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The West Indies were expected to steamroll Sri Lanka in the three match T20 series in the Caribbean. The West Indies did exactly that in the first T20 as they registered a comfortable win but were surprised in the second T20 as Sri Lanka fought back to level the series 1-1.
The third and final T20 was going to be the series decider and the Caribbean Kings went in as the favorites. However, the match turned out to be a closely contested match and at one point it looked as if Sri Lanka was going to win and clinch the series.
However, some brilliance at the death by Fabian Allen, helped the West Indies get out of jail and win 2-1.
Windies Cricket
Sri Lanka have lost the T20 series but they can be proud of the way they played and how they fought back after losing the first T20. Sri Lanka has struggled in recent years because of multiple issues but they put all that behind them as the experienced Angelo Matthews stepped in as the interim captain.
The team seemed to respond under his leadership as both experienced and young players chipped in during the third T20. Former skipper Dinesh Chandimal remained unbeaten on 54 while the 23 year old Ashen Bandara made an impressive 44 at the death to take Sri Lanka to 131.
Fabian Allen opened the bowling for the West Indies and was the pick of the bowlers sending down his for overs for just 13 runs and taking one wicket.
Fabian Allen Takes The West Indies To Victory
A total of 131 should be a walk in the park for the powerful West Indies batting line-up under most circumstances. However, given how the West Indies crumbled in the second T20 against quality spin bowling, Sri Lanka knew that they would have a chance at winnings provided they could get wickets.
They did exactly that as they never allowed the West Indies to form a partnership and settle. The West Indies looked out of the game after the 17th over as they were seven wickets down and needed 26 runs to get. It was Sri Lanka’s game to win but the West Indies managed to steal it away in the end.
Fabian Allen delivered with the bat in the 19th over as he hit three sixes of Akila Dananjaya to get West Indies home with an over to spare. Allen was awarded the man of the match award.
The two sides will now play each other in a three match ODI series. The first ODI will take place on March 10.
