Match Center

So, that is it from this game! It was great fun covering this game for you. West Indies showed why they are one of the strongest and feared side in the shortest format of the game. They take an unassailable 1-0 lead in this 2-game series. Sri Lanka will be disappointed with their performance but have a lot of positives to take. The hosts will look to comeback stronger in the second game and draw the series. The second and final T20I of the series will be played on Friday, 6th March. That game will begin at 1900 local (1330 GMT). Hope to see you for that one. Till then, have a great time!

West Indies skipper, Kieron Pollard, says it is good to win the game and says it was a good performance from the team. Tells the guys coming up maximized their opportunity. Credits Oshane Thomas and says that his work is showing as he has been good. Tells Rovman Paul was the unsung hero for his bowling. Tells the T20 guys have come and shown them their experience and it was good for them to come out on top. Tells the guys bowled well and adds he will not tell the plan as they still have a game to go in the series.

Sri Lanka skipper, Lasith Malinga, says that after the One Day tournament, the boys were confident but unfortunately they lost 5 wickets early and did not build any partnerships until then. Says with dew it was hard to bowl, especially for the spinners. Tells while chasing 190 or more you need partnerships and they did not have that. Adds that the guys are experienced and will bounce back stronger.

For his outstanding bowling performance, Oshane Thomas is named the Player of the Match!. Thomas says that it is a great feeling to be back in the side. Tells he was bowling straight and says he had a plan for the Sri Lankan batters and it came out well.

Stay tuned for the presentation as we hear from the skippers and find out who the Player of the Match is!

Earlier in the day, West Indies after electing to bat, set a massive target for the hosts courtesy of a brilliant knock from Simmons and cameos from Russell and Pollard. In the end, it proved to be enough despite valiant efforts from Kusal Perera and Wanindu Hasaranga.

For the Windies, it was all about one man with the ball, Oshane Thomas, he got the first five wickets, that too inside the Powerplay and rocked the hosts. Once he bowled out, Sri Lanka found it easier to score runs. However, Rovman Powell impressed towards the end and chipped in with crucial wickets. The rest though weren't that great.

A very hard fought win in the end for the Windies! At one stage, it seemed they would cruise to a victory when Sri Lanka were 56 for 5 but that was not to be. Wanindu Hasaranga and Kusal Perera counter-attacked, they though had no other option as they needed to go for it chasing a huge total. They built a partnership worth 97 and brought the hosts back into the game. However, Kusal Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga and Thisara Perera departed in three consecutive overs which made it an impossible task for the tailenders.

19.1

W

OUT! Bowled! That is it! Cottrell gets his first wicket and the game's last wicket. He hits the deck hard on middle and off, Malinga looks to pull but misses. Cottrell does not. WEST INDIES WIN BY 25 RUNS!

18.6

1

Full on middle, Malinga clears his front leg and looks to hit it hard but manages to just play it towards mid-wicket for a run. Excellent over from Bravo. Just 3 from the penultimate one and he has almost killed this game. 26 needed off the last one.

18.5

1

Low full toss on middle and leg, Sandakan hits it towards long on for one.

18.4

1

On the pads, Malinga flicks it towards square leg and gets to the other end.

18.3

.

Superb bowling from Bravo. Another yorker on middle and leg, Malinga cannot do much but just jam it out.

18.2

.

Play and a miss. Length ball outside off, Lasith swings but connects with thin air.

18.1

W

OUT! That is a tremendous catch from the Windies skipper! He leads from the front here. A full toss, a low full toss on middle. Udana does not get it off the middle and it lobs towards long on. Pollard runs in with speed and then dives forward to take it.

17.6

6

SIX! All the way! Malinga is not going down without a fight. 29 needed in 12. Full and on middle, Malinga makes room and thrashes it way over the long on fence for a biggie.

17.5

1

Full and on middle, this is hit down at long on for one.

Lasith Malinga, the skipper, walks out to bat now. Can he perform some heroics and win the match for his team?

17.4

W

OUT! TAKEN! That is probably the final nail in the coffin for Sri Lanka. Powell once again manages to take an important wicket. Perera makes room and RP follows him with a full one on the pads, Perera flicks but does not get the distance. He holes out to Cottrell at deep square leg. Sri Lanka need a miracle from here to win the game.

17.3

6

SIX! More of this please is what the Lankan fans want! A full toss on middle, Perera hammers it well over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. A gift presented and Perera puts it away. Need more.

17.2

1

Fuller and on middle, this is hit down to long off for one more run.

17.1

1

Misses out there does Perera! A full toss on middle, this is mistimed down to long on for one. Sri Lanka need boundaries and not singles.

16.6

1

Just a single to end another excellent over for Windies. Full and on off, it is hit down to long off for one.

16.5

1

A very full ball on off, it is lofted down to long off. It goes on the bounce to the fielder there. One taken.

16.4

.

A bumper to welcome the new batter! Udana ducks under it.

Isuru Udana is the new man in.

16.3

W

OUT! KABOOM! That is a gem of a delivery and a top-class comeback from Russell. Bowls a yorker on middle. It is full, fast and straight. Perera fails to jam it out and the stumps are shattered. Russell has probably got the wicket which will help Windies go 1-0 up in the series. 46 needed in 21.

16.2

4

FOUR! Smashed! Up comes the 150. Perera is playing a gem of an innings here. This is full and on off, KP smashes it hard down to the long off fence for a boundary.

