| 0.0 : Hello and welcome to the third and final T20I between West Indies and Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka, have ended their winless streak and now will look to carry the winning momentum, seal the series and surprise the rest of the cricketing world. West Indies, will be desperate to put the grief of the last game and win the series. They struggled against the spinners and Kieron Pollard will hope his star batters finally deliver at this critical juncture. Can Sri Lanka spin another surprise or will West Indie |
| TOSS - Time for the coin flip. Both the skippers are out in the middle for the coin flip. Up goes the coin and comes down in favour of the visitors. SRI LANKA OPT TO BAT! |
| West Indies (Playing XI) - Lendl Simmons, Evin Lewis, Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Kieron Pollard (C), Jason Holder, Rovman Powell (IN FOR FIDEL EDWARDS), Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Kevin Sinclair, Obed McCoy. |
| Sri Lanka (Unchanged Playing XI) - Danushka Gunathilaka, Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews (C), Ashen Bandara, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Niroshan Dickwella (WK), Akila Dananjaya, Lakshan Sandakan, Dushmantha Chameera. |
| West Indies skipper, Kieron Pollard, says that they have discussions about the spinners in Sri Lanka. Tells the guys need to take responsibility. Informs Edwards misses out and Powell comes in. Tells they expected spin in the back end as that is their combination. Pollard feels they have a good chance. Hopes to restrict them under 160 and chase it down. |
| Sri Lanka skipper, Angelo Mathews, informs they are unchanged. Mathews says that they have been unable to deliver but tells today is a big opportunity and hopes they can put runs against this world-class side. Mathews tells they can improve in all departments especially with the bat between overs 7-15. |
| PITCH REPORT -  Darren Ganga and Shakera Selman are the pitch analysts for the day. Selman says this is a new pitch and expects it to be good for both batting and bowling. She feels there will be some help for the spinners as it is drier. Ganga tells Sri Lanka spinners have bowled well. Selman feels West Indies need to put on their dancing shoes against Wanindu and also bring out the sweep. |
| 0.1 : Fabian Allen to Danushka Gunathilaka, Allen starts with a floated delivery around off, Gunathilaka hits it hard but straight to the man at short extra cover. |
| 0.0 : We are all set for the action to begin! The West Indies players are out in the middle. They are followed by the Sri Lankan opening pair of Pathum Nissanka and Danushka Gunathilaka! West Indies are all set to start with spin. The players before the start take a knee in solidarity against racism. Fabian Allen is set to start the proceedings with the new ball. |
| 0.2 : Fabian Allen to Danushka Gunathilaka, A loopy ball on middle and leg now. Gunathilaka taps it back to the bowler. |
| 0.3 : Fabian Allen to Danushka Gunathilaka, Sri Lanka and Gunathilaka are off the mark. Short around off, Gunathilaka cuts it to short third man and takes a quick single to get the first run of the evening. |
| 0.4 : Fabian Allen to Pathum Nissanka, Floated on off, Nissanka starts with a gentle push back to the bowler. |
| 0.5 : Fabian Allen to Pathum Nissanka, Short around off, Nissanka punches it to the left of the bowler. Allen dives and pushes it to mid off. Does not cost any run. |
| 0.6 : Fabian Allen to Pathum Nissanka, Tight start! Just a single off the over. The last ball is short on off, Pathum Nissanka punches it to cover. |
| 1.1 : Kevin Sinclair to Danushka Gunathilaka, Floated on middle, Gunathilaka plays it away from mid on for a couple. |
| 1.2 : Kevin Sinclair to Danushka Gunathilaka, Short around off, Gunathilaka cuts it but finds point. |
| 1.3 : Kevin Sinclair to Danushka Gunathilaka, FOUR! First one of the evening and it comes from the bat of Gunathilaka. Sinclair goes short on middle, Gunathilaka pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 1.4 : Kevin Sinclair to Danushka Gunathilaka, Risky run but Gunathilaka is in! A better throw might have been dangerous. Shorter on off, Gunathilaka punches it to the left of point and calls for a run.They go for it. The fielder has a shy at the bowler's end but Sinclair cannot collect the ball. |
| 0.6 : Who will share the new ball with Fabian Allen? It will be spin from the other end as well as Kevin Sinclair is taking the new ball from the other end. |
| 1.5 : Kevin Sinclair to Pathum Nissanka, Flatter on off, Nissanka punches it to cover and takes a single to get off the mark. |
| 1.6 : Kevin Sinclair to Danushka Gunathilaka, Floated on off, Gunathilaka milks it through mid off and keeps the strike. |
| 2.1 : Fabian Allen to Danushka Gunathilaka, OUT! CAUGHT! Excellent catch from Fabian Allen! This is a top drawer from Allen. He is a gun fielder and this is a gun catch. Floated on off, Allen gives this ball some air. Gunathilaka hits it straught but uppishly to the left of Allen. He outstretches his hand and takes a one-handed stunner to give West Indies an early breakthrough. Just the kind of start the hosts would have wanted. |
| 0.0 : Niroshan Dickwella walks out to bat at number 3! |
| 2.2 : Fabian Allen to Niroshan Dickwella, Floated delivery on off, Dickwella pushes it back towards the bowler. |
| 2.3 : Fabian Allen to Niroshan Dickwella, Loopy delivery on off, Dickwella pushes it to point. |
| 2.4 : Fabian Allen to Niroshan Dickwella, Flighted delivery on off, Dickwella pushes it towards the bowler where Allen misfields and concedes a single. |
| 2.5 : Fabian Allen to Pathum Nissanka, Short delivery outside off, Nissanka punches it to covers. |
| 2.6 : Fabian Allen to Pathum Nissanka, BEATEN! Tossed up outside off, Nissanka looks to cut but misses it due to the turn on this one. |
| 3.1 : Kevin Sinclair to Niroshan Dickwella, Full on off, Dickwella drives it through mid off for a single. |
