Sri Lanka's Kamindu Mendis and captain Charith Asalanka led the charge as the hosts posted a challenging 179-7 in the first T20 international against the West Indies at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium on Sunday.
Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka capitalized on a vibrant 82-run stand off 54 balls between Mendis and Asalanka. Mendis, in the midst of a stellar run, notched his second T20I half-century. Earlier this month, he matched Sir Don Bradman's record by becoming the third-fastest to reach 1,000 Test runs, highlighting his growing prowess.
Mendis's innings of 51 off 40 balls, featuring five boundaries and two sixes, was cut short when he miscued a pull off debutant Shamar Springer, with Roston Chase completing the catch. Asalanka's rapid 59 off 35 balls, including nine fours, provided a significant boost to Sri Lanka's total before he was caught at mid-on in the penultimate over.
The West Indies, ranked third in T20 cricket, faced a stiff challenge from the eighth-ranked Sri Lankans. The match started 30 minutes late due to a damp outfield, but both teams played the full 20 overs. Romario Shepherd was the standout bowler for the West Indies, taking two wickets for 39 runs in his four-over spell.
The remaining two T20 matches against the West Indies will be held in Dambulla on October 15 and 17, followed by a three-match ODI series in Pallekele. Sri Lanka, buoyed by recent successes in Tests and ODIs, aims to maintain their winning momentum.