16.1

1

A yorker on middle, this is squeezed out towards deep mid-wicket for one.

Andre Russell is back into the attack. His figures so far, 3-0-26-0.

15.6

1

Very full again and on leg pole, this is hit down to long on for one. End of a brilliant over from Powell. Probably the one which turns the tide into the Windies' favor again.

15.5

1

Full and on the pads, this is worked towards deep square leg for one.

15.4

1

Just a single! Windies won't mind singles at the moment. A yorker on middle, it is squeezed out towards mid-wicket for one.

Thisara Perera is the new man in.

15.3

W

OUT! Crashing into the leg pole! Rovman Powell has got the wicket the visitors so desperately wanted. End of a partnership which got Sri Lanka back into the game from a hopeless position. This is a full toss. Hasaranga shuffles across and looks to whip it but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal follows but the umpire shakes his head. West Indies take the review after some consideration. Replays roll in and they show it to be hitting the leg pole. 54 needed in 27 balls now.

West Indies have taken the review against Wanindu Hasaranga. It is a full toss which Wanindu missed and got hit on the pads. Is it missing the stump or hitting?

15.2

1

Very full, almost a yorker on middle, Perera looks to jam it out but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls on the off side for one.

15.1

1

A full toss on the pads, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.

14.6

6

SIX! Perfect end to the over for Sri Lanka. Not what you would have wanted if you are a West Indies fan. Fuller on middle and leg, Perera heaves it behind square on the leg side and it goes over the backward square leg fence for a biggie.

14.5

1

Full ball way down the leg side, Wanindu goes away from the stumps and goes inside-out over extra cover. He does not time it but manages to get it away from the fielder. Single taken. Would have been wided had he not played that.

14.4

4

FOUR! Much-needed boundary for Sri Lanka. Full around off, Hasaranga picks it up early and drives it through covers for a boundary.

14.3

1lb

Full on the pads, Perera swings his bat but misses. The ball hits the pads and goes to the leg side. They take a leg bye.

14.2

1

Full toss outside off, Wanindu comes down the track but cannot get under it. He milks it towards long off and gets to the other end.

14.1

1

Slower ball followed by a yorker. It is on leg, Kusal defends it to the off side and gets a single.

14.1

1wd

WIDE! Slower ball but down the leg side. Perera leaves it alone.

13.6

2

Fuller on off, Hasaranga squeezes it through covers and gets a brace. West Indies at this stage were 126/2. Sri Lanka need 71 off 36 now.

13.5

.

Yorker on the stumps, Wanindu manages to jam it out.

13.4

1

Full on middle, Kusal flicks it to deep mid-wicket and rotates the strike.

13.3

1

Slower ball outside off, Wanindu comes down the track but hits it towards deep cover-point for a run.

Looks like there is an issue with the ball. The umpires having a look and getting it changed now. Here comes out the briefcase and the umpires have a selected a ball and the game will continue after a slight halt in play.

13.2

1

Low full toss on off, Perera cannot do much but just strokes it towards long on and takes one.

13.1

1

Full ball on off, WH strokes it to point and takes a run.

12.6

1

This time Hasaranga glances it and keeps the strike as he gets a single towards fine leg.

12.5

4lb

FOUR LEG BYES! Full on the leg side, Hasaranga looks to flick but misses. The ball hits the pads and goes fine down the leg side to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

12.4

1

Perera pushes it through covers and rotates the strike.

12.3

1

Fuller on off, Wanindu lofts it over covers and gets a single.

12.2

1

FIFTY FOR KUSAL PERERA! An excellent knock from him as wickets kept tumbling at the other end. He has kept his side still in the hunt with this knock. On the pads, Kusal Perera flicks it to the leg side and reaches the milestone.

12.1

1

Yorker on middle, Hasaranga manages to jam it out and get one.

Change of ends for Dwayne Bravo.

11.6

1

End of a very good over, just 7 off it. 86 needed off 48 and this game is not over by any stretch of the imagination. Full on middle and leg, WH shuffles and plays it towards cover and keeps the strike.

11.5

1

Another very full delivery on off, Perera looks to turn it to the leg side but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

11.4

1

Excellent bowling. Yorker on middle, Wanindu manages to dig it out towards long on and get one.

11.3

1

On the pads and full, KP turns it to the on side and gets a single.

11.2

2lb

Leg Byes! Full delivery on the pads, Perera looks to flick but misses. The ball hits his pads and goes towards third man. The fielder from backward point cleans it up. That brings up the 50-run stand as well between the two.

11.1

1

Yorker on the middle pole, Hasaranga flicks it to the on side for a single.

10.6

2

Length ball on off, KP drives it on the up and gets a couple as the fielder from sweeper cover mops it up.

10.5

.

Bouncer! Perera looks to pull but misses.

10.4

4

FOUR! Poor fielding from Oshane Thomas and Russell is not a happy man. This is a bad ball from Andre too, don't get that wrong. It is on the pads, Perera flicks it towards short fine leg. Thomas there dives to his left but fails to gather the ball. The ball goes past him and to the fence.

10.3

1

Fuller on off, Hasaranga strokes it through covers for a single.

10.2

1lb

On the pads, Perera looks to flick but misses. The ball hits the pad and goes towards point. The West Indies players put in a stifled appeal but the umpire turns it down. They steal a leg bye.

10.1

1

Length delivery around off, Wanindu taps it to the right of point and gets a single.

