Sri Lanka vs West Indies, WI in SL, 3 T20Is, 2024 Full score card

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.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Is there a twist in the tale? Matheesha Pathirana picks up a wicket at a very crucial juncture of the game. It is a good-length ball, outside off. Roston Chase throws his bat at it and gets a thick outside edge. Kusal Mendis dives in front of him and takes a sharp catch. Romario Shepherd is the new batter in.

Fuller one, on the pads. Sherfane Rutherford flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a run.

BEATEN! Matheesha Pathirana goes for the yorker, but offer no pace this time around. Sherfane Rutherford looks to carve it through the line but misses.

Yorker this time, in the channel. Chase waits for it and squeezes it out towards deep backward point for a run.

WIDE! Matheesha Pathirana goes for the yorker, but it starts around the leg stump and swings down the leg side. The umpire extends his arms.

Pathirana starts with a full ball, angled into the pads. Chase stays back and clips it behind square on the leg side. It goes through the gap. They take two runs.

Change. Matheesha Pathirana is back into the attack.

Tossed up, around off. It grips and turns away. Roston Chase hangs back and eases it to mid off for one. An outstanding over from Maheesh Theekshana comes to an end. West Indies now need 18 runs from 18 balls. A run a ball.

It is very full, wide of off. Sherfane Rutherford jams it out towards deep third. The batters take one.

Angled into the pads once again. Sherfane Rutherford tucks it into mid-wicket. Three dots on the trot.

An arm ball, full and on middle. Sherfane Rutherford dabs it out to point.

Very full, angling across, around off. Sherfane Rutherford puhses it gently into covers off his front foot.

Sherfane Rutherford walks in at number 6.

OUT! CAUGHT IN THE DEEP! Maheesh Theekshana comes back into the attack and provides his team with a crucial breakthrough. It is a bit short, on middle. Rovman Powell hoicks it across the line but does not middle it. He smacks it towards long on but straight down the throat of Wanindu Hasaranga who makes no mistake in the deep.

Full one, around leg. Powell flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. West Indies need 20 runs in 24 balls.

Pitched up, around off. Powell stabs it into covers.

FOUR LEG BYES! Flights it up this time, full and down leg. Powell tries to flick it away but misses. the ball sneaks past the keeper and runs down to deep third for four leg byes.

FOUR! Nicely played. Rovman Powell finds a much-needed boundary here. Short one, outside off, a bit slower as well. Powell waits for it, opens the face and guides it down to deep third for four runs.

Quicker and flatter, outside off. Chase taps it to point for a run.

A googly this time, around leg. It is full as well. Chase clips it over mid-wicket for two runs.

Change. Wanindu Hasaranga comes back into the attack.

On middle. This is blocked.

Now takes one as this is worked down to long on.

FOUR! Top shot. Good innovation. He brings out the reverse sweep and hits it past point. This races away to the fence. Release the pressure.

Could have been three! On middle. This is pushed to the right of Theekshana, he dives and makes a half stop. A run taken.

Quick and on off. Powell hangs back and blocks. Two dots in a row now.

Flatter and on middle. This is defended.

Another one! 8 from the over without taking any risk! Full and on the pads. This is clipped through square leg for one.

Full and on middle. This is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Way too short outside off. This is cut past point for one.

WIDE! Close to the leg stump but still a wide! This lands outside leg and spins a little. Powell leaves it alone. It goes close past the leg pole.

Way down the leg side. Wided. Can't bowl extras at the moment.

Gets away with one! That's short and outside off. Powell cuts but to point.

Two! Full and on middle. This is worked through square leg for two.

Flatter and on middle. This is worked down to long on for one.

A quick single to end! Fuller and on off. This is driven to mid off. A run taken.

That's a good nut! Full and on middle. This is jammed out to long on for one. 47 needed in 43.

Now takes one! Outside off. This is guided past point for one.

Now then, a review is taken! Asitha says he heard a sound but it doesn't seem off the bat. Maybe to save the wide. NOT OUT! That has clipped nothing! It not only stays as a wide but they also lose a review! Down the leg side. Chase looks to flick but misses. Desperate from Sri Lanka.

