A stunning late assault from Jason Holder carried West Indies to a dramatic five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the decisive third T20 International at Sabina Park in Kingston under lights on Sunday night, securing a 2-1 series triumph.
In a close contest which swung back and forth, West Indies held their nerve in the closing stages to chase down Sri Lanka’s 169 and complete a memorable comeback victory before a jubilant Jamaican crowd. Sri Lanka appeared to have gained the upper hand for much of the chase after their bowlers applied pressure through the middle overs. West Indies lost wickets at crucial times and found themselves needing 29 off the last two overs as the required run rate climbed.
Sherfane Rutherford provided the backbone of the innings with a composed 54 not out from 40 balls, which included three fours and four sixes. His partnership of 81 with Rovman Powell, who made 33 off 27 balls, revived the West Indies from 53-4 in the ninth over.
Then, it was Holder who delivered the magic moments – when he blasted three sixes in the penultimate over off fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera – whose four overs went for 64 runs. The giant allrounder unleashed a whirlwind unbeaten 21 from just five balls and won the match and the series in spectacular fashion.
Earlier, Sri Lanka made 169 all out from their 20 overs after being sent in to bat. West Indies were kept in the contest by an outstanding bowling display from fast bowler Shamar Joseph, who had five for 33 – the best figures of his career. He was named Man-of-the-Match and Man-of-the-Series.
The two teams will now travel to Antigua for the next stage of the series – two Test matches at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, starting Thursday, June 25. (PS)