9.6

1

A single to end as this is pushed through covers.

9.5

2

Another excellent shot from Hasaranga. A full ball on off, WH lofts it over extra cover and takes two.

9.4

1

Half-stop! Saves two at least! Outside off, it is a full toss. It is hit hard, the fielder at covers dives and gets a hand to it. One run taken.

9.3

1

Fuller and around off, this is driven square on the off side for one.

9.2

1

Almost drags it on! Outside off, Perera goes after it away from the body. He gets an inside edge, it bounces just ahead of the stumps and then goes towards the keeper. A single taken.

9.1

2

Another couple! A full toss, Perera hits it through covers for two.

8.6

4

FOUR! Sri Lanka hanging in there! Another big over for them. This is shorter and around off, Hasaranga waits for it and guides it through backward point for a boundary.

8.5

2

Another two as this is once again played through point.

8.4

2

Fuller and around off, Hasaranga squeezes it through backward point for two.

8.3

.

On a length and around off, this is pushed back to the bowler.

8.2

1

This is angled into the pads, Perera looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It rolls onto the leg side. One taken.

8.1

4

FOUR! Sliced over! Fuller and outside off, Perera gets it over point and it races away to the fence.

7.6

.

A short one and on middle, it is ducked under.

7.5

1lb

One more short ball, it is a slower one. Perera looks to pull but it hits the glove and rolls towards fine leg for one.

7.4

1

Slower one and on off, this is pushed through covers for one.

7.3

.

One more short ball and on middle, Hasaranga ducks under it.

7.2

.

Length and on middle, defended.

7.1

4

FOUR! That has raced away! Slightly shorter and around off, Hasaranga waits for it and then guides it through point for a boundary.

6.6

1

On a length again, this is pushed towards cover for an easy run.

6.5

2

Outside off, this is guided down to third man for two.

6.4

1

Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single.

6.3

1

One more length delivery around off, this is pushed down to long off for one.

6.2

4

FOUR! Deft! Slightly shorter in length and outside off, Shanaka plays it nice and late and guides it past short third man for a boundary.

6.1

3

Misfield and extra runs! A slower one on middle, this is worked through mid-wicket. The fielder in the deep rushes in, he though fails to collect it as he lets it through and three in total taken.

Wanindu Hasaranga is the new man in. Also, Kieron Pollard has introduced himself into the attack.

5.6

W

OUT! Bowled! 5-wicket haul for Thomas! He has sent half the Lankan side back in the hut. Shanaka will not look at this wicket very fondly. This is not the best of deliveries but the barrage of short deliveries followed by the full ball might have played a big role in it. Full ball on the leg pole, Shanaka gets across a bit too much and looks to flick. He misses and the ball goes onto hit the leg pole. Disastrous Powerplay for Sri Lanka. Yes, they have scored 56 runs but have lost 5 wickets in it. They are 56/5. West Indies at this stage were 58/0.

5.5

.

Bouncer! Dasun ducks under it.

5.5

1wd

WIDE! Down the leg side, Perera ducks under it.

5.4

1

Follows it up with a single towards cover.

5.3

6

SIX! Excellent shot! Thomas overdoes the short and wide ball, it is away from the off pole. Perera cuts it over backward point and the ball goes all the way.

5.2

.

This time finds cover with his punch.

5.1

4

FOUR! This time connects and gets a boundary. Once again short and wide outside off, Perera connects with his punch and gets a boundary through covers.

5.1

1wd

WIDE! Short and way outside off, Perera slashes at it but it is away from the tramline.

4.6

.

Back of a length on off, Dasun pulls but finds mid-wicket. End of another good over. Just 2 from it.

4.5

.

Good length ball on off, Dasun defends it off the front foot.

4.4

.

On the pads, Shanaka looks to flick but the ball kisses his pads and goes to the left of the keeper. Pooran does well to dive and save it.

4.3

.

Full and outside off once again, Shanaka swings but misses.

4.2

.

Full and wide outside off, Dasun leaves it alone.

4.1

2

EDGED AND AWAY! Good length delivery around off, it nips away a bit. Shanaka looks to defend but gets a thick outside edge. Pooran dives but the ball is away from him. The fielder from third man cleans it up. Two taken.

Dasun Shanak walks out to bat now.

3.6

W

OUT! In the air... taken! Russell takes an excellent catch! Mathews struggle against Thomas comes to an end and Oshane gets his fourth. This is angled into the batter, it is slightly fuller. Mathews swings but it goes high up in the air towards long on. Russell runs in and takes a very good catch diving forward. Sri Lanka are in big, big trouble here. 156 needed in 16 overs.

3.5

.

One more short one and on middle, Mathews looks to pull again but fails again.

Angelo Mathews is having a quick word with the umpire and he looks fine to continue.

3.4

.

OUCH! That might have hurt! A short one and on middle, Mathews looks to pull again but it is a little too quick. AM gets a top edge which hits him on the shoulder and then the helmet.

3.3

.

Good pace! A short one and on middle, Mathews looks to pull but is beaten by pace. There is an appeal but nothing from the umpire.

3.3

1wd

Pressure telling on the bowler here! He sprays this one down the leg side and it has been wided.

3.2

4

FOUR! Crunched! On a length and around off, this is hammered down to long on and the ball races away to the fence. So despite the three wickets, the hosts are going at a good rate here.

