Sri Lanka set a aggressive whole of 162/5 of their second T20I conflict in opposition to West Indies, at Dambulla on Tuesday (October 15). After profitable the toss and opting to bat first, Sri Lanka confronted a sluggish begin as their opening pair, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, managed solely 8 runs within the first three overs. Nevertheless, the sport’s momentum shifted dramatically within the fourth over, largely as a result of Nissanka’s aggressive stroke play. His fast acceleration set the tone for Sri Lanka’s innings, lifting the strain off after a cautious starting.
Pathum Nissanka’s explosive batting: 5 consecutive boundaries
The turning level of Sri Lanka’s innings got here within the fourth over, bowled by Shamar Joseph. Nissanka, who had struggled to attain early on, unleashed a collection of 5 consecutive boundaries off Joseph, accumulating 25 runs in a single over. The sequence started with a leg bye that raced to the boundary, however the actual motion kicked off on the second supply when Nissanka hit a strong shot over additional cowl.
He continued his assault with a top-edged boundary over a brief nice leg, adopted by a drive by vast mid-off. Nissanka wasn’t completed but; he learn the quick fifth ball completely, pulling it to backward sq. leg for his fourth boundary. He concluded the over by reducing a slower back-of-length ball previous backward level for the fifth 4. This over fully modified the complexion of the match, as Nissanka’s aggression compelled West Indies onto the again foot.
Right here’s the video:
Pathum Nissanka, take a bow! 🫡🤌🏻
The Lankan opener confirmed his vary as he smacked Shamar Joseph throughout the park in an over that featured 6 boundaries! 🔥#SLvWIonFanCode pic.twitter.com/nxBdJqCFPF
— FanCode (@FanCode) October 15, 2024
Additionally READ: Sri Lanka vs West Indies 2024, T20I Sequence: Date, Match Time, Squads, Broadcast & Stay Streaming particulars
Sri Lanka’s innings and West Indies bowling struggles
Nissanka’s attacking innings of 54 from 49 balls, together with 9 fours and 1 six, was the spotlight of Sri Lanka’s innings. His 77-run opening partnership with Kusal Mendis (26 off 25 balls) supplied a robust platform for the center order. Kusal Perera added a fast 24 from 16 balls, contributing to Sri Lanka’s acceleration within the center overs. Regardless of shedding wickets within the latter phases, Kamindu Mendis (19 off 14) and Charith Asalanka (9 off 7) chipped in with helpful runs, serving to Sri Lanka attain 162/5 in 20 overs.
For West Indies, Romario Shepherd (2/23) and Alzarri Joseph (1/33) had been the decide of the bowlers. Nonetheless, they struggled to include Sri Lanka’s prime order, with Joseph (1/35) bearing the brunt of Nissanka’s onslaught. Gudakesh Motie delivered a extremely economical spell, conceding solely 13 runs in 4 overs, however the remainder of the bowling assault leaked runs, permitting Sri Lanka to submit a difficult whole.
