West Indies recover to 162-8 in the T20 decider in Sri Lanka

DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka (AFP) – Rovman Powell and Gudakesh Motie avoided collapse with their brisk 54-run performance to guide the West Indies to a competitive 162-8 in Thursday's T20 series decider against Sri Lanka.

The sixth wicket partnership kept the game alive at Dambulla after the tourists fell behind at 68-5.

Dunith Wellalage conceded 25 runs in the 15th over with Motie launching three straight sixes and a four from the left-arm spinner.

Kusal Mendis defeated Motie off Wanindu Hasaranga, but not before Motie gave momentum to the innings with his explosive 32 off 15 balls.

Powell continued the attack, top-scoring with a consistent 37 off 27 balls before being caught by Matheesha Pathirana in the penultimate over.

Sri Lanka relied heavily on their spin arsenal, with Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga taking two wickets each.

The West Indies won the series opener by five wickets and Sri Lanka bounced back with a comfortable 73-run win in the second game.