KINGSTON: Skipper Shai Hope’s unbeaten half-century helped West Indies beat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the first T20I of the three-match T20I series at Jamaica’s Sabina Park on Thursday.
Batting first, Sri Lanka were restricted to 147-9 in 20 overs, despite Kamindu Mendis’ brilliant half-century and useful contributions from captain Kusal Mendis and Dasun Shanaka.
Kamindu scored his fourth T20I fifty with 51 off 39 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes. He was then run out by Matthew Ford and Hope was involved in a fielding attempt.
Gusal Mendis scored 36 runs off 23 balls with 2 fours and 3 sixes before being bowled by Shamar Joseph while Shanaka added 22 runs off 23 balls including a four and a six.
Padum Nissanga scored 18 off 14 balls with 3 fours while Lasith Kruspal was trapped lbw by Jason Holder.
Pawan Ratnayake 4, Vanindu Hasaranga 3, Mahesh Deekshana and Dushmantha Sameera scored one run each. Eshan Malinga remained unbeaten with 3 runs.
For West Indies Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph took 3 wickets each and Roston Chase took one wicket.
In response, the Sri Lankan team reached the target losing only 3 wickets in 19.2 overs. Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten 65 off 54 balls with 5 fours and 2 sixes.
Brandon King made a blistering start with 37 off 22 balls, including 2 fours and 3 sixes, while Shimron Hetmyer scored 17 off 9 balls. Roston Chase added 16 runs off 26 balls and Rowman Powell added 10 runs off sixes.
Sri Lanka’s Vanindu Hazaranga took 2 wickets in his 4 overs and Eshan Malinga took one wicket.
The second T20 match will be played at the same venue on Sunday.