With this we wrap on our coverage of the West Indies vs Sri Lanka T20I series. It was a hard-fought battle, and the decider was the true representation of it with the match going down right to the wire.
The two teams are set to play each other next on the 25th of June. However, the clothing will turn white, and the ball will turn red. It will be the start of the first Test between the two sides of the two-test match series.
On this note, I, Manan Mehta would like to sign off alongside my colleagues Karthik Raj and Bishal Mandal. B-byeeee!!!
Trivia: This is West Indies' first series win at home since August 2024 when they beat South Africa (3-0).
This is also their first series win over Sri Lanka in 5 years. Their last win against the Sri Lankans came back in March 2021.
Most Expensive Spells for a Sri Lankan Bowler in T20Is:
1/75- Kasun Rajitha vs Australia, Adelaide, 2019
1/64- Sanath Jayasuriya vs Pakistan, Johannesburg, 2007
1/64- Dushmantha Chameera vs West Indies, Kingston, 2026 (Tonight)*
Highest 5th Wicket Partnerships for West Indies in T20Is:
81- Sherfane Rutherford and Rovman Powell vs Sri Lanka, Kingston, 2026 (Tonight)*
80- Brandon King and Rovman Powell vs England, St George's, 2023
77- Dwayne Bravo and Ramnaresh Sarwan vs Sri Lanka, Nottingham, 2009
Best Figures for a bowler at Sabina Park, Kingston in T20Is:
5-33 by Shamar Joseph (West Indies) vs Sri Lanka, 2026 (Tonight)*
4-11 by Alex Cusack (Ireland) vs West Indies, 2014
4-36 by Ben Dwarshuis (Australia) vs West Indies, 2025
Shai Hope (West Indies Captain):"(On winning a series at home for the first time since 2024) You always bring out stats, Carlos (Brathwaite) (smiles). But feels pleasing to come out and perform in front of the fans who came out for all three games.
(How to learn from experiences) There is not much time between games. So, it is important to learn from the matches. It is about how fast you can turnaround and put things right.
(Importance of fielding in T20s) I think it is something we tend to neglect especially with the ball the ball flies around these days. If you are not batting or bowling, you have a big role to play in the field. It is something we keep stressing on.
(Winning bilaterals or putting a process in place for the 2028 WC, which is more important) It is a bit of both. You have to build habits and winning is a habit. Each game and each series is going to be important for us. The guys are playing good cricket, so it is about putting good series consecutively."
Kusal Mendis (Sri Lanka Captain): "[On the game today] Firstly I am very happy with my batting unit. Dunith Wellalage batted really well. Pathum also batted really well. I think we did good things throughout the series. However, there are a couple of things we need to learn.
[Was the first innings total enough?] We were happy with the total. Today's wicket was a little bit different. Some balls were coming slowly; some balls were gripping. So, I think the batting unit did really well.
[A word on Dunith Wellalage] We have two spin all-rounders in Dunith and Wanindu. Dunith I feel played really well in the pressure situation. He batted really well. With the ball as well, he did really well in the powerplay. That is why he is chosen as the all-rounder in the team."
Shamar Joseph (Player of the Match & Series):"(How he executed his skills) It is just all about consistency and the work that analyst and Ravi (Rampaul) did. The preparation he gave us, bowling yorkers and sticking to plans.
(Nailing yorkers at the back-end) That is my job, basically to finish well with yorkers. It is all about muscle memory and I enjoy it.
(Bowling quick and touch 150s) I am naturally fit, taking it one day at a time and continuously working on my body. Bowling quick is natural for me. I said to Ravi that I want to get up there, get to that speeds again."
Shamar Joseph has been named as the 'Player of the Match & Series'.