3.2

1wd

WIDE! Mathews shuffles across and this is bowled on the body. AM looks to flick but misses.

3.1

4

FOUR! A little too straight and Thomas pays the price. Mathews works it fine and it races away to the fence. Raining boundaries at the moment.

2.6

1

One more short ball, this is pulled towards deep square leg for one. A good over for Lanka, 14 runs come off it!

2.5

1

Clever batting! A slower one now on middle, Perera tucks it towards mid-wicket for one.

2.4

4

FOUR! 10 from the last two balls! Another short one and on the body, Perera pulls it all along the ground this time, fine on the leg side for another boundary.

2.3

6

SIX! He picked the bones out of that one! A short ball on the body, Perera swivels and pulls it over the fine leg fence for a huge one.

2.2

1

On a length and around off, it is guided to point.

2.1

1lb

On the pads, Mathews looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and rolls on the leg side for one. Leg bye taken.

Angelo Mathews is the new man in.

1.6

W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Third wicket of the over and Oshane Thomas has turned the match completely in favour of the West Indies. Short of a length delivery down the leg side, Mendis looks to pull but the ball tickles the handle of the bat and goes towards Nicholas Pooran who takes an easy catch. He and Thomas appeal and the umpire raises the finger. This might as well be the game-changing over for the West Indies. 5 runs and 3 wickets off the over.

1.6

1wd

Wide! Down the leg side again, Mendis looks to flick but misses.

1.5

.

Mendis does well to survive the hat-trick delivery. Good length ball on middle and off, defended back towards the bowler.

Kusal Mendis walks out to face the hat-trick ball.

1.4

W

OUT! CAUGHT! Sheldon Cottrell takes the catch and Oshane Thomas is on a hat-trick. Length ball wide outside off, Shehan Jayasuriya looks to go hard at it and cuts. The ball flies towards deep backward point where Sheldon Cottrell takes an easy catch. Two huge setbacks for Sri Lanka and Thomas has rocked them here.

Shehan Jayasuriya walks out to bat.

1.3

W

OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Taken on the second attempt by Nicholas Pooran. Back of a length ball on middle and off, Fernando looks to slash at it but the ball goes off the outside edge towards Pooran. The ball comes to Pooran above head height. He looks to pouch it but the ball hits his hand and goes up and he then takes it safely. Early breakthrough for the Windies.

1.3

1wd

Wide! Another one down the leg side, Fernando looks to flick but misses.

1.3

1wd

Wide! Down the leg side, Fernando looks to pull but misses.

1.2

1

Length ball wide outside off, Perera looks to slash at it but the ball goes off the bottom half onto the turf and the batters steal a quick single.

1.1

1

Starts with a full ball on middle and leg, Fernando flicks this one towards mid-wicket for a single.

Oshane Thomas to bowl from the other end.

0.6

1

On the pads, AF glances it to the leg side and gets to the other end. Very good start for the hosts. 12 from the first over and the chase is off to steady beginning.

0.6

1wd

WIDE! Cottrell misses his line and sprays one down the leg side. Avishka looks to flick but misses.

0.5

1

In the air but safe! Cottrell has now started to hit the deck hard. It is on middle, Perera looks to pull but the ball gets heavy on him and hits the upper part of his bat. It falls wide of Oshane Thomas who runs to his right from short fine leg.

0.4

.

Almost ricochets onto the stumps. Back of a length delivery on the body, Perera looks to pull but the ball hits his body and goes close to the leg pole. Perera recognizes and looks to stop the ball with the bat but the ball goes away.

0.3

4

FOUR! Perera gets off the mark just like his partner but his shot is full of class and timing. Good length ball around off, Perera gets on his front foot and creams his drive right through covers for a boundary.

0.2

1

Good length ball on off, Avishka pulls it towards deep mid-wicket and gets a single.

0.1

4

FOUR! Wow! What a way to start the innings! Cottrell starts with a full ball on middle and off, Avishka sets the set-up straight and whacks it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

The West Indies players are out in the middle and they are followed by the Sri Lankan openers, Avishka Fernando and Kusal Perera. Sheldon Cottrell to start the proceedings with the ball. Here we go...

The target is big, the wicket did seem a touch slow at the start but it looked like it was getting better! Sri Lanka though will have to bat really well but the Windies will back themselves to defend this total. Join us for the second essay in a while.

Andre Russell is down for a quick chat. Russell says that he is hoping that they can do well and defend this total. Says that he has worked really hard with the physios, in the medical room and they are professionals and this is what they have to do. Russell says that even though they are above the par score, they should not be too confident. Ends by saying that although they have a cushion, the bowlers need to be at their best to defend this total.

The Lankans on the other hand, started off decently but then had no answers to the power hitting of the Windies batters. At one stage, the visitors looked certain to cross the 200-run mark but they did well to pull things back a little in the end. Every bowler except for Hasaranga took a pounding. Udana had a day to forget as he went for over 13 runs per over. Overall, the Lankans will not be happy with how they performed.

A power-packed batting display from the visitors comes to an end! They have justified their skipper's decision of batting first. They did not start off in aggressive fashion. However, their openers got their eye in and started blasting from the last over of the Powerplay. They got 20 from the 6th and from there on the carnage began. Simmons played as the anchor. He played an unbeaten innings of 67 runs. The rest played around him. King, Pollard and Russel played excellent cameos which has powered the Windies total close to 200.