Just the one! Around off. This is guided down to third man for one.

Two in a row! Length and around off. Powell guides it to point.

Dots is one way of building pressure! On the pads. Powell looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads.

That's a beauty! Just unplayable! This lands around middle and spins away square. Chase looks to flick but it goes just over the off pole. Top stuff. Top over. 51 needed in 48.

Powell is off the mark! On middle. This is worked through mid-wicket for one.

OUT! TAKEN! That's the wicket Sri Lanka wanted. King falls. Sri Lanka just about hanging in there. This is tossed up. He drags the length just a little back. King steps out and swings. He looks to go over the leg side but it goes off the top edge and it is taken at cover. Rovman Powell is the new batter in.

King makes room. He's followed. King looks to sweep but it goes off the inner half to short fine leg.

FOUR! Hammered! That was close to the bowler but he had no chance. Fuller and on middle. King steps out and hits it hard and back to the bowler. This races away to the fence.

On the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

FOUR! Finds the gap! That's what Sri Lanka did not need! They needed Hasaranga to end the over well. Tossed up outside off. This is dragged wide of long on and this races away to the fence.

Excellent timing! Two taken! On middle. This is pushed wide of the fielder at long on. Two taken.

A little too short. This turns back in. Chase works it through square leg for one.

On middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

Way too full. This is worked down to long on for one. Chase is off the mark.

OUT! TWO IN QUICK TIME! They need to keep taking wickets if they are to have a chance here. This is on off. It lands and turns back in. Hope looks to flick but closes the face of the bat early. It goes off the leading edge and the bowler makes no mistake.

Matheesha Pathirana fires in a yorker, right in the blockhole. Shai Hope clips it to the right of mid on. They take one run. 7 runs and a wicket come from this over.

Two dots on the trot! A sharp bumper, outside off. Hope leaves it alone for the keeper.

Back of a length, outside off. Hope looks to cut it away but it catches the under edge and it goes back towards the bowler.

A low full toss, on the pads. Hope clips it to deep square leg for two runs.

FOUR! Shai Hope opens his account in fine fashion. Maheesh Theekshana goes for the toe-crushing yorker. Shai Hope picks it up early and flicks it to deep square leg. The fielder in the deep lets it through his legs and into the boundary.

Shai Hope is the new batter in.

OUT! CAUGHT! Matheesha Pathirana picks up a very important wicket here. He serves a slower one, full and outside off. Lewis ends up stabbing at it. The ball takes the outer half and flies towards backward point. Chamindu Wickramasinghe dives in front and takes a solid catch. This is the opening that Sri Lanka were after. They will try to make inroads now.

Tossed up this time, around off. Lewis knocks it down the park for a single. The stand moves to 107.

A googly this time, around off. Lewis defends it sharply on his front foot.

SIX! High and handsome. It is a short one, around middle. Evin Lewis swivels and pulls it into the leg side for a biggie.

Flatter and shorter, outside off. Lewis chops it into covers

It is tossed  up, full and on leg. Evin Lewis goes for the sweep but misses.

SIX! WHAT A SHOT! It is tossed up, full and on off. Evin Lewis dances down the track and smokes it down the park for a maximum. West Indies bring up 100 in no time.

A huge appeal for LBW but the umpire is unmoved. A length ball, angled into the pads. King looks to clip it away but misses. The ball hits him on the pads. The umpire thinks that this is sliding down leg.

No run.

FOUR! TOP SHOT!. Brandon King picks up his 11th half-century in T20Is. It is pitched up, wide of off. King reaches out and slashes it through covers for a cracking boundary.

SIX! THIS IS HUGE! A short ball, outside off. Brandon King picks it up early and smokes it over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum.

LEG BYE! It is a length ball, on the pads. Lewis tries to flick it away but misses. The batters cross for a leg bye.

Back of a length, on off. Brandon King lofts it over the bowler's head. It lands safely at mid off. They take one.

Floated and full, around off. King flicks it into the leg side for one. 8 runs come from this over. West Indies are marching along really well here. They need 98 more runs to win.

Fuller and on off. Lewis pushes it into covers for one.

