Sri Lanka’s spinners displayed a masterclass of spin bowling to dismantle the West Indies in the Sri Lanka vs West Indies 2nd T20I at Dambulla, leveling the series 1-1. With a target of 163, the West Indies’ batting lineup crumbled under the pressure, bowled out for a mere 89 runs. Debutant Dunith Wellalage stole the show, taking 3 wickets for just 9 runs, while Maheesh Theekshana, Wanindu Hasaranga, and Charith Asalanka also made crucial contributions with the ball. This dominant performance handed Sri Lanka a 73-run victory.
Pathum Nissanka’s 54 off 49 deliveries helped anchor Sri Lanka’s innings after they won the toss and chose to bat first. While the pitch proved difficult for batters, Nissanka’s innings proved to be critical in setting a competitive total. Sri Lanka’s spinners then capitalized on a turning track to demolish the West Indian chase.
First Innings Highlights
Sri Lanka’s innings in the second T20I showcased both patience and power. After a cautious start, the team managed to find its footing, thanks in large part to Nissanka, who played a calculated knock to help the team reach a defendable total.
Pathum Nissanka’s Half-Century
Nissanka was the standout performer with the bat, scoring 54 off 49 balls, including 9 boundaries and a six. Although his innings featured 27 dot balls, it provided stability at the top of the order. The powerplay started slow, but Nissanka took advantage of a loose over from Shamar Joseph, plundering 25 runs in six deliveries to give Sri Lanka the momentum they desperately needed. His contribution allowed others to take calculated risks later in the innings.
Middle-Order Contributions
Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera chipped in with 26 and 17 runs respectively, ensuring that Sri Lanka kept the scoreboard ticking. However, it was Sri Lanka’s acceleration in the final 10 overs that made the difference. Sri Lanka added 85 runs in the last 10 overs, pushing their total to 162/5, which would be a match-winning score on this challenging pitch.
Key Performances by Sri Lanka’s Spinners
Sri Lanka’s bowling performance was defined by clever spin and smart tactical decisions. The spinners exploited the conditions to perfection, with every bowler contributing to the collapse of the West Indian batting order.
Dunith Wellalage’s Dream Debut
In his maiden T20I appearance, Dunith Wellalage showcased remarkable maturity through his exceptional bowling performance. He was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with impressive figures of 3 wickets for 9 runs in his 3 overs. His ability to extract sharp turn and vary his pace made it difficult for West Indies’ batters to get comfortable at the crease. Wellalage’s impact was immediate and crucial in breaking the West Indian middle order.
“I’ve been waiting for this opportunity, and I’m thrilled to have contributed to the team’s victory,” said Wellalage after his match-winning performance.
Charith Asalanka’s Golden Arm
Sri Lanka’s captain Charith Asalanka surprisingly brought himself into the attack before Wanindu Hasaranga, and the gamble paid off. Asalanka took two wickets for just 6 runs in his two overs, completely unsettling the West Indies’ lineup. His ability to break partnerships at key moments made him an essential component in this victory.
Maheesh Theekshana’s Spin Wizardry
Maheesh Theekshana, known for his deceptive off-spin, bowled a near-perfect spell. His figures of 2 wickets for 7 runs in 3 overs stifled the West Indies’ middle order and created a sense of panic. Theekshana’s ability to turn the ball sharply at speeds of 100 kph left West Indian batters bewildered, and they found no answers to his mystery deliveries.
Turning Points of the Match
Several key moments stood out as pivotal turning points in this match, tipping the scales firmly in Sri Lanka’s favor.
West Indies Collapse to 39 for 6
By the time Wanindu Hasaranga bowled his first delivery of the match in the 11th over, West Indies were already in tatters at 39 for 6. His first ball led to a wicket, yet the damage had already been inflicted. Sri Lanka’s tactic of introducing spinners early on, despite Hasaranga being their premier bowler, proved to be a masterstroke.
Wellalage and Asalanka’s Crucial Wickets
The wickets of Shai Hope and Rovman Powell—two key figures in the West Indies’ lineup—completely halted their momentum. Both were dismissed by Sri Lanka’s spin duo of Wellalage and Asalanka, pushing the West Indies into an irreversible downward spiral.
Fielding Excellence
Sri Lanka’s ground fielding was top-notch throughout the game. Boundaries were cut off with sharp dives, and the energy on the field added pressure on the West Indies’ batters, forcing them to make rash decisions.
West Indies’ Struggles: A Tactical Misstep
The West Indies approached this game with a similar strategy to their first T20I, but failed to adapt to the Dambulla pitch. While Gudakesh Motie and Roston Chase performed admirably with the ball, there were glaring gaps in their spin attack. Opting to go with only two frontline spinners was a tactical error, especially on a turning wicket. Bringing in a specialist like Fabian Allen for the decider could make all the difference for the visitors.
Nissanka’s Knock in Hindsight
Looking back, Pathum Nissanka’s patient 54-run innings was vital to Sri Lanka’s eventual success, though, at first glance, it seemed sluggish for a T20 game. The 27 dot balls raised some eyebrows, but on a tricky wicket where scoring quickly was difficult, Nissanka’s approach provided the platform for Sri Lanka to push in the later overs. His knock allowed middle and lower-order batters to play with freedom, which resulted in a strong finish to the innings.
While anchors are often seen as outdated in T20 cricket, Nissanka proved that on certain pitches, they are indispensable. His innings laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s bowlers to defend a total that, given the conditions, was more than sufficient.
Conclusion: Spinners Seal the Deal
In the end, Sri Lanka’s spinners were the true match-winners in this Sri Lanka vs West Indies 2nd T20I recap. They exploited the pitch conditions perfectly, showing why spin bowling is often the key to success in subcontinental conditions. The victory has set up a tantalizing decider, with the series now tied at 1-1.
West Indies will need to reassess their approach and strengthen their spin attack if they hope to challenge Sri Lanka in the final T20I. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka can take confidence from this all-around team performance as they aim to clinch the series.
FAQs
Q: Who was the standout performer in the Sri Lanka vs West Indies 2nd T20I?
A: Dunith Wellalage was the standout performer with his impressive bowling figures of 3 for 9 in his debut T20I match.
Q: What was the turning point in the Sri Lanka vs West Indies 2nd T20I?
A: The turning point was West Indies collapsing to 39 for 6, largely due to the spin duo of Wellalage and Asalanka.
Q: How many runs did Pathum Nissanka score in the match?
A: Pathum Nissanka scored 54 runs off 49 balls, anchoring Sri Lanka’s innings and helping them reach a total of 162.
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