Sri Lanka secure victory over West Indies in 2nd T20I:Levek series 1-1; Mishara-Shanaka’s fifty, Chameera-Hasaranga grab 3 wickets apiece

Sri Lanka defeated the West Indies by 37 runs in the second match of the T20 series. With this win, the team levelled the 3-match series 1-1. West Indies had won the first match. In Kingston on Sunday, Sri Lanka posted a score of 194 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs. Kamil Mishara scored an unbeaten 61 runs, and Dasun Shanaka played a half-century knock of 58 runs. Chasing a target of 195 runs, the Caribbean team was all out for 157 runs in 18.1 overs. For Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera and Wanindu Hasaranga grabbed 3 wickets apiece. Mishara-Kamindu steered the innings after Sri Lanka were 43/3 Batting first after losing the toss, Sri Lanka did not get off to a good start. The team lost its first wicket in the form of opener Pathum Nissanka (7) at a score of 40 runs. After this, Kusal Mendis tried to steady the innings, but he also returned to the pavilion after scoring 31 runs. Then Sri Lanka quickly lost two more wickets. At one point, the team’s score was 43/3. From here, Kamil Mishara and Kamindu Mendis made a 45-run partnership for the fourth wicket off 35 balls. Kamindu was out after scoring 24 runs, but he had pulled the team out of trouble. Shanaka’s explosive batting, 103-run partnership with Mishara After Kamindu’s dismissal, Kamil Mishara was joined by captain Dasun Shanaka. Both of them severely punished the West Indies bowlers and, by making a stormy 103-run partnership for the fifth wicket in just 41 balls, took the team to a score of 194. Mishara scored an unbeaten 61 runs off 40 balls, which is his fourth T20 International career half-century. He hit 4 fours and 3 sixes. Captain Shanaka batted at a strike rate of 241.67, scoring 58 runs off just 24 balls. Shanaka hit 5 fours and 4 sixes in his innings. This is his 9th career fifty and first against West Indies. West Indies’ Shamar Joseph took 3 wickets Talking about West Indies bowlers, fast bowler Shamar Joseph was the most successful. He took 3 wickets for 32 runs in his quota of 4 overs. Apart from him, Matthew Ford also tried to bowl economically, taking 2 wickets for 38 runs in 4 overs. However, he could not stop Sri Lanka’s tail-enders from scoring runs quickly. West Indies’ batting crumbles while chasing 195-run target Chasing the target, the West Indies got off to a very poor start. The team lost the wickets of Brandon King (2) and Shai Hope (6) within the powerplay itself. Subsequently, in the middle order, Shimron Hetmyer (36) and captain Rovman Powell (43) cautiously built the innings. However, as the run rate pressure mounted, both got out attempting big shots. After their dismissals, no West Indies batsman could stay at the crease, and the entire team was all out for 157 runs. Windies batsman trapped by Chameera and Hasaranga’s Spin The bowlers played a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s victory. Fast bowler Dushmantha delivered a sharp spell, taking 3 wickets in just 3.1 overs. Meanwhile, mystery spinner Wanindu Hasaranga conceded 38 runs in his 4 overs. He demolished the West Indies’ middle order, taking 3 crucial wickets. With the help of their lethal bowling, Sri Lanka has kept itself alive in the series. Now, the third and final match of the series will decide the series winner.