A googly this time, around middle. Lewis defends it out solidly.

FOUR! Nicely played. It is floated and full, around leg. Evin Lewis gets low and sweeps it behind square on the leg side. The ball races away to the boundary.

This is tossed up, full and on off. King uses his feet, and looks to flick it away. The ball catches the inner half and runs down to fine leg. They take one.

It is a googly, around off, on the shorter side. Lewis whips it down to long on for one.

Full length, outside off. King looks to drive it through the line, but it catches the inner half and rolls back towards the bowler. A solid comeback by Chamindu Wickramasinghe after taking a beating in the first three balls. At the end of Powerplay, West Indies are 74 for no loss.

Evin Lewis now rotates the strike as he knocks this full ball past the bowler towards mid on.

This is very full, around middle, nips back in a bit. Lewis uses his feet and blocks it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Evin Lewis is putting pressure on the youngster here. It is a length ball, angling across, around off. Lewis gets a hold of it and smack it down to long off for a boundary. 15 runs coming from the first three deliveries here.

WIDE! The umpire now extends his arms as the ball goes down the leg side.

SIX! This one is even better. Chamindu Wickramasinghe fires it full, on off. This is in the blockhole. Evin Lewis reads it well and smokes it over the bowler's head for a maximum.

FOUR! Nicely played. Around the wicket this time. A short ball, angled in around off. Lewis picks it up nicely and pulls it over mid on. The ball races away to the boundary.

Change. Chamindu Wickramasinghe comes back into the attack now.

FOUR AGAIN! Finds the gap again. King is in brilliant touch here. He comes down the track again. This time gets to the pitch of it and hits it wide of mid off. Even Theekshana is going for runs.

FOUR AGAIN! Finds the gap. He steps out and Theekshana sees that. This is fired wide outside off. King still manages to hit it wide of cover and it races away.

Now takes one and the fifty is up for his side! On the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

FOUR! Finds the gap! Shorter and on off. Lewis hits it hard into the ground. This finds the gap and it races away to the fence.

Tossed up nicely on middle. Defended.

On middle. This is worked to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Top edge and it races away. He does not end it well. It ends up being another good over for the West Indies. This is short and on middle. King looks to pull but this goes off the top edge and over the short fine leg fielder.

Well bowled again! Sees King step out and bowls a pace off ball outside off. King looks to cut but misses. Can he end the over well now? It has been a good one so far.

FOUR! Fortunate boundary! King clears his front leg. This is full and on the pads. He looks to flick but it goes off the inner half down to the fine leg fence.

Well bowled again! Another slower one outside off. King looks to cut but it goes off the under edge to the keeper.

Well bowled! Sees King make room and goes wide and slower. King chops it to point. Need more dots to build pressure.

Good running! Length and on off. This is pushed to cover for one.

Full and on the pads. Lewis looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

Way down the leg side. Wided.

On middle. This is punched down to long on for one.

Flatter and on middle. King defends it back to the bowler.

Two more! Angled into the pads. King works it through square leg for two.

FOUR MORE! West Indies are running away with the game here. King steps out. This is shortish and on off. It is hit hard down to long off. Boundary.

Flatter and on middle. This is pushed down to long on for two.

West Indies have been quite expressive with the bat. Will this force Charith Asalanka to go for an early change? Yes, it does. Time for some spin. Maheesh Theekshana comes into the attack now.

Just the single but that brings an end to a big over! Short and on the body. This is pulled through square leg for one.

FOUR! Up and over! This is brilliant batting! Sri Lanka under a lot of pressure here. King steps out. This is full and on off. It is lofted over mid off and it goes to the fence.

WIDE! That's a poor ball. It is way too short and down the leg side. King looks to pull but misses.

FOUR! Hammered down the ground! King makes room. This is on a good length and around off. He slams it past mid off and it races away. This is a flying start.

Almost! This stays a touch low! On middle. Shortish. King looks to pull but misses. This goes over the middle pole.

Better! Slightly fuller and on middle. This is defended back to the bowler.

FOUR! Pulled away! King joins the act now. West Indies are off to a flier! On middle. Shortish. This is pulled over the mid on fielder and it races away to the fence.