| 3.2 : Kevin Sinclair to Pathum Nissanka, Short delivery on middle, Nissanka pulls it uppishly towards mid-wicket where it goes over Simmons. The batsmen take a run. |
| 3.3 : Kevin Sinclair to Niroshan Dickwella, Tossed up ball on off, Dickwella lofts it over mid off. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 3.4 : Kevin Sinclair to Niroshan Dickwella, OUT! CAUGHT! Kevin Sinclair brings out the somersault and West Indies are off to a fantastic start. Terrible for Sri Lanka as they have lost two wickets inside the Powerplay itself with another couple remaining. Flattish delivery on off, Dickwella looks to go for a big sweep. He mistimes it and hits it high in the air. Holder moves to his left from mid on and takes a good catch. Sinclair does the dangerous somersault perfectly and he is a happy man. |
| 3.5 : Kevin Sinclair to Pathum Nissanka, Short delivery on middle, Nissanka pulls it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 3.4 : Who will walk out at number 4? It is Dinesh Chandimal who is making way out in the middle. |
| 3.6 : Kevin Sinclair to Dinesh Chandimal, FIVE RUNS! Floated delivery on middle, Chandimal looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards the leg side. Pooran picks the ball and fires a direct hit at the bowler's end. It goes for overthrows towards the long off fence. |
| 4.1 : Fabian Allen to Dinesh Chandimal, Flighted delivery on middle, Chandimal flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 4.2 : Fabian Allen to Pathum Nissanka, Tossed up ball on middle, Nissanka sweeps it through square leg for a run. |
| 4.3 : Fabian Allen to Dinesh Chandimal, Loopy delivery on off, Chandimal pushes it back towards the bowler. |
| 4.4 : Fabian Allen to Dinesh Chandimal, Full on off, Dinesh pushes it to covers. |
| 4.5 : Fabian Allen to Dinesh Chandimal, BEATEN! Short and outside off, Chandimal looks to cut but misses it. |
| 4.6 : Fabian Allen to Dinesh Chandimal, On off, Chandimal pushes it through point for a single. |
| 5.1 : Jason Holder to Dinesh Chandimal, Length delivery on off, Chandimal guides it towards short third man for a single. |
| 0.0 : Who will bowl the final over of the Powerplay? It is going to be the first bowling change of the game as Jason Holder is set to bowl the final over of the Powerplay. |
| 5.2 : Jason Holder to Pathum Nissanka, BEATEN! Back of a length on middle, Nissanka looks to go big but misses it. It goes safely towards the keeper. |
| 5.3 : Jason Holder to Pathum Nissanka, PLAY AND A MISS! Length delivery on off, Nissanka looks to play a paddle scoop but misses it. It goes safely towards the keeper. |
| 5.4 : Jason Holder to Pathum Nissanka, Short delivery on middle, Nissanka looks to pull but gets a top edge. It falls safely towards mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends. |
| 5.5 : Jason Holder to Dinesh Chandimal, Full on middle, Chandimal flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 5.6 : Jason Holder to Pathum Nissanka, OUT! CAUGHT! Superb catch from Sinclair and the West Indies players look in the groove and up for it tonight. Nissanka never looked settled and this seemed to be coming. Holder hits the deck hard on middle. Nissanka makes room and looks to flat-bat it over mid off. He mistimes it and hits it high in the air. Sinclair runs behind, keeps his eyes on the ball, and takes it brilliantly in the end falling down to the ground. End of the Powerplay and it has cle |
| Sri Lanka in trouble and their skipper, Angelo Mathews walks out to bat now. Can the captain steady this sinking ship? |
| 6.1 : Fabian Allen to Angelo Mathews, Short delivery outside off, Mathews punches it through mid off. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 6.2 : Fabian Allen to Angelo Mathews, Short again on off, Mathews punches it through covers for a single. |
| 6.3 : Fabian Allen to Dinesh Chandimal, Full on off, Chandimal drives it through mid off for a single. |
| 6.4 : Fabian Allen to Angelo Mathews, Floated delivery on off, Mathews pushes it to point. |
| 6.5 : Fabian Allen to Angelo Mathews, FOUR! Cracking shot! Short delivery on off, Mathews makes room and cuts it through point for a boundary. |
| 6.6 : Fabian Allen to Angelo Mathews, On middle, Mathews defends it off the front foot. |
| 7.1 : Jason Holder to Dinesh Chandimal, BEATEN! Short of a length outside off, Chandimal looks to play an upper cut but misses it. |
| 7.2 : Jason Holder to Dinesh Chandimal, Back of a length on off, Chandimal guides it towards third man for a single. |
| 7.3 : Jason Holder to Angelo Mathews, Short delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it through square leg for a single. |
| 7.4 : Jason Holder to Dinesh Chandimal, Length delivery on middle, Chandimal flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 7.5 : Jason Holder to Angelo Mathews, Slower delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 7.6 : Jason Holder to Dinesh Chandimal, Full on middle, Chandimal drives it through mid on for a run. |
| 8.1 : Kieron Pollard to Dinesh Chandimal, Full on middle, Chandimal flicks it through square leg for a single. |
| 0.0 : Fabian Allen is done for the evening with the ball. Who will replace him? The skipper, Kieron Pollard has decided to bring himself into the attack. |
| 8.2 : Kieron Pollard to Angelo Mathews, Length delivery on middle, Mathews pushes it through mid on for a run. |
| 8.3 : Kieron Pollard to Dinesh Chandimal, Back of a length on middle, Chandimal flicks it through square leg for a single. |
| 8.4 : Kieron Pollard to Angelo Mathews, Length delivery on middle, Mathews pushes it through mid on for a run. |
| 8.5 : Kieron Pollard to Dinesh Chandimal, BEATEN! Short and outside off, Chandimal looks to cut but misses it. |
| 8.6 : Kieron Pollard to Dinesh Chandimal, Length delivery on off, Chandimal punches it through point for a single. |
| 9.1 : Obed McCoy to Dinesh Chandimal, Length delivery on middle, Chandimal flicks it through square leg for a single. |
| 0.0 : Change in bowling. Obed McCoy, who has been impressive in this series so far is introduced into the attack. |
