WI vs SL- 1st T20I,11 June 2026- Shai Hope Guides West Indies to Comfortable Victory Over Sri Lanka

Kamindu Mendis Shines Amid Sri Lankan Struggles

After being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka posted 147/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

The innings started positively with Pathum Nissanka striking 18 off 14 balls, but regular wickets prevented Sri Lanka from building momentum. Captain Kusal Mendis looked dangerous during his quick-fire 36 from just 23 deliveries, smashing three sixes and two boundaries before falling to Shamar Joseph.

Sri Lanka's biggest contribution came from Kamindu Mendis, who played a mature innings of 51 runs off 39 balls. The stylish left hander batter struck four boundaries and two sixes while anchoring the innings during a difficult phase.

Dasun Shanaka added 22 runs, but the middle and lower order failed to accelerate in the final overs as wickets continued to tumble.

Sri Lanka eventually finished on 147/9, a total that appeared slightly below par on a batting-friendly surface.

Holder and Joseph Lead West Indies Bowling Attack

West Indies' bowlers delivered a disciplined performance throughout the innings.

Veteran all-rounder Jason Holder was exceptional, claiming 3 wickets for just 18 runs in his four overs spell . His early breakthroughs disrupted Sri Lanka's plans and put pressure on the middle order.

Fast bowler Shamar Joseph matched Holder's effort with figures of 3/29, while Roston Chase chipped in with an important wicket. Their combined efforts restricted Sri Lanka from posting a more challenging total.

Brandon King Provides Flying Start

Chasing 148 for victory, West Indies got off to an explosive start thanks to Brandon King.

The aggressive opener smashed 37 runs from only 22 balls, including three sixes and two boundaries. His attacking approach ensured the required run rate remained under control from the outset.

After King's dismissal, Shimron Hetmyer continued the momentum with a quick 17 from 9 balls before becoming Wanindu Hasaranga's second victim.

Captain Hope Anchors the Chase

The backbone of the successful chase was captain Shai Hope, who produced a calm and composed unbeaten innings of 65 runs from 54 deliveries.

Hope build his innings perfectly, combining caution with timely aggression. He struck five fours and two sixes while ensuring West Indies never lost control of the chase.

Roston Chase contributed 16 runs before Rovman Powell arrived to finish the match in style with an unbeaten 10 from six balls.

West Indies reached 149/3 in 19.2 overs to complete a comfortable victory.

Sri Lanka's Bowling Effort

Wanindu Hasaranga was Sri Lanka's standout bowler, claiming 2 wickets for 32 runs and providing crucial breakthroughs.

Eshan Malinga also impressed with 1/26, but the rest of the bowling attack struggled to consistently pressure the West Indies batters.

Player of the Match
Shai Hope (West Indies)
65* runs off 54 balls
5 fours and 2 sixes
Led the chase with composure and authority

His unbeaten knock ensured West Indies crossed the finish line comfortably and earned him the Player of the Match award.

Match Summary
Sri Lanka – 147/9 (20 Overs)
Kamindu Mendis – 51 (39)
Kusal Mendis – 36 (23)
Dasun Shanaka – 22 (23)
West Indies – 149/3 (19.2 Overs)
Shai Hope – 65* (54)
Brandon King – 37 (22)
Roston Chase – 16 (26)
Best Bowling (West Indies)
Jason Holder – 3/18
Shamar Joseph – 3/29
Roston Chase – 1/19
Best Bowling (Sri Lanka)
Wanindu Hasaranga – 2/32
Eshan Malinga – 1/26
Conclusion

West Indies showed a balanced team performance with both bat and ball to secure an important victory. Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph laid the foundation with outstanding bowling spells, while Shai Hope's unbeaten half-century ensured a smooth chase.

For Sri Lanka, Kamindu Mendis' fighting fifty was a major positive, but they will need stronger partnerships and better finishing with the bat to challenge top teams in upcoming matches.