Sri Lanka spinners strike back to tie T20 series, West Indies fall by 43 runs


Sri Lanka spinner Akila Dananjaya recovered from Wednesday’s shellacking to take one wicket for 13 runs from his four overs today, as the tourists enjoyed the first success of their Caribbean tour with a 43 run win over West Indies in the second CG Insurance T20 International affair at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua.

Wanindu Hasaranga was the player of the match with three for 17, as the Sri Lanka spinners got their own back to tie the three match series 1-1. The decider is scheduled for Sunday evening at the same venue.

Photo: Wanindu Hasaranga was handy with bat and ball today, as Sri Lanka defeated West Indies by 43 runs in the second T20 International of their Caribbean tour.

Sri Lanka won the toss today and chose to bat first, which meant that West Indies were asked to chase for successive outings. However, while the visitors managed just 131 for 9 on Wednesday, they put a more competitive target of 160 on the board for the loss of six wickets.

The opening pair of Danushka Gunathilaka (56) and Pathum Nissanka (37) were key to Sri Lanka’s batting effort as the pair put on 95 runs for the first wicket within 10.2 overs.

Dwayne Bravo took two for 24 from his four overs while Jason Holder (one for 36) and Obed McCoy (one for 34) chipped in.

The West Indies batsmen had more work to do on this occasion. And they never really got going. Lendl Simmons (21) and veteran Chris Gayle (16) put on a 36 run partnership for the second wicket, which turned out to be the most productive partnership for the hosts.

And the fact that McCoy, batting at 10, was the West Indies’ top scorer with 23 from seven balls told its own story.

Photo: Obed McCoy took one for 34 and top scored with 23 as West Indies fell to Sri Lanka.
(via CWI Media)

Pollard, the hero in midweek after a remarkable six sixes in one over off Dananjaya, managed just 13 from 15 balls before being caught off the bowling of a third Sri Lankan spinner: Lakshan Sandakan.

And 22-year-old Hasaranga was adjudged the most influential man on the pitch today.

“The wicket was a bit slow,” said Hasaranga. “I tried not to give any boundaries; that’s why I was able to bowl well… I just concentrate on line-and-length.”

Pollard and his men will get another chance to respond on Sunday.

More from Wired868
1975 CWC: When WI ruled the world! Lloyd’s flourish creates history

(Part 51.) Lloyd’s crowning glory. West Indies cricket has enjoyed many moments of celebration, but few match lifting the trophy Read more

1975 CWC: The statistical standouts of the first Men’s tournament

(Part 50.) Judge by numbers. After exactly seven weeks of counting down, here we are: one day to go to Read more

1975 CWC: ‘Kalli’, Julien and Greenidge among standouts, as WI cruise past Kiwis

(Part 48.) West Indies too good. With just three days to go to the 50th anniversary of the West Indies Read more

1975 CWC: CWI finally recognises WI heroes; Guyana did not wait

(Part 47.) When Guyana hailed its conquering hero It has taken the imminent occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Read more

1975 CWC: Turner turns up to book ‘Kiwis’ semi-final clash with WI

(Part 45.) Turner turns up again. With only six days to go to the 50th anniversary of the West Indies victory Read more

1975 CWC: Genius Kallicharran spanks Lillee to take Windies to semis

(Part 44.) ‘Kalli’ the conqueror. There are just seven days to go to the 50th anniversary of the West Indies Read more

Check Also

1975 CWC: When WI ruled the world! Lloyd’s flourish creates history

(Part 51.) Lloyd’s crowning glory. West Indies cricket has enjoyed many moments of celebration, but …

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.