| 9.2 : Obed McCoy to Angelo Mathews, Slower delivery on off, Mathews looks to flick but gets a leading edge. It lands safely to point. |
| 9.3 : Obed McCoy to Angelo Mathews, OUT! CAUGHT! The Sri Lankan skipper departs and the tourists are deep in troubled waters. Obed McCoy strikes in his very first over and it is a big fish. Good length ball outside off, Mathews looks to run it down behind point. The ball shapes away just a bit and catches the outside edge. It goes straight into the mitts of the keeper. Pooran will take these in his sleep and he makes no mistake. |
| The new man in is Ashen Bandara! |
| 9.4 : Obed McCoy to Ashen Bandara, BEATEN! Short delivery outside off, Bandara looks to chase at it but misses it. |
| 9.5 : Obed McCoy to Ashen Bandara, Back of a length on off, Bandara pushes it to point. |
| 9.6 : Obed McCoy to Ashen Bandara, Slower delivery on the pads. Bandara looks to flick but misses. The ball lobs of his pad to the on side and they take a leg bye. Excellent first half of the innings for Pollard's troops. Sri Lanka are 47/4 at the end of the first half of their batting innings. |
| 10.1 : Kieron Pollard to Ashen Bandara, Short delivery on off, Bandara cuts it through point for a single. |
| 10.2 : Kieron Pollard to Dinesh Chandimal, Length delivery on off, Chandimal guides it towards short third man for a run. |
| 10.3 : Kieron Pollard to Ashen Bandara, Back of a length on off, Bandara guides it towards third man for a single. |
| 10.4 : Kieron Pollard to Dinesh Chandimal, Length ball on middle, Chandimal flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 10.5 : Kieron Pollard to Ashen Bandara, Back of a length on off, Bandara punches it through point for a run. |
| 10.6 : Kieron Pollard to Dinesh Chandimal, Length ball on off, Chandimal taps it towards point for a single. |
| 11.1 : Obed McCoy to Dinesh Chandimal, MISFIELD AND FOUR! First blemish in the field so far from West Indies. Shortish ball on middle, Chandimal pulls it to the left of fine leg. Kevin Sinclair misses it and the ball goes to the fence. |
| 11.2 : Obed McCoy to Dinesh Chandimal, Short delivery on middle, Chandimal pulls it through square leg for a single. |
| 11.3 : Obed McCoy to Ashen Bandara, Short ball again on middle, Bandara looks to pull but gets a bottom edge on this one. It goes towards the off side. The batsmen cross ends. |
| 11.4 : Obed McCoy to Dinesh Chandimal, PLAY AND A MISS! Short and wide outside off, Chandimal looks to slash at it but misses it. |
| 11.5 : Obed McCoy to Dinesh Chandimal, WIDE! Slower delivery outside the tramline, Chandimal leaves it alone. |
| Obed McCoy to Dinesh Chandimal, Length delivery on middle, Chandimal flicks it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 11.6 : Obed McCoy to Ashen Bandara, BEATEN! Short and wide outside off, Bandara looks to cut but misses it. |
| 12.1 : Dwayne Bravo to Dinesh Chandimal, Bravo starts with a slower ball on off. Chandimal taps it towards short third man and takes a single. Simmons scores a direct hit which is unnecessary as Chandimal is back in. |
| 12.2 : Dwayne Bravo to Ashen Bandara, Length ball on off, Bandara dabs it to short third man. |
| 12.3 : Dwayne Bravo to Ashen Bandara, Slower ball which is very full on off, Bandara pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 12.4 : Dwayne Bravo to Ashen Bandara, WIDE! Bravo misses his line and bowls one down the leg side. Bandara looks to flick but misses. |
| Dwayne Bravo to Ashen Bandara, Slower ball on middle, Bandara tucks it to short fine leg and gets a run. |
| 12.5 : Dwayne Bravo to Dinesh Chandimal, On middle and off, Chandimal pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 12.6 : Dwayne Bravo to Dinesh Chandimal, Full around off, Chandimal milks it to long on for one. Chandimal will keep the strike. |
| 13.1 : Jason Holder to Dinesh Chandimal, FOUR! Nicely placed! Fuller on middle, Chandimal uses his wrists and flicks it through the vacant cow corner region for a boundary. |
| 0.0 : Change in bowling. Holder is back! |
| 13.2 : Jason Holder to Dinesh Chandimal, Fuller on middle, Chandimal chips it over mid on for one. |
| 13.3 : Jason Holder to Ashen Bandara, Full on the pads, Bandara flicks it to square leg for a single. |
| 13.4 : Jason Holder to Dinesh Chandimal, Shortish around off, Chandimal pulls it to long on and rotates the strike. |
| 13.5 : Jason Holder to Ashen Bandara, Slower bouncer! Bandara waits for it and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for another single. |
| 13.6 : Jason Holder to Dinesh Chandimal, Full toss on the pad. Chandimal can just flick it to deep mid-wicket and keep the strike. |
| 14.1 : Dwayne Bravo to Dinesh Chandimal, Full delivery on middle, Chandimal pushes it through mid on for a single. |
| 14.2 : Dwayne Bravo to Ashen Bandara, Slower delivery on middle, Bandara sweeps it through mid-wicket for a run. |
| 14.3 : Dwayne Bravo to Dinesh Chandimal, FOUR! That is smashed! Short ball outside off, Chandimal cuts it hard through point for a boundary. |
| 14.4 : Dwayne Bravo to Dinesh Chandimal, BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Chandimal looks to cut but misses it. |
| 14.5 : Dwayne Bravo to Dinesh Chandimal, Full on middle, Chandimal pushes it through mid on for a single. |
| 14.6 : Dwayne Bravo to Ashen Bandara, Short delivery on middle, Bandara pulls it over mid-wicket for a run. |
| 15.1 : Obed McCoy to Ashen Bandara, Short of a length on middle, Bandara pulls it over mid on for a single. |
| 15.2 : Obed McCoy to Dinesh Chandimal, Short ball on middle, Chandimal pulls it through square leg for a run. |
| 15.3 : Obed McCoy to Ashen Bandara, PLAY AND A MISS! Slower delivery outside off, Bandara looks to swing at it but misses it. |
| 15.4 : Obed McCoy to Ashen Bandara, SIX! First biggie of the game and it has come from the bat of Bandara! It has taken them 94 deliveries to get the first half-a-dozen. Slower delivery on off and middle. Bandara gets down on his knees and smokes his sweep over mid-wicket for a biggie. |
