Five-star Shamar Joseph powers West Indies to T20I series win over Sri Lanka

KINGSTON: Shamar Joseph starred with both ball and bat as West Indies secured a five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third and final T20I at Sabina Park on Sunday to clinch the three-match series 2-1.

Joseph produced a sensational bowling display, claiming five wickets, before Sherfane Rutherford struck a match-winning half-century to guide the hosts to victory.

Chasing a target of 170, West Indies sail past the winning mark after losing five wickets in 19.4 overs. Rutherford led the run chase with a composed 54 off 40 deliveries, smashing three fours and four sixes.

Shimron Hetmyer provided valuable support with a brisk 32 from 19 balls, including three fours and two sixes, while captain Rovman Powell contributed 33 off 27 deliveries, featuring one four and three maximums.

Jason Holder then put the finishing touches on the chase with a blistering unbeaten 21 from just five balls, striking three sixes to seal the win for the Caribbean side.

For Sri Lanka, Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout bowler, returning figures of 2/17 in his four overs. Dunith Wellalage, Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana claimed one wicket apiece.

Earlier, after being asked to bat, Sri Lanka were bowled out for 169 in exactly 20 overs.

Dunith Wellalage top-scored with 43 off 28 deliveries, hitting six fours and a six. Kamil Mishara added 28 from 23 balls, including three fours and a six.

Opener Pathum Nissanka made 26 off 17 deliveries, striking two fours and two sixes, while Hasaranga and Kamindu Mendis chipped in with 21 and 20 runs respectively.

Joseph spearheaded the West Indies bowling attack with outstanding figures of 5/33 in four overs. Akeal Hosein, Matthew Forde, Jason Holder and Roston Chase also picked up a wicket each.