West Indies opened their home series against Sri Lanka with a composed seven-wicket victory in the first T20I at Sabina Park, Kingston, chasing down 148 with four balls to spare after a disciplined bowling display led by Jason Holder.
Sri Lanka, opting to bat first, posted 147 for 9 in their 20 overs on a surface that offered moderate assistance to seamers but remained largely true for stroke play. Their innings, however, never fully gathered momentum due to regular wickets and two untimely run-outs that stalled any sustained acceleration.
The visitors began with intent as Kusal Mendis, leading the side, struck a brisk 36 off 23 balls, clearing the boundary three times and setting a positive tempo in the powerplay. Pathum Nissanka added 18 before Kamindu Mendis anchored the innings with a well-constructed 51 off 39 deliveries. His knock was the backbone of Sri Lanka’s effort, combining restraint with controlled aggression as wickets fell around him.
Dasun Shanaka contributed 22 off 23 balls, but Sri Lanka’s middle order struggled to build partnerships at a crucial stage. Wanindu Hasaranga’s brief stay produced only 3 runs, while late resistance was cut short by sharp West Indies fielding and pressure through the middle overs. Eshan Malinga remained unbeaten on 3 as Sri Lanka closed on a below-par but competitive 147.
The West Indies attack was led superbly by Jason Holder, who delivered a match-defining spell of 3 for 18 from his four overs. His control of length and ability to generate awkward bounce ensured Sri Lanka never broke free in the middle overs. Shamar Joseph matched the intensity with 3 for 29, striking at key moments to dismantle the visitors’ momentum. Roston Chase and the supporting bowlers kept things tight, ensuring Sri Lanka were restricted despite Kamindu’s resistance.
In reply, West Indies began aggressively, with Brandon King leading the charge. His 37 off 22 balls featured clean striking and early dominance over the Sri Lankan attack, helping the hosts race to 66 without loss in the powerplay.
Although Wanindu Hasaranga briefly swung momentum back in Sri Lanka’s favour with two quick wickets, removing King and Shimron Hetmyer (17 off 9), the chase remained firmly under West Indies control thanks to the composure of Shai Hope. The captain played a measured and unbeaten innings of 65 off 54 balls, expertly pacing the chase and ensuring there were no late complications.
Roston Chase chipped in with 16 before falling to Eshan Malinga, while Rovman Powell’s unbeaten 10 off 6 balls provided the finishing touches as West Indies reached 149 for 3 in 19.2 overs.
Holder’s all-round impact, particularly his early breakthroughs, set the tone for the contest and earned him the Player of the Match award. West Indies now lead the three-match series 1–0, while Sri Lanka are left searching for greater consistency with the bat ahead of the second T20I.
Chief scores:
Sri Lanka 147/9 (20 overs) – Kamindu Mendis 51 (39), Kusal Mendis 36 (23), Dasun Shanaka 22 (23); Jason Holder 3/18, Shamar Joseph 3/29
West Indies 149/3 (19.2 overs) – Shai Hope 65* (54), Brandon King 37 (22), Shimron Hetmyer 17 (9); Wanindu Hasaranga 2/32
