Mendis claims victory in Sri Lanka series against West Indies

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Kusal Mendis scored an unbeaten 68 to help secure Sri Lanka's first win in the international T20 series over the West Indies with a stunning nine-wicket victory in the third and final match on Thursday.

Sri Lanka chased down their 163-run target with 12 balls remaining when a sellout home crowd erupted in Dambulla.

“I'm happy to have gotten the team over the finish line,” said Mendis, who hit five fours and three sixes.

“It’s not the easiest place to bat, but we’re used to playing in these conditions.”

The tourists had the chance to dismiss Mendis when he was on 44 but Roston Chase couldn't hold on to a tough return catch.

Mendis and fellow opener Pathum Nissanka managed 60 runs in just 5.2 overs.

Nissanka, in great form, contributed 39 from 22 deliveries, including seven fours and a six, before a low throw from Gudakesh Motie ended his stay.

Mendis continued his composed knock, driving the spinners through the covers with ease and pulling the seamers with authority.

He was joined by Kusal Perera, whose unbeaten 55 off 36 balls showcased his resilience as he battled cramps to reach his 15th T20I appearance.

Together, Mendis and Perera forged an unbroken partnership that spanned 106 years and led Sri Lanka to a landmark victory over the higher-ranked tourists.

The West Indies opted to bat and recovered after a shaky start that left them at 68-5 with a 54-run tie in 26 balls between skipper Rovman Powell and Motie.

Motie attacked Dunith Wellalage for three consecutive sixes and a four in the 15th over and was later out when Mendis bowled him over from Wanindu Hasaranga.

Sri Lanka relied heavily on their spin arsenal, with Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga taking two wickets each.

“I thought we had enough runs on the board,” Powell said.

“The spinners from Sri Lanka completely outclassed us. We knew spin would play a key role and Sri Lanka were far better.”

The West Indies won the series opener by five wickets and Sri Lanka bounced back with a comfortable 73-run win in the second game.

This series win crowns Sri Lanka's strong three months under new head coach Sanath Jayasuriya.

The team broke a 27-year drought by winning an ODI series against India in July and then winning a Test in England for the first time in a decade.

They won two Test series at home against New Zealand earlier this month – their first series victory over the Kiwis in 15 years.