| 15.5 : Obed McCoy to Ashen Bandara, FOUR! Full delivery outside off, Bandara looks to go big but slices it over third man for a boundary. |
| 15.6 : Obed McCoy to Ashen Bandara, Back of a length on middle, Bandara flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| Change in bowling. Jason Holder to bowl out. 1/17 from his 3 so far. Can he finish off well? |
| 16.1 : Jason Holder to Ashen Bandara, FOUR! Slashed! Fuller delivery around off, Ashen Bandara flat-bats it away from mid off and the ball races away to the fence. Brings up the 50-run stand as well. Sri Lanka, with this stand, are well and truly back in this game. |
| 16.2 : Jason Holder to Ashen Bandara, PLAY AND A MISS! Yorker on middle, Bandara looks to dig it out but misses it. It goes safely towards the keeper. |
| 16.3 : Jason Holder to Ashen Bandara, Short of a length on middle, Bandara pulls it over mid-wicket. The fielder picks the ball on one bounce. The batsmen take a single. |
| 16.4 : Jason Holder to Dinesh Chandimal, Full and outside off, Chandimal drives it through mid off for a single. |
| 16.5 : Jason Holder to Ashen Bandara, Full again on off, Bandara hits it towards long off for a run. |
| 16.6 : Jason Holder to Dinesh Chandimal, Length delivery on off, Chandimal punches it through point. The fielder does well to stop it just before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs. |
| 17.1 : Dwayne Bravo to Dinesh Chandimal, Yorker on off, Chandimal looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen cross ends. |
| 0.0 : DJ is back on! Bravo is back and looks like he will bowl the 2 off the last three with Obed McCoy sandwiching between the two Bravo overs. 0/12 from Bravo's two so far. |
| 17.2 : Dwayne Bravo to Ashen Bandara, Yorker again on middle, Bandara looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards the off side. The batsmen take a single. |
| 17.3 : Dwayne Bravo to Dinesh Chandimal, Full on middle, Chandimal flicks it through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 17.4 : Dwayne Bravo to Dinesh Chandimal, FIFTY FOR CHANDIMAL! This has been a really good knock from him. The team was under immense pressure but he has played a very good knock and kept his side in this game. His 5th in this format. Length ball on off and middle, Chandimal plays it to long on and reaches his milestone. He raises his bat as his teammates applaud his efforts. |
| 17.5 : Dwayne Bravo to Ashen Bandara, BEATEN! Full delivery on middle, Bandara looks to play the paddle scoop but misses it. It goes towards the keeper where Pooran appeals for caught behind but the umpire denies it. |
| 17.6 : Dwayne Bravo to Ashen Bandara, Slower delivery outside off, Bandara pushes it towards covers for a single. |
| 18.1 : Obed McCoy to Ashen Bandara, WIDE! Full and wide outside off, Bandara looks to chase at it but misses it. |
| Obed McCoy to Ashen Bandara, Full again on off, Bandara drives it through point for a single. |
| 18.2 : Obed McCoy to Dinesh Chandimal, Full and outside off, Chandimal plays it towards third man for a run. |
| 18.3 : Obed McCoy to Ashen Bandara, PLAY AND A MISS! Full and outside off, Bandara looks to drive but misses it. |
| 18.4 : Obed McCoy to Ashen Bandara, Full and outside off, Bandara drives it through covers. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 18.5 : Obed McCoy to Ashen Bandara, Full on middle, Bandara drives it through mid on for a single. |
| 18.6 : Obed McCoy to Dinesh Chandimal, Slower delivery on off, Chandimal pushes it towards mid off for a run. |
| 19.1 : Dwayne Bravo to Dinesh Chandimal, Low full toss on middle, Chandimal plays a paddle scoop towards short fine leg. The batsmen take a single. |
| 19.2 : Dwayne Bravo to Ashen Bandara, SIX! That is clobbered! Full delivery on middle, Bandara lofts it over the bowler's head for a maximum. |
| 19.3 : Dwayne Bravo to Ashen Bandara, FOUR! Nicely played! Length delivery on off, Bandara lofts it over mid off for a boundary. |
| 19.4 : Dwayne Bravo to Ashen Bandara, Yorker outside off, Bandara looks to chase at it but misses it. |
| 19.5 : Dwayne Bravo to Ashen Bandara, Full and on middle, Bandara pushes it through mid on for a single. |
| 19.6 : Dwayne Bravo to Dinesh Chandimal, Full on middle, Chandimal flicks it through mid-wicket for a run. SRI LANKA FINISH WITH 131/4! |
| Excellent bowling display from West Indies. They have bowled and fielded fantastically in the first half of this game and now the onus will be on the batters. Sri Lanka have something to bowl at and they will be satisfied as they have something to bowl at and one can never be sure as this pitch does not look easy to bat on. |
| So 132 is what West Indies need to win the series. With the batting lineup they have, one would believe it to be achieved but the powerhouse West Indies batting has not been at its best in this series. Sri Lanka would have liked to have a bit more after opting to bat but they have something to bowl at. They will look to repeat their heroics from the last game and finally get a T20I series win. Can the tourists do the magic or will the hosts get the job done? |
| After opting to bat, Sri Lanka started off terribly as they lost their top 3 batters inside the Powerplay with very little on the board. Skipper, Angelo Mathews too did not last long. It looked like the tourists would strugggle to get 120 but Chandimal held on like a glue and found an able partner in Bandara. The pair added 85 with Chandimal getting to his fifty. This partnership ensured that Sri Lanka have a respectable total. |
| Superb bowling display from West Indies. They looked up for the task from ball one and the ploy to start with spinners paid dividends. Allen and Sinclair started with the new ball and the pair grabbed sent both the openers packing. Fabian Allen was the star with the ball, finishing with 1/13 from his 4. McCoy and Holder bowled well for their one wicket a piece as well. Sinclair and Bravo were a touch expensive but overall it was an impressive showing from the hosts. |
