Sri Lanka bounced back to level the series against West Indies with a commanding 37-run victory in the second T20I at Sabina Park, Kingston, producing the kind of all-round performance they badly needed after losing the opening match.
Asked to bat first after West Indies won the toss and chose to bowl, Sri Lanka posted an imposing 194/6 in 20 overs, built around a superb unbeaten 61 from Kamil Mishara and a blistering 58 from Dasun Shanaka. In reply, West Indies were bowled out for 157 in 18.1 overs as Sri Lanka’s bowlers, led by Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga, tightened their grip on the contest.
Sri Lanka did not have the smoothest start with the bat. Pathum Nissanka fell cheaply for 7, while captain Kusal Mendis provided early momentum with a brisk 31 off 19 balls. Pavan Rathnayake also departed early, leaving Sri Lanka in a difficult position at 43/3.
From there, Kamil Mishara helped steady the innings with maturity and control. He first rebuilt alongside Kamindu Mendis, who made 24 off 20 balls, before Dasun Shanaka changed the entire direction of the match with a fierce counterattack.
Shanaka’s innings was the turning point. Walking in with Sri Lanka needing momentum, he immediately took the attack to the West Indies bowlers. His 58 came from just 24 deliveries and included five fours and four sixes, lifting Sri Lanka from a rebuilding phase into a match-winning position.
Mishara, who remained unbeaten on 61 from 40 balls, also accelerated beautifully at the back end of the innings. His knock included four boundaries and three sixes, giving Sri Lanka the stability and finishing power they lacked in the first T20I.
The partnership between Mishara and Shanaka was the backbone of Sri Lanka’s total. Their 103-run stand off just 41 balls gave the visitors the platform to reach 194/6, a total that always looked above par on a surface where spin and variation later played a major role.
For West Indies, Shamar Joseph was the pick of the bowlers with 3/32, while Matthew Forde claimed 2/38. However, the hosts leaked too many runs during the middle and death overs, allowing Sri Lanka to seize control.
West Indies’ chase began badly. Captain Shai Hope was dismissed for 6 by Dunith Wellalage, while Brandon King followed soon after, trapped lbw by Dushmantha Chameera for 2. At 9/2, the hosts were immediately under pressure.
Shimron Hetmyer and Rovman Powell briefly brought West Indies back into the match. Hetmyer made 36 off 26 balls, while Powell played aggressively for 43 off 26 balls, keeping the required rate within reach for a period.
But Sri Lanka struck at the right time. Hetmyer was run out by Pavan Rathnayake, and Powell fell soon after to Maheesh Theekshana. From 90/2, West Indies collapsed dramatically, losing regular wickets and failing to recover.
Chameera was outstanding with the ball, finishing with 3/9 from 3.1 overs. Hasaranga also made a major impact with 3/38, while Wellalage took 2/28. Their combined pressure ensured West Indies never found a settled rhythm after the Hetmyer-Powell partnership was broken.
The result was a strong statement from Sri Lanka. After being beaten in the opening T20I, they responded with discipline, aggression and better execution under pressure. Their batting clicked at the right time, while their bowlers made sure the big total was protected without late drama.
Dasun Shanaka was named Player of the Match for his explosive 58, an innings that gave Sri Lanka the momentum they needed to level the series.
With the series now tied 1-1, the final T20I becomes the decider. Sri Lanka will take confidence from the way they bounced back, while West Indies will know they must improve both their death bowling and middle-order batting if they are to claim the series.
Chief Scores
Sri Lanka – 194/6 in 20 overs
Kamil Mishara 61 not out, Dasun Shanaka 58, Kusal Mendis 31
Shamar Joseph 3/32, Matthew Forde 2/38
West Indies – 157 all out in 18.1 overs
Rovman Powell 43, Shimron Hetmyer 36, Roston Chase 17
Dushmantha Chameera 3/9, Wanindu Hasaranga 3/38, Dunith Wellalage 2/28
Result: Sri Lanka won by 37 runs
Player of the Match: Dasun Shanaka
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