19.6

1

Single to end the innings. Full and wide outside off, Allen swings and hits it towards cover for a run. WEST INDIES FINISH WITH 196/4 FROM THEIR 20 OVERS!

19.5

2b

Poor from Perera! Full toss outside off, Allen swings his bat but misses it. Perera fails to take it behind the stumps and gifts two byes to the touring team.

19.4

2

Back of a length delivery on off, Allen pulls it wide of long on and gets a couple.

19.3

1

Full and wide outside off, Simmons cannot do much but just squeeze it towards backward point for a single.

Fabien Allen walks out to bat.

19.2

W

OUT! Caught! Pollard holes out and Udana has the last laugh. He bowls it full and slightly slower. Pollard looks to go over long on once again but mistimes it this time. The ball goes towards Avishka Fernando in the deep who comes out and takes the catch.

19.1

6

SIX! Overpitched and that has gone over. It is on off, Pollard tonks it over long on and gets a biggie.

19.1

2wd

WIDE! Full and too wide outside off, Simmonns leaves it alone. Perera fails to gather it and they cross through as well.

Isuru Udana to bowl the final over of the innings. He has conceded 29 runs off his 2 over so far. Can he make amends in the final over?

18.6

1

Short again, Simmons pulls it towards deep mid-wicket and keeps the strike. Good penultimate over from Wanindu. He makes a good comeback after going for a 6. 9 off it and Malinga won't mind that.

18.5

1

Shorter on off, Pollard punches it to the off side and gets a single.

18.4

.

Smart bowling! Pollard comes down the track so Wanindu darts it on the pads. Pollard looks to flick but misses.

18.3

6

SIX! That is the power of Pollard. Shorter on off, Pollard goes over covers. He does not time it perfectly but it still goes over the ropes.

18.2

1

Floated on middle and leg, Simmons taps it down to long on for one.

18.1

.

Darted on the leg side, Simmons looks to heave it on the leg side but misses and the ball goes to the keeper right between his legs.

17.6

2

Once again superb running from the pair of Pollard and Simmons. Full on off, Pollard taps it towards long on. Simmons dashes for the first one and calls for two straightaway. His skipper responds and they get it with ease. However, replays later show that Pollard had not completed his first run so just 1 run off this ball. 17 off Malinga's final over. He finishes with the figures of 4-0-37-1.

17.5

2

Full on middle and leg, Pollard drives it to the left of long on and gets a couple.

17.4

4

FOUR! Pollard is outfoxing his counterpart here. Very full on the pads, nothing wrong with the delivery but Pollard expects it and flicks it fine down the leg side for a boundary.

17.3

2

Now Malinga manages to bowl a yorker on middle. But Pollard manages to place it towards long on. He looks for two straightaway and KP's big strides helps him get it with ease.

17.2

4

FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries and Pollard is having the better of his Indian T20 League teammate. Malinga bowls a length ball outside off, Pollard smacks it wide of long off and gets a boundary.

17.1

4

FOUR! Malinga goes for the yorker but misses it and bowls a full toss on the pads. Easy pickings for Pollard as he flicks it through square leg for a boundary.

16.6

.

Another dot to end a top over from Hasaranga. On middle, this is kept out. Just 6 runs from the over.

16.5

.

Dot! Gold at this stage! Shorter and quicker outside off, Simmons looks to cut but misses.

16.4

1

One more single! On the pads, Pollard works it through square leg for one.

16.3

1lb

Simmons comes down the track and swings hard. He misses though. The ball hits the pad and rolls on the off side. Leg bye taken.

16.2

2

On middle, Simmons works it towards mid-wicket for one. Simmons senses the opportunity of another and goes for it. They complete it with ease.

16.1

1

Flatter and on off, this is pushed down to long on for one.

16.1

1wd

WIDE! Down the leg side, Pollard looks to flick but misses.

15.6

1

Another yorker by Malinga, Pollard digs it out towards mid on and takes a single.

15.5

1

Wide delivery outside off, Simmons looks to carve this one past the man at backward point but Shehan Jayasuriya there dives and makes a brilliant stop saving three runs for his side.

15.4

2

On the pads of Simmons, he works this one towards the leg side for a couple.

15.3

1

Pollard gets off the mark straightaway as he pushes this ball down to long on for a single.

Kieron Pollard walks out to bat in his 500th T20 game.

15.2

W

OUT! TIMBER! Malinga brings himself on and shows who is the boss. He sends Russell back to the pavilion. It is a Malinga special from the Sri Lankan T20I skipper. He rolls back the years and bowls a perfect yorker around off. Russell is late to get his bat down and jam it out. He ends up getting a thick inside edge onto the stumps. Russell's cameo comes to an end and Sri Lanka will now dare to dream to restrict the tourists under 200!

15.1

1

Lower full toss on middle, Simmons works this one towards the man at short fine leg for a single.

Lasith Malinga is back on! The skipper needs to break this stand here.

14.6

6

SIX! Another biggie and 18 runs off the over. A huge one for the Windies. Loopy ball on middle, Russell hits that straight back over the bowler's head again and into the sight-screen.

14.5

.

NOT OUT! Russell has done well to come back into his crease! A flatter delivery on off, Russell guides this towards the fielder at short third man. He sets off but is sent back by Simmons. Russell turns and looks to come back but the fielder at short third man scores a direct-hit at the striker's end. The umpire takes it upstairs and the replays roll in. They show that Russell is well in and it looks like the Russ-storm will continue.

