The series on the line in the decider.
After a big defeat in the opening game, hosts Sri Lanka kept themselves alive in the three-match T20I series, with Dunith Wellalage and Charith Asalanka helping the hosts put up a stunning bowling performance which saw them tie up the series.
Ahead of the series decider, here’s our match preview and predictions.
Sri Lanka vs West Indies 3rd T20I | West Indies tour of Sri Lanka 2024 | 19:00 IST, October 17
After electing to bat first, it was Pathum Nissanka anchoring the innings on a slow and turning Dambulla wicket, which saw Nissanka’s 54 help the hosts get to 162/5 with Kusal Mendis, Kusal Perera and Kamindu Mendis, all getting starts but failing to capitalise. With the ball though, the hosts were clinical as the young Dunith Wellalage spun a web around the West Indian batters and was supported well by Wandindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka with Mahesh Theekshana closing things out. Sri Lanka bundled West Indies out for a paltry 89 which helped them pick up a massive 73 run win.
For the visitors on the other hand, it was an average performance with the ball, although they would’ve had ideally expected to keep Sri Lanka to around 150-ish and Kushal Perera and Hasaranga’s blows hurt them a bit but it was a complete batting failure for West Indies. The visitors just had no answer to Wellalage and Asalanka’s spin and barring some late runs from Rovman Powell and Alzarri Joseph, none of the batters even got going.
Heading into the series decider, it will be the hosts and their spinners with the advantage in Dambulla once again and expect Sri Lanka to complete the reverse sweep and take the series home.
Fantasy XI: Pathum Nissanka, Evin Lewis, Charith Asalanka, Kamindu Mendis, Roston Chase, Rovman Powell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Matheesha Pathirana, Romario Shepherd, Dunith Wellalage, Gudakesh Motie
Venue: Dambulla
Winners Prediction: Sri Lanka
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