Asitha Fernando to share the new ball.

FOUR MORE! 11 from the first over then! This is full and outside off. Lewis looks to go over covers. He does not time it that well but hits it well enough to clear the infield. A boundary.

SIX! Bang! That's where Lewis likes it. He's off the mark in style. This is short and on the pads. He hammers it over square leg and it goes all the way.

A little too high! On the pads. Lewis looks to flick but misses. He gets hit high on the pads.

Got the last one to move away, this time this one holds its line. Lewis pushes it to mid on.

Lovely stuff! Length and around off. This lands and shapes away. Lewis looks to push at it but is beaten.

Good ball to begin with! Goes very full. It swings away from middle. King looks to flick. It goes off the outer half through point for one. West Indies are underway!

FOUR! Up and over! Theekshana ends it with a boundary! Still though, that's a fine last over! This is full and outside off. It is lofted over cover for a boundary.

Maheesh Theekshana comes out to bat now.

OUT! RUN OUT! Importantly it's another dot! A slower one outside off. Chamindu swings but misses. They look to sneak a bye but the keeper hits the stumps at his end.

FOUR! He has clobbered that! A welcome boundary! A slower one. On middle. Chamindu waits and then slams it down to the long on fence. Top shot.

Three in a row now! Another short one. Quick and on middle. Chamindu looks to pull but misses.

OUT! A dot and now a wicket to begin the last over! Brilliant! A slower short ball on the body. This is pulled towards square leg. It is more off the splice. The fielder runs in, dives and takes it. Chamindu Wickramasinghe is the new man in.

A fine slower one to begin with! Outside off. Rajapaksha looks to drive but is beaten.

He retains strike! This is full and on off. This is jammed out to cover for one.

FOUR! That's glorious! What a shot! Full and outside off. Rajapaksha creams it past cover. No chance of stopping that. Wonderful.

Two! Full and on the pads. This is clipped past square leg for two.

Hasaranga is off the mark! Short and around off. He guides it towards third man. A run take.

Wanindu Hasaranga comes in at number 7.

OUT! That's a fine catch! Brilliantly taken! A slower one. On middle. Asalanka looks to go over long on. He's through the shot early. It goes more towards deep mid-wicket. Lewis takes a fine catch. End of a brilliant knock from Asalanka. West Indies will be pleased with the wicket as this could make a difference of around 10 runs to the final score.

A fumble means an easy two! On middle. This is swept through square leg for two.

SIX! Fails to end it well. That's exactly where Rajapaksha likes it. Short and on middle. Into the body. He pulls it with the angle and over the square leg fence. Top shot and this was needed for Rajapakha.

Brilliant stuff! Just the one again as this low full toss is flicked through square leg. Can he end the over well now?

Just the one again! Outside off. Shortish. This is cut past point for one.

Dots are gold! Sees Rajapaksha come down and bowls it full and on middle. This is jammed back to the bowler.

Only one! Fuller and on middle. This is hit down to long on for one.

Slower one on off. This is guided to point for one.

FORTUNATE BOUNDARY! FOUR! That spoils the over! This is short and on middle. Asalanka looks to pull but it goes off the top edge and over the short fine leg fielder. Boundary.

Rajapaksha uses his feet. He makes it into a low full toss and hits it through point for one.

Goes short again and on middle. This is pulled down to long on for one.

FOUR! Gets his fifty up in style! This is banged in short and on the body. Asa Lanka pulls it. It goes over the short fine leg fielder and a boundary results. This was way too straight. Easy pickings. Another good knock from Asalanka.

Rajapaksha is off the mark! Around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Who will come out now?

OUT! Taken! That's welcome wicket. These two were batting brilliantly. A top innings from Mendis comes to an end. Springer bangs it in short and on the body. Mendis is cramped for room. He looks to pull. This goes off the splice towards deep square leg. A good catch from the field as he runs in and dives forward.

FOUR! He fails to do so. Another top shot from Asslanka. This is full and on off. Charith slams it down the ground and to the long off fence.

Flatter and on off. Asalanka slaps it but to covers. Can he end the over well now?

