Shanaka, Mishara Fifties Set Up Series-Levelling Win for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has levelled the T20I series against West Indies 1-1, thanks to a 37-run victory in the second match. The win was set up by fifties from Dasun Shanaka and Kamil Mishara, who propelled Sri Lanka to a commanding score of 194 for 6.

Shanaka Explodes

Shanaka arrived at the crease with Sri Lanka in trouble at 88 for 4, but he was almost immediately aggressive, blasting Roston Chase’s offspin onto the roof of the Sabina Park stadium. He stormed to a 19-ball fifty, equalling his own record for fastest Sri Lanka men’s half-century in T20Is.

Mishara Holds the Fort

Mishara came to the crease in the fifth over and remained unbeaten until the close, taking a while to get going as wickets fell around him. However, he took cues from Shanaka and unleashed some big hitting of his own at the death, finishing with 61 not out off 40.

Hetmyer and Powell Prosper

West Indies struck twice in the first 10 balls to have Sri Lanka at 9 for 2, but Hetmyer and Powell soon revived the chase, striking judicious boundaries through the powerplay. They looked like they were putting the hosts on track for a series win, but on a track taking a little spin, they had some close calls.

Sri Lanka Bowlers Dominate the Middle Overs

The spinners soon took the chase by the collar, with Theekshana having Powell caught off the leading edge in the 10th over. Hasaranga struck twice in two balls to remove Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd in the 13th over. Dunith Wellalage and Chameera continued to strike, and by the time West Indies arrived at the 16th over, they were already eight down.

Tejas Bera