West Indies took a 1-0 lead in the T20I series with a comfortable seven-wicket victory. Sri Lanka chose to bat first but never found fluency, finishing on 147/9 as the home bowlers stayed in control. Jason Holder returned 3/18 from his four overs, Shamar Joseph claimed 3/29 and Roston Chase kept things tight.
In reply, captain Shai Hope anchored the chase with 65 off 54 balls, and Brandon King made 37 off 22 as the pair put on 67 for the first wicket. Chase added 16, Shimron Hetmyer hit 17 off nine balls and Rovman Powell stayed not out to help finish the job.
Sri Lanka are rebuilding after a disappointing T20 World Cup 2026, where they finished bottom of their Super 8 group, and this tour is the start of preparations for the 2028 edition. They won the only completed ODI, but lost three powerplay wickets in the T20I opener. Kusal Mendis scored 36 and Kamindu Mendis a 39-ball 51, while Wanindu Hasaranga took 2/32. They will need a far better all-round showing to level the series.