Yet again tries the reverse sweep. This is full and around off again. He misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side. A leg bye taken.

This is fired full outside off as he sees Mendis shaping for the reverse sweep. Mendis misses.

Flatter and around off. This is pushed through covers for one.

That's such a good shot! It is flatter and on off. Not a lot of room. Asalanka gors back and lofts it over cover for two.

A length ball, around off. Charith Asalanka pushes it to covers for one.

FOUR! WHAT A SHOT! Alzarri Joseph dishes it full, in the slot. Charith Asalanka lofts it down the park, and it goes away to the boundary.

Just another single now as Mendis whips this full ball through the gap at mid-wicket.

Back of a length, on middle. Charith Asalanka mistimes his pull to deep mid-wicket for a single.

FOUR! UP AND OVER! It is very full, angling across, outside off. Charith Asalanka winds up, and lofts it over extra covers. The ball races away to the boundary.

A couple of runs to start the 15th over. It is a length ball, on the pads. Charith Asalanka nudges it towards mid on. There is no one inside the circle. The batters take two runs. This is superb running.

Slower one, full and on middle. Charith Asalanka tucks it into the leg side for one.

Shorter, just outside off. Charith Asalanka taps it to point off his front foot.

FIFTY FOR MENDIS! A slower bouncer, on middle. Mendis pulls it with control towards deep square leg. The batters take a single. Kamindu Mendis is the key for Sri Lanka for a huge finish here.

Back of a length, on middle. Charith Asalanka swivels and pulls it to deep square leg for one.

It is full, on the pads. Mendis clips it to square leg for one more.

Fuller and slower, outside off. Asalanka works it to mid off for a single.

Back of a length, angling across, wide of off. Kamindu Mendis throws the kitchen sink at it but only manages to connect with thin air.

Over the wicket now. Short ball, around middle and leg. Mendis is cramped for room. He just helps it back to the bowler.

WIDE! Joseph goes full, but it is outside leg. Wided.

SIX! BANG! Kamindu Mendis moves to 48 and takes this stand to 55 with this huge hit. Shamar Joseph fires it full and into the pads. Kamindu Mendis uses the angle to his benefit and just smokes it over the square leg fence for a biggie.

A length ball, angled into the pads, it slides down the leg side. Mendis tries to tickle it away but gets no bat on it.

WIDE! Shamar Joseph goes for the slower ball this time, but sprays it way down the leg side. Wide called.

SWING AND A MISS! Back of a length, wide outside off. Mendis looks to go over covers, but misses out once again.

Shamar Joseph also comes 'round the wicket for the left-hander. He serves a good-length ball, outside off. This one nips away off the deck. Mendis slashes hard at it but gets beaten.

A length ball, angled in around off. Charith Asalanka presses forward and bunts it into covers. An expensive start for the debutant as he goes for 14 runs.

Length ball, around the pads. Charith Asalanka flicks it to deep mid-wicket for two runs. The stand moves to 48.

FOUR! Charith Asalanka has put the debutant under pressure. Shamar Springer continues to come 'round the wicket and serves a short ball, outside off. Charith Asalanka slashes hard at it. The ball catches the outside edge and runs down to deep third for four runs.

FOUR! AMAZING! Second one on the trot. 100 is up for Sri Lanka. It is full, angled into the pads. Charith Asalanka flicks it over square leg. The ball races away to the boundary.

FOUR! This is nicely played. Shamar Springer dishes it full, around off. Charith Asalanka gets under it and whacks it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Shamar Springer starts with a full ball, around middle and leg. Charith Asalanka closes the face and tucks it to mid-wicket.

Three singles on the trot to end the over! An arm ball, full and on leg. Charith Asalanka clips it into mid-wicket for another single. He will retain the strike here.

On the pads, Mendis tucks it into mid-wicket for one more.

Flatter and quicker, on off. Asalanka pushes it to mid off for one.

FOUR! Charith Asalanka gets a hold of this one. It is short, on middle. Charith Asalanka opens up his body and pulls it towards the cow corner region. He gets it in the gap. One bounce and into the ropes.

An arm ball, short as well, on middle and leg. Mendis stays back and lofts it over mid off. They take one.

