The Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium’s surface for the second Twenty20 International between Sri Lanka and the West Indies wasn’t suitable for the game’s shortest format, according to Rovman Powell. On Tuesday, October 15, Sri Lanka regained parity in the three-match series after the West Indies collapsed to a 73-run loss, although he praised the hosts for taking advantage of the circumstances.
Due to the pitch’s dryness, Charith Asalanka chose to bat first after winning the toss. To strengthen their spin-bowling capabilities, Sri Lanka replaced Asitha Fernando, an in-form pacer, with all-rounder Dunith Wellalage for his T20I debut. With 77 runs in 10 overs, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis gave Sri Lanka a strong start at the top of the order.
Kusal Perera joined Nissanka in the middle and made a useful cameo after Mendis left for a 25-ball 26. Perera only needed 16 balls to get 24 runs. Nissanka, on the other hand, hit his half-century before succumbing to a 54 off 49 balls. The hosts reached 162/5, which appeared to be a very impressive score on a slow surface, thanks to a superb hand from Kamindu Mendis as well. Powell asserted, however, that his guys were certain they could pursue the goal.
Rovman Powell remarked at the post-match presentation ceremony, “We have 24 hours to look at what we can do better.”
“We thought we could reach 160 at the midway point. However, they (SL) made good use of the circumstances tonight, and it was not a T20 wicket. We simply didn’t reach for the ball as much as we should have.
To win, it was a good toss: Asalanka Charith
Before employing spinners on both ends, Sri Lanka only allowed Nuwan Thushara to have one over with the new ball. The visitors only scored 21 runs during the powerplay for the cost of three wickets as Maheesh Theekshana and Wellalage tangled a web around the Windies hitters. West Indies were bowled out for 89 in the 17th over after no batter appeared at ease against Asalanka’s five spin-bowling options.
Asalanka praised Sri Lanka’s opening batsmen for their strong start. Wellalage, who concluded with outstanding figures of 3/9 in his four overs, was also commended by him.
“It is a significant victory for us. Hopefully, this victory will be the beginning of a journey. To win, that was a good toss. The openers established the tone, and we estimated that 160–170 would be a par score.
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Wellalage didn’t appear like a rookie and has expertise playing cricket in the 50-over format. Asalanka said, “I hope we win the series.
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