| The star of West Indies' bowling, Fabian Allen is caught for a quick chat. On the caught and bowled, Allen says that it was all about execution. On bowling in the Powerplay, Allen says that the skipper asked him to do so and he did that. Tells that they have a good batting unit and hopes that they will chase it down. |
| We are back for the chase! The Sri Lankan players are in a huddle with their skipper giving final words of motivation before his troops take the field. Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis walk out to open the innings for West Indies. |
| 0.1 : Akila Dananjaya to Lendl Simmons, West Indies and Simmons are off the mark! Shorter on off, Simmons whips it to mid-wicket and gets off the mark with a single. |
| 0.2 : Akila Dananjaya to Evin Lewis, FOUR! Lewis is off with a bang! Short and wide outside off, Lewis slams it through point for a boundary. That will give him a lot of confidence! |
| 0.3 : Akila Dananjaya to Evin Lewis, Short on middle, Lewis defends it with a straight bat this time. |
| 0.4 : Akila Dananjaya to Evin Lewis, Floated on off, Lewis drives it straight to cover. |
| 0.5 : Akila Dananjaya to Evin Lewis, SIX! Juts over and away! Short on off, Lewis gets on his back foot and pulls it with intent to the left of deep square leg. Ashen Bandara runs and dives to that side but the ball goes away from him and over the ropes. It took Sri Lanka more than 90 deliveries to get their first biggie but West Indies have the first one in the very first over. |
| 0.6 : Akila Dananjaya to Evin Lewis, Going down! Shortish on the pads, Lewis looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pad. There is an appeal but the umpire is unmoved. |
| Who will bowl with the new ball from the other end? |
| 1.1 : Dushmantha Chameera to Lendl Simmons, FOUR LEG BYES! Poor start for Dushmantha Chameera! Defending a low total, you cannot give away freebies. On the pads, Simmons looks to flick but misses. The ball hits his pads and goes fine down the leg side for a boundary. |
| 1.2 : Dushmantha Chameera to Lendl Simmons, Fuller on off, Simmons blocks it. |
| 1.3 : Dushmantha Chameera to Lendl Simmons, On off, Simmons pushes it towards mid off and takes a run this time. |
| 1.4 : Dushmantha Chameera to Evin Lewis, Uppish but safe! Fuller outside off, Lewis swings it across the line. The ball hits the outer half of his bat and flies over backward point. Away from the third man fielder. Single taken. |
| 1.5 : Dushmantha Chameera to Lendl Simmons, Good stop from Akila Dananjaya! Good length ball around off, Simmons opens the face of the bat in the last moment and runs it down fine towards third man. Akila Dananjaya runs to his left, puts a dive and saves a couple for his side. |
| 1.6 : Dushmantha Chameera to Lendl Simmons, On the pads, Simmons flicks it to the on side and keeps the strike. 2 gone, West Indies off to a good start. 20/0! |
| 2.1 : Akila Dananjaya to Lendl Simmons, Tossed up delivery on middle, Simmons flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 2.2 : Akila Dananjaya to Evin Lewis, Floated ball outside off, Lewis looks to defend but gets an outside edge. It goes safely towards short third man. |
| 2.3 : Akila Dananjaya to Evin Lewis, Loopy delivery on off, Lewis defends it off the back foot. |
| 2.4 : Akila Dananjaya to Evin Lewis, Tossed up delivery on off, Lewis drives it to covers. |
| 2.5 : Akila Dananjaya to Evin Lewis, FOUR! Nicely swept! On middle, Lewis sweeps it towards fine leg. The fielder chases it but fails to stop it as it races away to the fence. |
| 2.6 : Akila Dananjaya to Evin Lewis, Floated delivery on middle, Lewis flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 3.1 : Dushmantha Chameera to Evin Lewis, Full and outside off, Lewis pushes it to covers. |
| 3.2 : Dushmantha Chameera to Evin Lewis, FOUR! Terrific shot! Full on off, Lewis lofts it over mid off for a boundary. |
| 3.3 : Dushmantha Chameera to Evin Lewis, Bouncer on middle, Lewis does well to duck under it. |
| 3.4 : Dushmantha Chameera to Evin Lewis, Short delivery on middle, Lewis looks to pull but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes towards the off side. The batsmen take a run. |
| Some issue with Lewis' pad as it is being changed now. |
| 3.5 : Dushmantha Chameera to Lendl Simmons, FOUR! Fantastic shot! Full on middle, Simmons lofts it over mid on for a boundary. |
| 3.6 : Dushmantha Chameera to Lendl Simmons, Length delivery on off, Simmons guides it towards third man for a single. |
| Change in bowling. Angelo Mathews has decided to bring on his trump card. The Man of the Match from the last game, Wanindu Hasaranga is into the attack now. |
| 4.1 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Lendl Simmons, IN THE AIR AND DROPPED! Danushka Gunathilaka has dropped a sitter here. He must be doing much better than that. Almost a dream start for Hasaranga. He starts with a loopy ball, Simmons comes down the track and hits it against the breeze over mid-wicket. It does not go the distance and instead goes straight to deep mid-wicket. Gunathilaka there gets on his knees, the ball pops in and out of his hand. |
| 4.2 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Evin Lewis, On middle, Lewis pushes it back towards the bowler. |
| 0.0 : Review time! An appeal for LBW against Evin Lewis has been turned down by the umpire but Angelo Mathews has decided to take it upstairs. Let's see what the replays have to say. |
| 4.3 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Evin Lewis, NOT OUT! It is pitching outside leg! Flighted delivery on leg, Lewis looks to sweep but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw but the umpire shakes his head. Sri Lanka review it. Ultra Edge shows there is no bat on it. Ball Tracker shows that it is pitching outside leg. |