Back of a length, outside off. Charith Asalanka backs away and cuts it through point for a single.

SIX! That's sweet! This is short and it sits up to be hit. Mendis slams it down the ground and over the long on fence.

Outside off. This is swept through square leg for one.

This is fired in quick and on middle. It is hit down to long on for one.

Two! On middle. Mendis works it past mid-wicket. Two taken.

FOUR! Misfield! That should have been stopped! Around off. Mendis plays the reverse sweep. It goes towards deep point. The fielder lets it through. Boundary again.

Extra bounce! This is flatter and outside off. This lands and spins back in. Mendis looks to play the reverse sweep but gets a top edge and then onto the body.

Angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

FOUR! Motie can consider himself slightly unlucky there. This is full and outside off. Mendis drives it brilliantly wide of long off. Motie runs to his right, stops it but skids a long way and touches the ropes with the ball in hand. Welcome boundary. Things had got a little quiet.

On middle. This stays a touch low. This is pushed down to long on for one.

Slower and on middle. Asalanka defends.

Flatter again and on the pads. This is tucked around the corner for one.

On the pads. Mendis works it wide of deep mid-wicket and takes two. Good running.

Dot to end then! On middle. Pushed through. This is worked to mid-wicket.

Another one on middle. This is played down to long on for one more.

On middle. This is pushed down to long on for one.

Charith Asalanka comes in at number 5.

OUT! Timber! Motie strikes and gets the massive wicket of Mendis. Excellent change in pace! This is fired in on the off pole. Mendis looks to guide it down to third man but it goes off the face and clips the off pole. Too close to play that shot. In trouble are the hosts.

Flatter and on middle. Mendis pushes it back to the bowler.

Just short! That turned! This lands on middle. Mendis looks to work it on the leg side but this turns away, it goes off a soft leading edge and lands short of cover.

A dot to end then! Fuller and outside off. Mendis drives but straight to cover.

Confusion but safe! Fired into the pads. Mendis flicks it but straight to short fine leg. Another yes and no situation but it ends up all good.

Angled into the pads. Mendis works it through square leg and takes two this time.

Mendis makes room! This is on off. He drives but to cover.

Good call in the end! On middle. This is nudged on the leg side. They take one. Kusal wants a second and sets off but is sent back in time.

Very nicely timed! Fuller and on off. This is driven down to long off. A single taken.

Change. Roston Chase now comes into the attack.

Now a quick run! Fuller and on off. This is pushed towards mid off. A run taken.

FOUR! Very nicely hit! Slightly short and angled into the body. Mendis pulls it over mid-wicket. This one races away to the fence. Picked his spot well.

Angles this one into the pads. Mendis tucks it to mid-wicket.

Slightly shorter and outside off. Mendis guides it past point. A run taken.

Outside off now. Mendis waits and then guides it past point. A run taken.

FOUR! Pulled away! That's a poor ball! A drag down. On the body. Mendis says thank you very much and pulls it behind square on the leg side. This races away to the fence.

A length ball, around off. Kamindu Mendis pushes it through covers for one.

Good length, angling across, wide of off, shaping further away. Kamindu Mendis throws his bat at it but misses.

A length ball, around off. Kusal Mendis pushes it into covers for one.

FOUR! Incredible shot. Kusal Mendis is stepping on the gas here. Back of a length, around off. Mendis gets a hold of it and pulls it over mid-wicket. The ball has enough legs to reach the fence.

SIX! THIS IS HUGE! It is too full and on the pads. Kusal Mendis reads it well, gets his wrists into play and flicks it over the square leg fence for a biggie.

JAFFA! Alzarri Joseph dishes a good-length ball, in the channel. This one holds its line. Kusal Mendis tries to block it away, but the ball zips past the outside edge.

FOUR! Kamindu Mendis opens his account with a boundary. Short ball, outside off. This one sits up nicely. Kamindu Mendis pulls it over mid-wicket for four runs.

Length ball, around off, Kamindu Mendis remains solid in his defense this time around.

This is a bit short, angled into the left-hander. This one skids through. It catches Kamindu Mendis by surprise. He fails to tuck it away, and takes a blow near his abdomen.

