West Indies beat Sri Lanka by five wickets in the first T20I of the three-match series on Sunday at Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, Dambulla. 

After being put in to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a good score of 179/7 in their allotted 20 overs courtesy of half centuries from Kamindu Mendis (51) and captain Charith Asalanka (59 off 35).

In reply, West Indies chased down the target in 19.1 overs courtesy of half centuries from Brandon King (63 off 33) and Evin Lewis (50 off 28). 

As a result, West Indies comfortably won the series opener and took a 1-0 lead in the series.

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka lost their opener Pathum Nissanka (11 off 10) early in the innings as he edged Romario Shepherd to wicketkeeper Shai Hope. Kusal Perera (6 off 3) also departed cheaply as he lost his stumps against Shamar Joseph (2/39) to leave Sri Lanka on 27/2.

Kusal Mendis started his innings well scoring a boundary and a six in his first 15 balls but failed to convert it into a big score as Gudakesh Motie shattered his stumps to leave Sri Lanka on 58/3 after 7.3 overs. 

After three quick wickets, captain Charith Asalanka (59 off 35) joined Kamindu Mendis (51 off 40) at the crease and the duo bailed their team out of trouble with a massive 82-run stand off 52 balls.

Brisk cameos from Bhanuka Rajapaksa (17 off 11) helped Sri Lanka reach 179/7 in their allotted 20 overs. In the second innings, West Indies got off to a terrific start in their chase as openers Brandon King and Evin Lewis got involved in a massive 107-run partnership off 55 balls.

However, Sri Lanka managed to get back into the game dismissing both set batters and Shai Hope (7 off 6) within a space of 16 balls leaving West Indies on 128/3 in 11.4 overs. Despite losing three wickets, the pressure never mounted on West Indies as the required run rate remained under control.

Handy contributions from Roston Chase (19 off 16), Rovman Powell (13 off 18) and Sherfane Rutherford (14* off 12) took West Indies over the line in 19.1 overs. Matheesha Pathirana (2/27) was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka. 

Meanwhile after losing the first T20I, hosts Sri Lanka will look to make a comeback in the second T20I on Tuesday, October 15 at the same venue.

Source: IndiaToday