Despite the West Indies were the defending champions, there was a lot weighing on their shoulders ahead of the T20 World Cup 2021. Kieron Pollard and team, have promised to mislead and have been knocked out of the competition. Sri Lanka defeated them by 20 runs at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Thursday, November 4. However, Lanka’s journey came to a conclusion on a strong track.
After choosing to field first, the West Indies side didn’t really have nothing to celebrate about. Their bowlers were not very effective as Lanka smacked 189 in their restricted 20 overs. Kusal Perera and Pathum Nissanka put on a 42-run partnership to put their rival on the back foot. Andre Russell split the pair, getting rid of Perera, who was appearing threatening after scoring 29 with 2 fours and a six.
Charith Asalanka continued his strong form, top-scoring for Lanka with a 41-ball 68 that included 8 fours and one six. Nissanka, who hit 51 with 5 fours, provided him with good support. The pair put up a 91-run stand for the 2nd wicket. Dasun Shanaka batted in the 16th over and scored 25 runs to help his side to a challenging total of 189 runs.
Binura Fernando got the Lankans off to a flying start by pinning both Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis. Lewis, who is left-handed, vowed 2 fours before departing. Chamika Karunaratne, the quick, sent back Roston Chase to make the West Indies struggle even more. Despite the wickets falling, the required rate progressively increased as the Indies side needed 118 runs to win in their final 10 overs.
Despite scoring a quickfire 46 off 34 balls, Nicholas Pooran attempted to steal the spotlight from Lanka. Dushmantha Chameera, on the other hand, finished his stint in the middle. Russell and Kieron Pollard were also cheaply discarded. Shimron Hetmyer gave everything his best and scored 81 runs off 54 balls, including 8 fours and 4 sixes. The West Indies, though, were unable to cross the mark.