A length ball, around off. Kamindu Mendis makes a solid block.

Who comes out now? Kamindu Mendis is the new batter in.

OUT! CLEANED UP! Shamar Joseph comes 'round the wicket and gets the better of Kusal Perera. The crowd has gone silent. It is a length ball, angled in around off. It shapes in off the deck as well. Kusal Perera stays inside the crease and tries to put it away, but fails to get any bat on it. The ball goes past the blade and disturbs the furniture behind.

Slower and fuller, angled into the pads. Kusal Mendis clips it towards mid on and crosses.

FOUR! This is a wonderful looking shot. Kusal Perera has decided to shift gears now. It is a length ball, outside off. Perera hangs back and nails his punch through the gap at covers for a boundary. The third one of this wicket-taking over.

Back of a length, on the fourth stump line. Kusal Perera looks to work it point, but it catches the underedge, sneaks past the leg pole. They take two runs.

Who will walk out now? Kusal Perera comes in at number 3.

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Romario Shepherd has the last laugh here. Pathum Nissanka gets a couple of boundaries to his name, but takes the early walk back to the dressing room. Romario Shepherd goes short this time, wide of off. Pathum Nissanka eyes lit-up. He goes for the cut shot, but only manages to get a thick outside edge. Shai Hope makes no mistake behind the stumps.

FOUR! Consecutive boundaries, and on both occasions the batters wasn't in control. Romario Shepherd follows the batter with a full one, outside leg. Pathum Nissanka goes back, and gets it to fine leg off the inside edge. The ball runs down to the fine leg fence.

FOUR! EDGY! First boundary for Sri Lanka. It is a bumper, angled into the body once again. Pathum Nissanka backs away a bit, and swings hard across the line. The ball catches the top-edge and flies over the keeper's head for four runs.

Romario Shepherd starts with a short ball, around middle. Kusal Mendis pulls it to deep square leg for a run.

Short ball, outside off. Kusal Mendis cuts it to deep point for one.

LEG BYE! It is a length ball, nipping in from outside off. Pathum Nissanka is cramped for room. He looks to defend it out from inside the crease but misses. The ball goes in front of slip off the thigh pads. They cross for a leg bye.

Back of a length, outside off. Pathum Nissanka punches it to point off his back foot.

WIDE! Shamar Joseph errs in his line this time. He goes very full, but way down the leg side.

Back of a length, outside off. Pathum Nissanka lets it be.

A length ball, around off, shaping away a bit. Pathum Nissanka gets it through cover-point off outer half. They take two runs.

Shamar Joseph starts his spell with a peach of a delivery. It is good-length ball, that lands outside off and nips away just a bit. It is a scrambled seam delivery. Pathum Nissanka gets on his toes and looks to block it away but misses.

Who will share the new ball? Shamar Joseph to attack from the other end.

CLOSE! It is a short ball, outside off. Mendis frees his arms and goes for the cut shot, but gets beaten on the outside edge this time.

LEG BYE! Good length, angled into the pads. Pathum Nissanka is caught inside the crease, as this skids through. He looks to flick it away but misses. The ball rolls towards short fine off the thigh pads. They collect a leg bye.

This is full, wide of off. Kusal Mendis bunts it to the right of extra covers. Rovman Powell makes a meal of it as he dives over it. The batters take three runs.

BEATEN! Good length this time, outside off. This one nips away a bit. Kusal Mendis looks to hit it away from his body but gets beaten on the inside edge here.

WIDE! It is a bumper this time, sliding down leg. Kusal Mendis looks to hook it away but misses. Wide called.

Alzarri Joseph dishes a full ball, inswinging as well. Kusal Mendis stays deep inside the crease and blocks it into point. Right under his eyes as well.

Pathum Nissanka and Sri Lanka open their account instantly. It is a length ball, outside off. Nissanka waits for it, opens the face late and guides it down to deep third for a single.

Right then, we are done with all the pre-match proceedings. This 3-match T20I series is set to kick-off. West Indies players stride out and take the field. Followed by Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis who stride out to open for the hosts. It will be Alzarri Joseph to start with the new ball.