| 4.4 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Evin Lewis, OUT! LBW! Wanindu once again weaving his magic and striking in his very first over. Is he going to turn this game around once again with his spinning webs? Floated delivery pitching on middle. Lewis looks to sweep it across the line. The ball pitches and keeps straight. Lewis misses his sweep and gets hit on the pad. A huge appeal follows and the umpire raises his finger. Lewis has a chat with Simmons but decides not to review it. Good call as it looked plu |
| Universe Boss time as Chris Gayle walks out to bat. |
| 4.5 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Chris Gayle, Full on middle, Gayle pushes it through mid on for a single. |
| 4.6 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Lendl Simmons, Short delivery on off, Simmons cuts it to point. |
| 5.1 : Akila Dananjaya to Chris Gayle, Flighted delivery on off, Gayle defends it off the front foot. |
| 5.2 : Akila Dananjaya to Chris Gayle, Floated ball on leg, Gayle looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a leg bye. |
| 5.3 : Akila Dananjaya to Lendl Simmons, Loopy delivery on off, Simmons pushes it to mid off. |
| 5.4 : Akila Dananjaya to Lendl Simmons, FOUR! Nice shot! Full on off, Simmons drives it through mid off for a boundary. |
| 5.5 : Akila Dananjaya to Lendl Simmons, SIX! That is hammered! Short ball on middle, Simmons pulls it over square leg for a biggie. |
| 5.6 : Akila Dananjaya to Lendl Simmons, FOUR! 15 runs have come from the over! Short delivery on off, Simmons punches it through point for a boundary. |
| 6.1 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Chris Gayle, Flighted delivery on middle, Gayle blocks it off the front foot. |
| 6.2 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Chris Gayle, Tossed up delivery on off, Gayle drives it through mid off for a single. |
| 6.3 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Lendl Simmons, On middle, Simmons keeps it out. |
| 6.4 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Lendl Simmons, Floated delivery on off, Simmons pushes it to point. |
| 6.5 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Lendl Simmons, OUT! STUMPED! Wanindu strikes again and one has to question his choice of shot! Was it even necessary? They can easily see off Hasaranga as the required rate is not much but Simmons has gone looking for glory and departed. Flighted delivery outside off, Simmons wears his dancing shoes and comes down the track. The dancing shoes though are not equipped for this ball as Simmons misses his move. He swings his bat, connects with nothing. The West Indian open |
| Skipper. Kieron Pollard is out to bat and this is the battle of the series. |
| 6.6 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Kieron Pollard, Tossed up delivery on off, Pollard defends it off the front foot. |
| 7.1 : Dushmantha Chameera to Chris Gayle, Good length delivery on off, Gayle defends it off the back foot. |
| 7.2 : Dushmantha Chameera to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Bouncer on leg, Gayle ducks under it. |
| Dushmantha Chameera to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Bouncer down the leg side, Gayle does well to duck under it. |
| Dushmantha Chameera to Chris Gayle, Length delivery on off, Gayle defends it off the back foot. |
| 7.3 : Dushmantha Chameera to Chris Gayle, FOUR! Nicely played! Length delivery on middle, Gayle flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary. |
| 7.4 : Dushmantha Chameera to Chris Gayle, Short delivery on off, Gayle punches it towards mid off for a single. |
| 7.5 : Dushmantha Chameera to Kieron Pollard, Back of a length on off, Pollard defends it off the back foot. |
| 7.6 : Dushmantha Chameera to Kieron Pollard, OUT! CAUGHT! Pollard departs without troubling the scorers. The move to bring on the pacer has paid its reward. Chameera hits the deck hard outside off. Just like Mathews, Pollard too looks to run it down behind point. The ball shapes away a bit and kisses the outside edge of Pollard's willow. Dickwella, behind the stumps, dives to his left and in front as the ball dies down to him. The Sri Lankan keeper does well to take the catch. The West Indies sk |
| Nicholas Pooran joins Chris Gayle out in the middle. |
| 8.1 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Chris Gayle, Tossed up delivery on off, Gayle punches it towards covers for a run. |
| 8.2 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Nicholas Pooran, Floated delivery on middle, Pooran defends it off the back foot. |
| 8.3 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Nicholas Pooran, Loopy delivery on middle, Pooran flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 8.4 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Nicholas Pooran, Flighted delivery on off, Pooran pushes it to short third man. |
| 8.5 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Nicholas Pooran, Short ball on off, Pooran cuts it through point for a single. |
| 8.6 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Chris Gayle, On off, Gayle pushes it through mid off for a run. |
| Change in bowling! Lakshan Sandakan is into the attack for the first time this evening. |
| 9.1 : Lakshan Sandakan to Chris Gayle, Tossed up delivery outside off, Gayle offers no shot to this one. |
| 9.2 : Lakshan Sandakan to Chris Gayle, Floated delivery on middle, Gayle looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the leg side. |
| 9.3 : Lakshan Sandakan to Chris Gayle, WIDE! Down the leg side, Gayle looks to flick but misses it. |
| Lakshan Sandakan to Chris Gayle, Tossed up delivery on off, Gayle pushes it through mid off for a single. |
| 9.4 : Lakshan Sandakan to Nicholas Pooran, Flighted ball on off, Pooran drives it through point for a single. |
| 9.5 : Lakshan Sandakan to Chris Gayle, Floated on middle, Gayle pushes it through mid on for a run. |
| 9.6 : Lakshan Sandakan to Nicholas Pooran, Short ball on off, Pooran punches it through point for a single. |
| 10.1 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Nicholas Pooran, Flighted delivery on off, Pooran pushes it through mid off for a single. |
