lankan bowlers smashing two boundaries and a six as he reached 28 off just 15 balls at a strike rate of 186 after the end of the powerplay.
Roston Chase was out soon after the powerplay as he was claimed by Chamika Karunaratne through a catch by Bhanuka Rajapaksa as West Indies were reeling at 47/3.
LANKANS GO BIG
Sri Lanka started with aggressive intent with openers Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Perera going at eight runs per over.
Perera departed for 29 after scoring a couple of boundaries and a six after being caught and bowled by Andre Russell.
That kickstarted the second-wicket partnership of 91 between Nissanka and the in-form Charith Asalanka, the former scored a well-made half-century comprising five boundaries, which took the Lankans to a position of strength.
Nissanka was out to Dwayne Bravo after a catch by Shimron Hetmyer in the 16th over with the score on 133.
The West Indies were looking to plug the flow of runs that was threatening to derail their plans.
Skipper Dasun Shanaka (25, 14b, 2×4, 1×6) who followed took a ballistic approach to the game as he slammed a couple of boundaries and a six to keep going at a strike rate of around 180.
Asalanka was out for a deserving 68 in 41 balls consisting of eight fours and a six as Sri Lanka posted a very healthy 189/3 in 20 overs.