Is Russell short of his crease? It is a direct hit and they are always touch and go. Russell is not that confident but let's see what the replays have to say.

14.4

6

SIX! Whacked! That is some shot from Russell! Floated delivery on middle, Russell gets down on one knee and slaps that straight back over the bowler's head for a maximum.

14.3

1

Another flatter delivery, this time Simmons pulls towards square leg for one.

14.2

1

Flatter delivery on middle, Russell pulls this one towards mid-wicket for a single.

14.1

4

FOUR! Russell goes hard once again. Floated delivery just around off, Russell smacks this one wide of the man at long on for a boundary.

13.6

.

On the pads, LS paddle sweeps it but finds backward square leg. End of a very expensive over from Sandakan. 19 runs off it and Russell has arrived in Sri Lanka.

13.5

1

Respite for Sandakan as Russell pushes it to cover and gets to the other end.

13.4

6

SIX! Get the helmets on in the stands because Russell has started to send the ball flying in there. Floated and overpitched on off, Russell gets down on one knee and slog sweeps it over the deep square leg stands for a huge six. It did not come off the middle but when you are Muscle-Russell you don't always need the middle to send it sailing.

13.4

1wd

WIDE! Sandakan is under the pump. Short and almost outside the pitch on the off side. Andre does not disturb that.

13.3

.

Darted full on the pads, Russell does not make the most of it and blocks it.

13.3

1wd

WIDE! Pressure on the bowler. Sandakan bowls it short and wide outside off, Russell leaves it alone.

13.2

4

FOUR! Now a boundary. Floated outside off, Russell stretches and smacks it over the bowler's head for a boundary. 10 off two and the Dr. Dre looks in the mood.

13.1

6

SIX! Russel takes just three balls to send the ball into the stands. Sandakan bowls a low full toss on off, Russell gets down on one knee and heaves it over mid-wicket for a biggie. If you give Russell a loose delivery, he will punish you.

Lakshan Sandakan to bowl his final over. 3-0-19-1, his figures so far.

12.6

1

Uppish but safe! Russell gets off the mark in a risky manner. Floated on off, Russell hits it uppishly towards long on and gets a single. End of a successful first over from Wanindu. Just 2 runs and a wicket off it.

12.5

.

Just beaten! Quicker and shorter outside off, Russell looks to dab it towards third man with a straight bat but the ball misses the inside edge and goes right between his bat and pad.

12.4

.

Googly on off, Russell starts his innings with a front foot defense.

Andre Russell walks out to bat now.

12.3

W

OUT! Caught! Pooran holes out! Wanindu strikes in his very first over and the budding stand comes to an end. Shorter just outside off, Pooran loves to pull and looks to pull it in calypso style. He cannot get under it and hits it towards deep mid-wicket. Avishka Fernando comes running in front and to his right. He slides and takes a very good catch. Second wicket of the game and once again it is a spinner.

12.2

.

Short and outside off, Simmons looks to pull but misses.

12.1

1lb

Wanindu starts with a shorter ball on the leg side, Simmons comes down the track and looks to flick. He misses and the ball goes on the leg side for a leg bye.

Wanindu Hasaranga, the key man for Sri Lanka, is into the attack now.

11.6

.

On a length and around off, this is guided towards point. A dot to end a decent over by Mathews.

11.5

1

Length delivery and angled into the middle pole, this is hit down to long on for one.

11.4

.

A seam-up ball on middle, this is pushed to the right of the bowler. Mathews dives to his right and saves a run.

11.3

1

Length and on middle, this is pushed towards cover for one. Sensible batting.

11.2

4

FOUR! 100 up for the Windies! This is short and outside off, Pooran waits for it and cuts it behind point for a boundary.

11.1

1

Length and outside off, this is slapped down to long off for one.

Angelo Mathews is back on. 9 runs off his solitary over so far.

10.6

.

Pooran also cuts but finds point unlike his partner.

10.5

1

Flatter outside off, Simmons cuts it behind square on the off side and rotates the strike.

10.4

2

Around middle and leg, Lendl whips it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple.

10.3

1

Floated on off, Pooran comes down the track and whips it towards mid-wicket for a single.

10.2

.

Once again short but quicker. Pooran looks to cut but misses.

10.1

4

FOUR! Very good start to the over for West Indies. Pooran gets his first boundary off the game. Sndakan bowls it short and wide outside off, Pooran cuts it through point for a boundary.

9.6

2

A very low full toss on off, driven towards long off. The man from mid off gives a chase and keeps it down to two.

9.5

1

On the pads, flicked towards the leg side for a single.

9.4

1

Fifty for Lendl Simmons! Length ball outside off, Simmons guides this one down to third man to bring up his 8th half ton in T20Is. This has been a marvelous innings by him.

9.3

.

BEATEN! Full ball wide outside off, Simmons looks to paddle scoop over the man at fine leg but misses.

9.2

4

FOUR! Back of a length ball on middle, Simmons rocks back and pulls this one towards mid-wicket for a boundary.

9.1

4

FOUR! Brilliant timing and also found the gap beautifully. It is fuller and around off, Simmons opens the face at the very end and gets it between deep point and sweeper cover for a boundary. Once again Perera's over starts with a boundary.

8.6

1

End of an excellent over from Sandakan. There was pressure on him and his team before the start but he has delivered a gem of an over. Just the 4 runs off it and also the wicket of King.