| 10.2 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Chris Gayle, Loopy delivery on middle, Gayle flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 10.3 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Nicholas Pooran, Short delivery on middle, Pooran pulls it through square leg for a single. |
| 10.4 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Chris Gayle, On off, Gayle pushes it towards covers for a run. |
| 10.5 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Nicholas Pooran, Tossed up on middle, Pooran sweeps it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 10.6 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Chris Gayle, Floated delivery on off, Gayle pushes it to short third man. |
| 11.1 : Lakshan Sandakan to Nicholas Pooran, Short ball on middle, Pooran pulls it through mid on for a single. |
| 11.2 : Lakshan Sandakan to Chris Gayle, Floated delivery on middle and leg, Gayle looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the leg side. |
| 11.3 : Lakshan Sandakan to Chris Gayle, OUT! BOWLED! West Indies are losing control in this game. Another failure for the Universe Boss and Sandakan gets his first wicket of the game. Floated delivery on middle. Gayle, who had been quiet and patient so far decides to break the shackles. He clears his front leg and looks to go downtown, Chris Gayle style. He completely misses it though as first, he is early in his shot. Then he completely misreads the spin as well. the ball goes between his bat a |
| The new man in is Jason Holder! |
| 11.4 : Lakshan Sandakan to Jason Holder, Flighted delivery on off, Holder pushes it to mid off. |
| 11.5 : Lakshan Sandakan to Jason Holder, Short delivery on off, Holder pushes it through mid off for a single. |
| 11.6 : Lakshan Sandakan to Nicholas Pooran, On off, Pooran pushes it through mid off for a run. |
| 12.1 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Nicholas Pooran, Short delivery on off, Pooran cuts it through point for a single. |
| 12.2 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Jason Holder, Floated ball on middle, Holder flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 12.3 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Jason Holder, Loopy delivery on off, Holder pushes it through mid on for a run. |
| 12.4 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Nicholas Pooran, Short delivery on off, Pooran punches it back towards the bowler. |
| 12.5 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Nicholas Pooran, On middle and leg, Pooran pushes it through mid on for a single. |
| 12.6 : Danushka Gunathilaka to Jason Holder, Full on off, Holder drives it to covers. |
| 13.1 : Lakshan Sandakan to Nicholas Pooran, SIX! KABOOM! Pooran goes downtown and gets the maximum! Floated on off, in the slot for Pooran. He frees his arms and smokes it over the bowler's head for a biggie. A welcome boundary for West Indies. They needed this as the pressure was building. |
| 13.2 : Lakshan Sandakan to Nicholas Pooran, Short delivery on off, Pooran cuts it towards short third man for a single. |
| 13.3 : Lakshan Sandakan to Jason Holder, Floated delivery on off, Holder pushes it back towards the bowler. |
| 13.4 : Lakshan Sandakan to Jason Holder, Full on off, Holder drives it to covers. |
| 13.5 : Lakshan Sandakan to Jason Holder, Tossed up ball on off, Holder drives it through mid off for a single. |
| 13.6 : Lakshan Sandakan to Nicholas Pooran, SIX! Mistimed but still goes the distance! Slightly shorter around off, Pooran looks to smash it over long off. He does not time it well. It goes high in the air. It looks like it will go to the man at long off but Pooran gets enough on it to send it over the ropes. |
| Change in bowling. Dushmantha Chameera is back for his final over. |
| 14.1 : Dushmantha Chameera to Jason Holder, Length delivery on off, Holder pushes it towards covers for a run. |
| 14.2 : Dushmantha Chameera to Nicholas Pooran, OUT! BOWLED! gem of a delivery from Chameera and Sri Lanka are not yet out of this game by any means. Good length ball pitching around off, Pooran looks to play it on the off side but he plays the wrong line. He looks to play it for the natural angle but the delivery held its line. Pooran misses his shot and the ball hits the top of off. 37 still needed off 34! |
| Rovman Powell is the new man in. |
| 14.3 : Dushmantha Chameera to Rovman Powell, Back of a length on off, Powell defends it off the front foot. |
| 14.4 : Dushmantha Chameera to Rovman Powell, Length delivery on off, Powell keeps it out. |
| 14.5 : Dushmantha Chameera to Rovman Powell, BEATEN! Good length ball outside off, Powell looks to defend but misses it due to the seam movement on this one. |
| 14.6 : Dushmantha Chameera to Rovman Powell, Full on middle, Powell flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| Change in bowling! Wanindu Hasaranga is back on. 2/3 from his 2 overs. Just incredible! |
| 15.1 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Jason Holder, Tossed up delivery on off, Holder pushes it back towards the bowler. |
| 15.2 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Jason Holder, Flighted delivery on middle, Holder pushes it through mid on for a single. |
| 15.3 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Rovman Powell, Full on off, Powell sweeps it through square leg for a run. |
| 15.4 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Jason Holder, Full and down the leg side, Holder looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the leg side. |
| 15.5 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Jason Holder, Floated delivery on off, Holder looks to go big but gets it off the inner half of the bat. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen take a single. |
| 15.6 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Rovman Powell, Tossed up ball on off, Powell defends it off the back foot. |
| A conference taking place now with Angelo Mathews, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Akila Dananjaya a part of it. Lakshan Sandakan is given the ball now. He will bowl out. |
