West Indies Secure T20 Series with Narrow Victory Over Sri Lanka

KINGSTON, Jamaica (AP) — In a thrilling finale, the West Indies triumphed over Sri Lanka by five wickets on Sunday, clinching the T20 series with two balls to spare in the third match of the series. Sherfane Rutherford played a crucial role, finishing unbeaten on 54 runs off 40 balls, while Jason Holder added a quick 21 runs off just five deliveries, including three sixes in the penultimate over. The West Indies successfully chased down a target of 170, responding to Sri Lanka's total of 169.

Two critical missed catches by Sri Lanka during Rutherford's innings proved detrimental, as the series had been evenly poised following one win apiece in the first two matches. The West Indies opted to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision that paid off handsomely as Shamar Joseph delivered a standout performance, claiming five wickets for 33 runs and earning the player-of-the-match accolade.

Joseph's impressive display included taking two wickets in the sixth over and three in the final over of Sri Lanka's innings, although he narrowly missed out on a hat-trick on two occasions. Sri Lanka started strong, reaching 49-1 after five overs, but Joseph's strikes turned the tide, and he dismissed both Pathum Nissanka (26) and Pavan Rathnayake in quick succession.

Despite a late effort from Dunith Wellalage, who scored 43 runs off 28 balls, Sri Lanka's innings faltered after Wanindu Hasaranga was run out, ending a promising partnership for the seventh wicket. The West Indies faced an early setback in their chase, losing Shai Hope swiftly but managed to reach 52 before losing three wickets in a dramatic collapse.

Rovman Powell, with a vital contribution of 33 runs, steadied the ship alongside Rutherford, forming an 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket. The final overs saw Holder's explosive batting shift the momentum back in favor of the West Indies, allowing them to secure a hard-fought victory. This win follows a rainy ODI series where Sri Lanka emerged victorious with a 1-0 result after the last two matches were abandoned. The teams will now shift their focus to a two-match Test series commencing on June 25 in Antigua.