Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph ripped through Sri Lanka’s batting line-up before Shai Hope guided West Indies to a seven-wicket win in the first T20I at Sabina Park, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead in the series.
West Indies chased down 148 with an over to spare, finishing on 149 for 3. Captain Hope remained unbeaten on 65 from 54 balls and anchored the chase after a flying start from Brandon King.
King and Hope put on 67 runs in just 38 balls for the opening wicket. King struck 37 from 22 deliveries and took advantage of several early reprieves before Wanindu Hasaranga dismissed him.
Hope then switched roles. He curbed the risks, rotated the strike and stitched together useful stands with Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase and Rovman Powell. Powell sealed the win with a six over midwicket in the final over.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought back after the powerplay. Hasaranga claimed 2 for 32, while Eshan Malinga impressed with 1 for 26. Maheesh Theekshana also kept the scoring in check with four economical overs.
Earlier, Sri Lanka posted 147 for 9 after choosing to bat. Kusal Mendis gave them momentum with a brisk 36 from 23 balls, but West Indies hit back strongly after the powerplay.
Holder changed the game in the fifth over. He dismissed Pathum Nissanka and Lasith Croospulle in successive deliveries and left Sri Lanka wobbling after a promising start. The experienced all-rounder finished with outstanding figures of 3 for 18 and earned the Player of the Match award.
Joseph also played a key role. He removed Pavan Rathnayake and Kusal Mendis before returning later to dismiss Wanindu Hasaranga. The fast bowler ended with 3 for 29.
Kamindu Mendis kept Sri Lanka alive with a determined 51 from 39 balls. He shared a stabilising partnership with Dasun Shanaka after the top-order collapse. However, Sri Lanka never found the acceleration they needed and managed only 25 runs for four wickets in the final five overs.
That left them short of a competitive total, and Hope ensured West Indies made no mistake in the chase.