| 16.1 : Lakshan Sandakan to Jason Holder, BEATEN! Short delivery outside off, Holder looks to cut but misses it. |
| 16.2 : Lakshan Sandakan to Jason Holder, Full on off, Holder drives it through mid off for a single. |
| 16.3 : Lakshan Sandakan to Rovman Powell, SIX! That is hammered! Short ball on middle, Powell pulls it over long on. The fielder in the deep tries to take the catch but it goes over him for a maximum. |
| 16.4 : Lakshan Sandakan to Rovman Powell, OUT! BOWLED! The wrong 'un does the trick for Sandakan. Powell had no idea what happened there! Lakshan bowls a googly which is short on middle and leg. Powell looks to defend but the ball turns back in, hits his inside edge and goes onto hit the stumps. 27 needed in 20! |
| Dwayne Bravo joins Jason Holder out in the middle. |
| 16.5 : Lakshan Sandakan to Dwayne Bravo, OUT! CAUGHT! Two-in-two for Sandakan and once again a Sri Lankan player has chance for a hat-trick in this series. Softest of dismissal this one and once again it is the googly. Flighted on the pads, Bravo looks to sweep but gets a top edge which goes straight to short fine leg. Akila Dananjaya there makes no mistake and takes the catch. |
| Fabian Allen walks out to face the hat-trick ball. |
| 16.6 : Lakshan Sandakan to Fabian Allen, No hat-trick! Short on off, Allen manages to defend the hat-trick ball. |
| 17.1 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Jason Holder, Tossed up delivery on off, Holder pushes it through mid off but Holder does not take the single. |
| 17.2 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Jason Holder, Floated ball on middle, Holder pushes it through mid on but Holder denies the single. |
| 17.3 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Jason Holder, NO BALL! Hasaranga overstepped and here is a chance for Holder. Shorter on off, Holder blocks it. The umpire later on signals a NO BALL! Free Hit coming up! Big ball coming up! |
| Wanindu Hasaranga to Jason Holder, SIX! Into the orbit! Holder had the freedom in this delivery and he has made the most of it. Floated on middle and off, Holder slogs it over the cow corner fence and picks the bones out of that one for a biggie. |
| 17.4 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Jason Holder, Floated delivery on off, Holder pushes it back towards the bowler. |
| 17.5 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Jason Holder, BEATEN! Flighted ball outside off, Holder looks to defend but misses it due to the sharp turn on this one. |
| 17.6 : Wanindu Hasaranga to Jason Holder, On off, Holder pushes it back towards the bowler. |
| Akila Dananjaya set to bowl the crucial penultimate over of the game. |
| 18.1 : Akila Dananjaya to Fabian Allen, SIX! SMASHED! Short on the body, it is a delivery asking to be hit. Allen says thank you very much. He comfortably puts this leg break over the square leg fence for a biggie. 14 needed off 11 now.  |
| 18.2 : Akila Dananjaya to Fabian Allen, Floated delivery on off, Allen looks to play the slog sweep but gets an outside edge. It goes towards short third man. The batsmen get two runs. |
| 18.3 : Akila Dananjaya to Fabian Allen, SIX! That is clobbered! Loopy delivery on middle, Allen lofts it over mid-wicket for a biggie. |
| 18.4 : Akila Dananjaya to Fabian Allen, Short delivery on off, Allen punches it through point for a single. |
| 18.5 : Akila Dananjaya to Jason Holder, Full on middle, Holder pushes it through mid on for a run. |
| 18.6 : Akila Dananjaya to Fabian Allen, SIX! Fabian Allen finishes it off in style! Take a bow! This is your day, Allen! First with the ball and then with the bat! Floated on middle, Allen smokes it high, very high, the ball kisses the skies and then comes down but on the other side of the ropes for a biggie. WEST INDIES WIN BY 3 WICKETS! |
| Phew! West Indies have done it the hard way but they have done it and won the series. Sri Lanka's wait for a T20I series win extends but commiseration for them. They made this a very close contest but just was not enough to see them over the line. They did all they could but were unable to get over the line. |
| Chasing a modest total of 132, West Indies got off to a firing start as Lewis and Simmons started off with a bang. Lewis though departed after getting to a start. They were cruising in the Powerplay but that changed completely after that. The Sri Lankan spinners, led by Wanindu Hasaranga once again did the damage. The hosts struggled for partnerships and the dot balls along with wickets kept building pressure. Pooran settled, then just when he was taking off he too departed. Holder though kept h |
| So near yet so far for Sri Lanka. Their bowlers, especially Wanindu Hasaranga and Lakshan Sandakan almost did the magic and turned things in their favor but not to be! Wanindu Hasaranga was once again the tormentor in chief as the hosts found him hard to face. He finished with 2/13. Lakshan Sandakan too grabbed 3 and gave away just 29. Dushmantha Chameera was brilliant too picking up a couple and going under 6 rpo. But Akila Dananjaya was too expensive, the gamble to give him the penultima |
| For his brilliant performance, first with the ball and then with the bat, Fabian Allen is named the Player of the Match! Allen says that whenever the team asks him to do anything, he is always ready. Says that he is always prepared and when the skipper asked, he did the job. Tells that the pitch was on the slower side and he executed the plans nicely with the ball. Adds that he backs himself to play those big shots. On Holder not taking singles in the 18th over, Allen tells that it was him who |
| That is it from this game! West Indies kept it late but have managed to drag themselves over the line and bag the 3-match T20I series 2-1 to start off this fascinating contest. The action now moves to the ODIs between the two sides. The 3-match ODI series begins on Wednesday, 10th March. The first game will begin at 0930 local (1330 GMT). Make sure you join us for that one. Till then, goodbye and take care! |
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