Lasith Malinga castles Andre Russell's stumps with a stunning yorker

Lasith Malinga is ageing like a fine wine and he proved it again on Wednesday during the first T20I between Sri Lanka and West Indies in Pallekele. The visitors beat Sri Lanka by 25 runs in the series-opener. Malinga, nonetheless, managed to leave his mark on the game by bowling a vicious yorker to get the better of the dangerous Andre Russell.

The veteran pacer was under pressure during the match as Russell was firing on all cylinders. The hard-hitting batsman was striking the ball at a stunning rate of over 226. Sri Lanka needed something special to get rid of Russell and that moment of brilliance was provided by Malinga. The right-arm pacer bowled an inch-perfect signature yorker to send back Russell.

Bowling in the 16th over of West Indies’ innings, the 38-year-old bowled one right at the base of the off-stump which proved too good for Russell. The West Indies star could not bring his bat down in time and departed after slamming 35 off just 14 balls.

Here’s the dismissal:

Malinga at his absolute best 💥#SLvWI pic.twitter.com/fvnRq54D4r

— SANDEEP (@SanjuRo45_) March 4, 2020

West Indies register a comfortable win

After being whitewashed in the three-match ODI series, West Indies bounced back in style to beat the hosts in the first T20I and take an unassailable lead in the two-match series. Batting first, the tourists posted an imposing total of 196 for 4 in the allotted 20 overs. Openers Lendl Simmons top-scored for his side, scoring 67 not out to anchor the innings brilliantly.

Russell and Kieron Pollard provided the finishing touches with the bat by scoring their runs at a strike rate of more than 200. In reply, Sri Lanka started in a disastrous manner and were eventually all out for 171. Oshane Thomas blew away Sri Lanka’s top order to all but end their chances. In his very first over of the innings, he dismissed Avishka Fernando, Shehan Jayasuriya and Kusal Mendis to leave the home side reeling at 17 for 3.

In the fourth over, he removed the experienced Angelo Mathew before picking up his fifth wicket by castling Dasun Shanaka. By the end of the powerplay, Sri Lanka were 56 for 5 and although Kusal and Wanindu Hasaranga added 87 runs for the sixth wicket, it was not enough for the win.