SL vs WI, 1st T20I review: Brandon King, Evin Lewis’ half-centuries help West Indies beat Sri Lanka

West Indies openers Brandon King and Evin Lewis registered a half-centuries each to help the team win the opening T20I of the series against Sri Lanka by five wickets. Sri Lanka had a difficult start with the bat, as Pathum Nissanka departed for 11 runs, while Kusal Mendis got dismissed for 19 runs. Batting at three, Kusal Perera made just six runs.

However, after three early dismissals, Kamindu Mendis and captain Charith Asalanka took care of the business. Mendis made 51 runs off 40 deliveries while Asalanka hit 59 runs off 35 balls, which brought Sri Lanka back into the contest. They stitched a partnership of 82 runs which helped the hosts put a defendable total on the board. However, they would have liked to finish better but ended up scoring 179 runs.

Meanwhile, Romario Shepherd was the star with the ball, picking up two wickets. Shamar Joseph too had a terrific time on the field, as he conceded 27 runs in four overs and picked up the wicket of Perera.

When it came to the chase, Sri Lanka struggled big time. Their strategy too was questionable as Matheesha Pathirana was brought in very late. King and Evin set the tone for the team with their half-centuries each and later, even when other batters struggled, West Indies managed to get the job done with five wickets and as many balls left. Notably, King made 63 runs off 33 balls and Lewis hit 50 off 28 deliveries and the prior was eventually adjudged Player of the Match.

“My role is to get the team off to a good start. It came out well as it was a good wicket. It's more mental than anything else. Been out for a couple of months, but glad to be back on the field. I think the pitch got better. You had to have a good powerplay while chasing 180. Our role as openers was to get the team off to a good start,” King said after the game.