SL VS WI 1ST T20I

That wraps up the action for this game! West Indies have taken a 1-0 lead in the series and would be looking to seal the deal in the next one. The second T20I is scheduled on 15th October, with the game set to begin at 1:30 pm GMT. You can join us early for the build-up. ADIOS!

Rovman Powell, the victorious skipper is in for a chat. Powell emphasized the importance of taking an early lead when playing in Sri Lanka, acknowledging that they are a strong team at home. While he admitted that the toss can be advantageous, he stressed that regardless of conditions, it's crucial to be at the top of their game.Speaking about T20 cricket, Powell highlighted that individual performances often determine the outcome of matches. He encourages his team to step up individually, as more often than not, such contributions lead to team victories. He also mentioned that they want players to play their natural game, a combination that has been working well for them.

Charith Asalanka, the captain of Sri Lanka is in for a chat.  He starts by giving credit to the West Indies batters, it was more about good shots rather then bad balls. Feels that they could've done better in the Powerplay.Asalanka admitted that he was still experimenting, explaining that he wanted to give a few overs to Chamindu Wickramasinghe, who is a part-time bowler, but it didn't work out as planned. He mentioned that he will revert to using Maheesh Theekshana in the next game. Reflecting on the team's performance, Asalanka noted that they batted well, which was a positive takeaway. However, he highlighted the need to improve in certain areas, particularly their Powerplay bowling. He added that the team will address these issues in their upcoming meeting.

Brandon King wins the Player of the Match award for his outstanding knock. He says that his role is to provide a solid start for the team, and with the good wicket, things worked out well. Reflecting on his return from injury, he said it's more of a mental challenge now, building confidence in his body to perform as usual. After being sidelined for a few months, he's glad to be back. Speaking about their approach, he emphasized that chasing a target like 180 requires a strong powerplay, and with clearly defined roles, they are willing to take risks to set the tone for the team early on.

Stay tuned for the presentation...

Earlier in the game, after being put into bat, Sri Lanka lost a few early wickets, which took the momentum away from them. Later on, Kamindu Mendis and Charith Asalanka stitched a 82-run stand to build a solid base for the death overs. Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Maheesh Theekshana applied the finishing touches and got a competitive total on the scoreboard. Although, Sri Lanka could not really start well with the ball, and that took the game away from them.

Sri Lanka then managed to drag things back just a little courtesy their spinners. However, West Indies needed just a couple of good knocks and that came from Powell, Chase and Rutherford. They played smartly, just what was needed then and have taken their side over the line. Sri Lanka were superb in the death overs, but only if they had taken some early wickets, it could've been their game.

That got nervy in the end but it is West Indies who have managed to take a 1-0 lead. A fantastic chase by them. We felt the score was a little above par but their openers got them off to a brilliant start. King especially, he took the attack to the bowlers and Lewis played as the perfect foil. They added over 100 and turned the tide completely into their side’s favor.

FOUR! Sherfane Rutherford finishes things off in style. Matheesha Pathirana fires in a yorker, in the blockhole. Sherfane Rutherford was ready for it, he picks it up early and lofts it high over mid off. His one hand comes off the bat, but the ball had enough legs on it to touch the ropes. West Indies win by 5 wickets.

Very full, on off. Sherfane Rutherford eases it to mid on for a single. West Indies need 4 runs in the final over.

Just another single this time around. Asitha Fernando goes hunting for the yorker, but it comes off as a full toss, on the pads. Romario Shepherd misses out on this one, and just flicks it into mid-wicket for one run.

It is full ball, on off. Sherfane Rutherford whips it into mid-wicket for a single. West Indies now a big hit away from victory. They have 8 deliveries in hand as well.

A full toss, around off. Sherfane Rutherford swings hard, he wanted to go over the on side, but the leading edge goes towards mid on. There is no one inside the circle. The batters push hard for the second run and complete it safely.

It is a full ball, on the pads. Sherfane Rutherford flicks it to deep mid-wicket. They take two more runs. This is really good running.

Full ball, wide of off. Sherfane Rutherford reaches out and drives it towards sweeper cover. The fielder in the deep does well to make the stop. Two runs taken.

Matheesha Pathirana nails the yorker this time around, on middle. Romario Shepherd gets his blade down in time and jams it out to safety. West Indies need 13 runs in 12 balls.