Windies lift to seal 2-1series win in a thriller. – BY TREVINE RODRIGO IN MELBOURNE. (eLanka Sports Editor)
As expected, the West Indies acclimatised, albeit a tad late, as they romped to a 2-1 series win over Sri Lanka to level things in the second T20 encounter in Hambantota.
Beaten comprehensively in the one-dayers, then stepping up in defeat in the first T20 game, was a sure indication that they were working out the conditions on a familiar venue and it came as no surprise that the short-sighted planning by the locals was definitely meant to backfire on the home team eventually.
While the venue planning, or a botched one is debatable, there is no doubt that the visitors now feel at home in Hambantota and the fact that Sri Lanka were beaten in the decider was not a huge surprise. The wash up will reveal if the single venue for all games was a clever strategy.
Sri Lanka dominated proceedings in the exchanges upto the last two games, then met spirited opponents that overran them.
In the rain curtailed second game in which Sri Lanka laboured to 89 for 6 in 15 .1 overs gave the Windies a challenging target of 95 from 15.2 overs which they galloped to with 7 balls to spare.
The decider was a close contest in which the Windies turned tables to pull off a pulsating six -wicket win with a ball to spare.
Sri Lanka will reflect on a missed opportunity to post a defendable total as West Indies seasoned campaigners opener Stefanie Taylor, skipper Hayley Matthews and Shermaine Campbell found timely form in the last two games to steer them to a face saving series triumph.
Stefanie Taylor was named Player-of-the-series and Shermaine Campbell player-of -the -match in the last game.
Sri Lanka were by no means disgraced on defeat as they blend as a formidable unit in their ongoing commitments against the best teams in the world.
The former dependence on skipper Chamari Athapaththu for victory has now given way to a team effort as the narrow loss in game two proved when Athapaththu failed to make a noteworthy score.
Under a new look coaching structure headed by former Sri Lanka paceman Rumesh Ratnayake they have found direction and mental mindset that has instilled confidence and self belief which is currently paying dividends.
Vishmi Gunaratne, Kavisha Dilhari, Harshita Samarawickrema, Inoshi Priyadharshani, Inoka Ranasinghe have shown world class talent that will be on the international radar in the not too distant future.
In the decider, West Indies put Sri Lanka in and their bowlers did a terrific job to keep Sri Lanka to a gettable 141 for 7.
Chamari Athapaththu, 38 off 38 balls and Harshita Samarawickrema 28 off 26 balls top scored in a poor effort.
Aaliyah Alleyne 2 for 25 and consistent Afi Fletcher 2 for 25 contained Sri Lanka’s usually free flowing batters.
West Indies openers Stefanie Taylor 33 off 30 balls and skipper Hayley Matthews 49 off 40 balls got the run chase off to a great start smashing 60 off 42 balls for the first wicket before being parted.
They reached 3 for 129 in 18.2 overs but Shermaine Campbell held her nerve and ensured that they had it under control, breezing to 41 off 30 balls to snatch a nail biting win with a ball to spare.
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The West Indies return home with the smug satisfaction of not being overrun by a earlier dominant Sri Lanka side.
