Holder and Joseph blow away Sri Lanka as West Indies survive late scare

The West Indies opened their T20 International series against Sri Lanka with a victory that had everything: early dominance, a captain’s masterclass, and a tense finish that kept Sabina Park on edge.

A brilliant bowling display from Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph, followed by a composed unbeaten half-century from captain Shai Hope, lifted the West Indies to a seven-wicket win in the opening match on Thursday.

The victory gave the hosts a 1-0 advantage in the three-match series, with the remaining encounters scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Holder and Joseph tear through Sri Lanka’s top order

Sri Lanka appeared comfortable early after choosing to bat first, racing to 39 without loss after four overs as captain Kusal Mendis led the charge.

Mendis survived a difficult moment in the second over when Sherfane Rutherford was unable to complete a challenging running catch off Matthew Forde, and the Sri Lankan skipper immediately punished the missed chance by smashing two sixes in the fourth over.

The momentum changed when Holder entered the attack.

The experienced all-rounder struck immediately, removing Pathum Nissanka for 18 after the batter’s attempted offside shot ended with the ball crashing into his stumps.

One delivery later, Holder struck again, trapping Lasith Croospulle leg before wicket after a successful review as Sri Lanka slipped to 43 for two.

The pressure intensified when Joseph joined the attack.

After Pavan Rathnayake avoided a potential second consecutive T20I hat-trick delivery from Holder, Joseph produced a spectacular moment, with Shimron Hetmyer taking a brilliant boundary catch to dismiss Rathnayake for just four.

Joseph then delivered the major breakthrough, removing Mendis for 36 from 23 balls and leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 65 for four.

Sri Lanka fight back, but Windies bowlers finish strong

Sri Lanka refused to collapse completely.

Kamindu Mendis and Dasun Shanaka rebuilt the innings with a valuable 59-run partnership that briefly restored hope for the visitors.

However, off-spinner Roston Chase broke the stand by dismissing Shanaka for 22, and Sri Lanka’s late push never fully materialized.

Kamindu Mendis battled his way to an impressive 51 from 39 deliveries, including four boundaries and two sixes, but his run-out proved decisive.

Holder and Joseph ensured there would be no late explosion, finishing with outstanding figures.

Holder claimed 3-18, Joseph collected 3-29, while Chase supported the attack with an economical 1-19 from four overs.

Sri Lanka ended their innings on 147 for nine.

Hope and King launch West Indies chase

The West Indies response began at full speed.

Hope and Brandon King attacked from the opening over, racing to 66 without loss during the powerplay and placing the hosts firmly in control.

King endured a few early scares.

He survived after pulling a delivery from Dushmantha Chameera to midwicket, only for it to be called a no-ball. Later, an lbw decision against him was overturned after a review showed the ball had pitched outside leg stump.

After settling in, King found his rhythm before an unexpected dismissal changed the tone.

Attempting to attack spinner Wanindu Hasaranga, King charged down the pitch but was beaten and bowled for an entertaining 37 off 22 balls.

Hetmyer provides fireworks as Hope controls the chase

Shimron Hetmyer added a burst of aggression during his brief stay, striking Hasaranga for two fours and a six before falling for 17 from nine deliveries.

The West Indies reached the end of nine overs at 95 for two, still comfortably placed.

Hope continued to guide the innings with calm assurance, reaching his 13th T20I half-century from 38 balls with a stylish reverse sweep for four off Chameera.

Roston Chase struggled to accelerate, making 16 from 26 balls, but his dismissal came at a crucial stage with the equation reduced to 20 runs from 20 deliveries.

Suddenly, Sri Lanka had a chance.

Powell delivers the final blow

Chameera produced an excellent penultimate over, conceding only three runs and leaving the West Indies needing six from the final over.

The tension lasted only one delivery.

Rovman Powell ended the contest in emphatic fashion, launching Madushanka over the leg side for a huge six from the second ball of the final over.

The crowd erupted.

After a match filled with momentum swings and pressure moments, the West Indies held their nerve and walked away with a winning start.

Holder and Joseph provided the foundation.

Hope supplied the control.

And Powell delivered the finishing touch.