The crowd has turned up in huge numbers. The cheers only get louder as the two teams stride out and line-up for their respective national anthems. It is going to be West Indies' first, followed by one for the hosts.

Charith Asalanka, the captain of Sri Lanka says that they would have opted to bowl first as well, considering the weather conditions. He expressed his anticipation for beginning the preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

Rovman Powell mentioned that West Indies will bowl first due to the uncertain weather conditions and the wet field. He expressed hope that the bowlers could take advantage of the conditions. Reflecting on the team's recent form, Powell added that they have performed very well over the last 12 to 15 months.

West Indies (Playing XI) - Evin Lewis, Brandon King, Shai Hope (WK), Roston Chase, Romario Shepherd, Rovman Powell (C), Sherfane Rutherford, Shamar Springer (On T20I Debut), Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.

Sri Lanka (Playing XI) - Kusal Mendis (WK), Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Perera, Kamindu Mendis, Charith Asalanka (C), Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Wanindu Hasaranga, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Maheesh Theekshana, Matheesha Pathirana, Asitha Fernando.

TOSS - The coin goes up and lands in favour of West Indies. They will BOWL first.

UPDATE 1.15 pm GMT - Well, well! We get a warm welcome here in Sri Lanka. The toss has been officially delayed due to wet outfield. It has now been rescheduled to happen at 1.30 pm GMT, with the play to begin at 2 pm GMT. So stay tuned for the toss.

How is the weather you ask? The weather is clear at the moment with some cloud cover, but there has been rain earlier today and over the past few days. One of Sri Lanka's practice sessions was even washed out. The covers were on, but they’re being removed now, and we’re hopeful for an on-time start.

In contrast, the West Indies have come into this series missing several key players, including stars like Nicholas Pooran and Shimron Hetmyer, who opted out for personal reasons. While this weakens the team's lineup, it also provides an opportunity for other players to step up and make their mark. Despite lacking some of their big names, the West Indies still have quality in their ranks, but the team’s relative inexperience could make their task harder against a more balanced and experienced Sri Lankan squad. To find out how things pan out, do stick around as the toss is just around the corner.

The West Indies cricket team has arrived in Sri Lanka for a limited-overs series, which includes three T20 internationals followed by a three-match ODI series. The series kicks off in Dambulla, a venue known for its slow and dry pitches, which usually favor spin bowling. Playing in home conditions, the Sri Lankan side goes into the series as firm favorites, particularly as most of their star players are available and in form. With familiarity of the conditions on their side, Sri Lanka is expected to be a dominant force throughout the series.

... MATCH DAY ...

After a dominant clean sweep in Tests against New Zealand, Sri Lanka are all set to host West Indies in what promises to be an action-packed three-match T20I series, followed by a three-match ODI series. The spotlight now shifts to the shorter format, with the first T20I set to unfold at the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium in Dambulla. Both teams come in with fresh faces, adding new layers of excitement to the contest. Sri Lanka have made some interesting changes, including the return of Bhanuka Rajapaksa, the power-hitter who strengthens the middle order. Chamindu Wickramasinghe keeps his spot in the squad, while Dilshan Madushanka and Dushmantha Chameera miss out. Fresh off a great Test series, Dinesh Chandimal retains his place and could potentially feature in the playing XI. Sri Lanka’s spin attack remains their biggest weapon, with Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana ready to weave their magic. West Indies, on the other hand, have undergone significant changes. Key players like Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, and Shimron Hetmyer are unavailable, leaving a revamped squad under the leadership of Rovman Powell. However, the return of Evin Lewis and a fully fit Brandon King provides much-needed experience at the top. This series also offers golden opportunities for newcomers, Terrance Hinds and Shamar Springer to shine and make their marks on the international stage. In the bowling department, Gudakesh Motie shoulders the spin duties, while Alzarri Joseph makes his way back and adds pace to the attack. With all three T20I matches set to take place at the same venue, both teams will be keen to start strong and take an early advantage. While Sri Lanka will be tough to beat on home soil, West Indies have the talent to challenge them if they seize the opportunities. Who are you backing for the win? We’re about to find out soon!