Sri Lanka 194 for 6 (Mishara 61*, Shanaka 58; Joseph 3-32) beat West Indies 157 all out (Powell 43, Hetmyer 36; Chameera 3-9) by 37 runs
Despite a threatening partnership from Rovman Powell and Shimron Hetmyer, the West Indies middle-order lost their way against the Sri Lankan spinners in a big chase, suffering a 37-run defeat in the second T20 International at Sabina Park on Saturday. The defeat leaves the three-match series tied at one apiece, ahead of Sunday’s decider.
Needing 195 runs for victory, the Caribbean side lost captain Shai Hope and Brandon King within the first ten deliveries of the chase, which set them back early. Both fell lbw, Hope trapped by Dunith Wellalage (2/2
for 6 before Dushmantha Chameera (3/9) accounted for King, to leave Windies nine for 2 in the second over.
With an 81-run (47 balls) third-wicket partnership between Hetmyer and Powell, however, the hosts climbed back into the contest. Promoted to No. 3, Powell responded with a top-score of 43 (26 balls).
Despite two close calls, Hetmyer’s contribution stood at 36 from 26 balls. He was first given a reprieve after being bowled off a Maheesh Theekshana no-ball and back-tracking his stride after heading towards the pavilion, having been found to have pushed his bat back in time to survive a certain stumping six legal deliveries later.
