Sri Lanka: West Indies were knocked out of the T20 World Cup semi-finals after a 20-run loss to Sri Lanka on Thursday, as their aging players struggled to recapture the magic of the past.
Highlights
- Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 20 runs
- West Indies have been eliminated from the semifinal race
- Charith Asalanka was player of the match for his 68-run knock
West Indies were knocked out of the T20 World Cup semi-finals after a 20-run loss to Sri Lanka on Thursday, as their aging players struggled to recapture the magic of the past. The West Indies were always up against it, having lost two of their previous three games, and Sri Lanka out-batted them by amassing 189 for three on a good batting surface.
Kohli, who is known for his aggressive captaincy, is the most successful Indian captain in Test cricket in terms of wins. India has won 38 matches during his 65-match captaincy, including notable Test series victories on foreign grounds.
In 2018, Kohli led India to their first-ever Test series victory in Australia, and the team went on to win the second straight series in Australia in 2021.
However, after the T20 World Cup, the Indian batting legend is expected to step down as skipper of the shortest format of the game.
Sri Lanka’s hitters batted with abandon and flair to set a lofty goal for the West Indies, who were never able to recover from a shaky start in the run chase.
Sri Lanka’s victory was their first in the Super 12 stage, and they return home with high aspirations for the future
While rebuilding for the 2022 edition. The West Indies’ lackluster campaign demonstrated the need to look beyond greats like Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo.
Gayle’s problems remained unabated, and he was the first to leave for the West Indies. Binura Fernando removed Gayle and Evin Lewis in the second over to put the opposition under a lot of pressure.
Nicholas Pooran (46) and Hetmyer batted admirably. But the West Indies were always behind in the chase due to wickets falling at regular intervals.
Nissanka and Asalanka, both in good form, had previously liked hitting on the surface. On his way to his third half-century of the competition, Nissanka hit several wild shots.
As if the switch hit wasn’t enough. The opener stepped all the way over the off stump to send Ravi Rampaul to backward square leg for a boundary.
Asalanka, too, hit a magnificent half-century. A straight slog sweep off Dwayne Bravo for a six being one of the highlights of his innings.
With nothing to lose, Sri Lankan batsmen unleashed their full might, rendering the West Indies attack ineffective.
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They also showed that the future of Sri Lanka batting is in capable hands. And that with more high-level experience, they will only improve
With the loss of Kusal Perera, Sri Lanka made 48 for one in the Powerplay. Perera batted effectively for his 29 from 21 balls. To dismiss him, Andre Russell made a spectacular catch.
Nissanka and Asalanka then teamed up. And put the West Indies attack under a lot of pressure with their free-flowing strokeplay.
Asalanka was furious after Nissanka was fired. He slog-swept Bravo for a straight six. In the 18th over before blazing one over the bowler’s head for a boundary.
Dasun Shanka, the captain, also contributed in the dying overs, scoring an unbeaten 25 off 14 balls.
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