T20 series at Sri Lanka level with West Indies record-breaking win

DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka (AFP) – Sri Lanka stormed back to level the three-match T20 series with a comfortable 73-run win over the West Indies on Tuesday, marking their biggest ever win against the Caribbean side.

The dominant performance in Dambulla was Sri Lanka's sixth-biggest T20 win against a team, surpassing their previous best against West Indies – a 57-run triumph in London in 2009.

After setting a competitive target of 163, Sri Lanka unleashed a relentless attack from their spinners, restricting the visitors to just 89 runs in 16.1 overs.

This result marked the West Indies' lowest total against Sri Lanka in T20 internationals and their sixth lowest ever.

The spin-dominated attack claimed nine wickets with just three overs of pace bowled, taking advantage of a worn pitch that quickly deteriorated, leaving West Indies with no foothold in the chase.

Sri Lanka's spin magic struck early, removing both openers within the first four overs.

Evin Lewis and Brandon King, who had fueled West Indies' explosive start with a 107-run partnership in the first game, were neutralized by Sri Lanka's bowlers.

Debutant all-rounder Dunith Wellalage made an immediate impact, dismissing King with a sharp stomp in his first over, while Lewis was almost sent into the air on his first ball – although a missed check left Lewis briefly in the game.

Wellalage struck again, defeating Roston Chase as the West Indies stumbled to 17-3 and struggled to 21-3 at the end of the powerplay.

Wellalage's impressive debut saw him record 3-9 in four overs.

Maheesh Theekshana, Charith Asalanka and Wanindu Hasaranga supported Wellalage's efforts with two wickets each, cementing Sri Lanka's hold on the game.

Sri Lanka's total of 162 was built on the solid foundation of openers Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, who combined to form a 72-run stand.

Nissanka top-scored with 54 off 49 balls and smashed the boundary with nine fours and a six.

Contributions from Kusal Perera (24) and Kamindu Mendis (19) helped take the total to over 160 and set up a challenging fightback for the West Indies.

From the visitors' side, spinners Chase and Gudakesh Motie were economical, conceding just 37 runs in their eight overs combined, raising questions about the West Indies' decision not to bring in an additional spinner.

The stage is now set for a thrilling series decider on Thursday, also in Dambulla, with eighth-placed Sri Lanka aiming for a surprise series win over third-placed West Indies.

The West Indies won the first game after a comfortable five-wicket victory on Sunday.

The T20 series will be followed by a three-match ODI series.