8.5

.

Short and spinning away, Simmons cuts it towards point.

8.4

1

Flatter on off, Pooran punches it towards cover and gets to the other end.

8.3

2

Shorter on off, Pooran pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket and gets a couple.

Nicholas Pooran is the new batsman in.

8.2

W

OUT! Caught! Sandakan strikes and the crowd inside the stadium have found their voice back! A much-needed wicket for Sri Lanka as the partnership between King and Simmons was off to a flier. Once again smart bowling from Sandakan. He bowls it slower and into the surface outside off. King moves inside the off pole and drags his heave from there. It is a googly as well so he plays it against the spin. He cannot get under it and ends up hitting it straight down the throat of long on. Wanindu Hasaranga there makes no mistake and accepts the sitter.

8.1

.

Floated outside off, King moves inside the stumps and hits hit hard but straight back to the bowler.

7.6

1

A full toss but it is outside off, it is hit towards deep cover for one. So once again a good come back from the bowler after going for a boundary on the first ball.

7.5

1

One more slower ball on off, it is worked through mid-wicket for one.

7.4

1

Continues bowling it very wide outside off, Simmons goes after it but it hits the bottom and rolls on the off side for one.

7.3

1

One more yorker outside off, once again bowling to his field is Perera. It is jammed out through covers for one.

7.2

1

Well bowled! A yorker outside off, Perera bowled to his field there. It is jammed out towards deep point for one.

7.1

4

FOUR! Hammered! King is getting into his elements now! This is slightly short and around off, King stays back and drags it over mid-wicket. One more boundary.

Thisara Perera is back into the attack.

6.6

1

Once again right off the meat but this time the fielder is there for protection. Tossed up on off, King once again dances down the track and hits it hard to the right of long off. The fielder cleans it up and keeps it down to one. Tidy start for Sandakan, 7 off his first.

6.5

4

FOUR! West Indies are showing their flair here. Flighted on off, King comes down the track and swats it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

6.4

1

Shorter around off, Simmons punches it wide of cover for a run.

6.3

.

Short outside off, Simmons cuts it but finds point.

6.2

1

Shorter from Sandakan, King punches it towards sweeper cover and gets to the other end.

6.1

.

Sandakan starts with a flighted delivery on off, King uses his feet and pushes it to cover.

Spin time now as Lakshan Sandakan is into the attack.

5.6

.

A dot to end but a huge over for the Windies. They will be very pleased with where they stand in the game after the first 6. They are 58/0. A slower one, it is on a length. Grips and moves away. Simmons is beaten as he tries to defend.

5.5

4

FOUR! One more boundary! 20 from the over with a ball left! This is not a very bad delivery, it is a yorker on off. Simmons does well to stay leg side of the delivery and jam it through point.

5.4

6

SIX! Heaved away! 50 up in style and this is a very good start for the Windies. It is a short ball, one more slower one and it sits up to be hit. Simmons hammers it over the mid-wicket fence.

5.3

.

Leading edge but safe! The change in angle almost worked! He comes around the wicket and bowls a slower one on off, it holds in the surface. Simmons is early in the flick. He gets a leading edge which lands short of mid off.

5.2

4

FOUR! 10 from the first two balls! Good batting! He makes room now and Udana bowls it full and it is a seam-up ball. Simmons carves it over point and bags another boundary. Pressure on Udana here.

5.1

6

SIX! Nicely waited and brilliantly hit! Ideal start to the last over of the Powerplay. Simmons was waiting for a slower one and he gets it. It is full and on middle, Simmons swings and it sails over the mid-wicket fence.

4.6

.

Slower ball, bowled into the surface. King hangs back and punches it but straight to cover-point.

4.5

1

On the pads, LS flicks it to the leg side.

4.4

1

NOT OUT! Simmons is safely in. Slower length ball outside off, King taps it towards backward point and hangs just outside the crease. Simmons comes out for a single and comes halfway down. King sees him and then sets off, the fielder chooses to have a shy at the keeper's end and scores a direct hit. The umpire goes upstairs and replays show Lendl is well in. Had the fielder had a shy at the other end, King might have been in trouble.

Run out appeal taken upstairs! Simmons is the man in question but he looks well in. The replays roll in and yes, Simmons is comfortably in.

4.3

4

FOUR! Lovely shot! Slower ball outside off, King drives it through covers for a boundary.

4.2

1

Length ball outside off, Simmons taps it towards backward point and takes off for a quick single.

4.2

1wd

WIDE! Down the leg side, Simmons looks to flick but misses.

4.1

.

Back of a length delivery outside off, Simmons pulls it towards mid on. The fielder there fumbles but that does not cost any run.

Malinga is back on for his second over. 6 runs off his solitary over so far.

3.6

.

One more slower delivery, King keeps it out. So, a good comeback by the bowler after going for 8 from the first two balls. Just 9 from it. The wicket though seems a touch sticky.

3.5

1

Another slower one, this one sticks in the surface. Simmons is early in the pull, it goes off the inner half towards square leg for one.

3.4

.

Just short! One more slower one and on off, Simmons gets a little too close to it and hence, does not get the elevation. He hits it uppishly but just short of mid off.

3.3

.

Gets it right this time, a slower one on middle, Simmons works it to mid-wicket.

3.2

4

FOUR! Scored a boundary on a good ball previously and now makes use of the bad ball as well. A full toss outside off, Simmons just opens the face of the bat and guides it through point. Not a good start for Udana. 8 from the first two balls.

3.1

4

FOUR! Brilliantly played again! Just placement! This is on a length and around off, it is a slower one. Simmons waits for it and then guides it through backward point for a boundary. The Windies are dealing in boundaries.

Isuru Udana comes into the attack now. Malinga mixing his bowlers up as this is the 4th bowler in 4 overs.

2.6

4

FOUR! A fortunate boundary! It was not where he wanted to hit it but got the desired result. King walks down the track and Mathews bangs it short. King is a little hurried onto the pull. It goes off the top edge and over covers for a boundary. A good over for the Windies as 9 runs come off it.

2.5

.

Another dot! On off, it is a slower one, King works it to mid on.

2.4

1

A single! Outside off, LS looks to force it through the off side but it goes off the inner half down to long on for one.

2.3

.

Attacks the stumps again, Simmons plays it back with a straight bat. Mathews fails to stop it but it hits the stumps at the other end.

2.2

.

Length and on middle, it stays a touch low. Simmons gets his bat down in time and keeps it out.

2.1

4

FOUR! Finds the gap nicely! This is on a length and outside off, Simmons waits for it and then guides it past point for a boundary.

Angelo Mathews is into the attack now.

1.6

6

SIX! Spoils the over somewhat! That though is a beautiful stroke from King. It will release all the pressure that was building. It is full and on off, King shows the full face of the bat and lofts it high and handsome over the long off fence for a biggie. First of the game.

1.5

.

5 dots in a row! Nice and straight on off, King strokes it to covers. Can this be a maiden?

1.4

.

4 dots in a row! On middle, King works it towards mid-wicket.

1.3

.

A swing and a miss! Slightly shorter and outside off, King swings across the line but the ball stays a touch low and BK is beaten. Three dots in a row.

1.2

.

One more ball on a length and around off, King pushes it to covers.

1.1

.

Nicely played but straight to the fielder! Length and around off, this is timed superbly but straight to covers.

Thisara Perera to bowl from the other end.

0.6

.

A change of length and pace to end the over! Length and outside off, Simmons is foxed by the lack of pace. He looks to put bat on ball but is beaten. So despite 6 good balls from Malinga, it is a good start for the Windies.

0.5

1

One more run! Good batting, follows the boundary with a single as this is pushed towards mid off.

0.4

4

FOUR! King is off the mark in style! A little too full and on the pads, King works it through square leg and the ball races away to the fence.

0.3

.

BEAUTY! Another extremely full and an away swinging delivery. On off this time. King looks to jam it out but gets beaten.

0.2

1

Windies are underway! Another pin-point yorker and on middle, Lendl Simmons jams it out towards mid off for one. Now then, the fielder did have a shy there at the non-striker's end but missed. Had he hit, Simmons was a goner.

0.1

.

Trademark Malinga! Starts off with a yorker on middle, it swings away a touch, Simmons does well to play it with a straight bat and towards mid off. It was actually a low full toss and not a yorker.

Done and dusted with the national anthems and now we are all set to begin. The Sri Lankan players are in a huddle as skipper, Lasith Malinga gives the last words of motivation before his troops take to the field. Lendl Simmons walks out with Brandon King to open the innings for West Indies. The captain, Lasith Malinga to start the proceedings with the new ball.

Both sets of players walk out for their respective National Anthems. First up it will be West Indies' followed by Sri Lanka's.

Pitch report - Russel Arnold is down for the pitch report. Arnold says it is the same surface they played the third ODI on and he expects it to play well. States you can hit through the line of the ball and 180 will be a par score over here.

Sri Lanka Playing XI - Avishka Fernando, Kusal Perera (WK), Kusal Mendis, Shehan Jayasuriya, Angelo Mathews, Dasun Shanaka, Thisara Perera, Wanindu Hasaranga, Isuru Udana, Lasith Malinga (C), Lakshan Sandakan.

West Indies Playing XI - Lendl Simmons, Brandon King, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Kieron Pollard (C), Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Fabian Allen, Dwayne Bravo, Oshane Thomas, Sheldon Cottrell.

Sri Lankan skipper, Lasith Malinga, says they wanted to bowl first as dew might come in later on. Further adds, the team has winning momentum on their side and he would hope they can make use of it. Ends by saying, he had a good time when he last played on this ground and he hopes the same.

Windies skipper, Kieron Pollard, says it is an already played wicket and they would want to put a good total on the board and defend it. States he is looking forward to this game as they have some T20 specialists. Informs that Williams and Shai Hope miss out. He reckons they have a strong batting line-up and he hopes it comes good. On this being his 500th T20 game, he says he is very pleased and he always tries to give his 100 percent.

TOSS - Time for the spin of the coin. Up it goes and it comes down in favor of Kieron Pollard. WEST INDIES OPT TO BAT!

Hello and welcome to the 1st T20I between Sri Lanka and West Indies. The hosts swept away the Caribbean side in the ODIs and will look to repeat the same in the shortest format now. The defending T20 World champions will look to bounce back from that defeat. They have a plethora of changes from the ODIs and this is the format they are well-oiled in. Can Sri Lanka end their winless run in T20Is or will West Indies make a resounding comeback? Stay tuned for the toss and team updates.

Match Center

1st T20I, Kandy, March 04, 2020, 07:00 PM

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