WI vs SL: Shamar Joseph's career-best spell helps West Indies seal T20I series 2-1
Shamar Joseph (Source: Getty Images)
Published - 15 Jun 2026, 10:06 AM• Read time - 2 mins
Player of the Match (POTM) Shamar Joseph delivered a career-best performance of 5/33 to help the West Indies clinch the three-match T20I series 2-1 with a thrilling win over Sri Lanka in the decider.
After winning the toss and opting to field, the hosts struck early when Joseph dismissed Pathum Nissanka (26 off 17), who looked threatening at the top. Despite the setback, Nissanka achieved a personal milestone, surpassing Kusal Mendis to become Sri Lanka’s leading run-scorer in T20Is.
The West Indian attack maintained relentless pressure on the visitors. Roston Chase trapped Kamil Mishara (28) lbw, while Jason Holder cleaned up Dasun Shanaka, the hero of the previous game, reducing Sri Lanka to 111/6 in 14.1 overs. At that stage, it seemed unlikely the tourists would even cross 150.
However, Sri Lanka’s spin-bowling allrounders staged a rescue act. Dunith Wellalage (43 off 28) and Wanindu Hasaranga (21 off 13) added a crucial 49-run stand for the seventh wicket, lifting their side to a defendable total. Wellalage top-scored with six fours and a six at a strike rate of 153.57 before Joseph removed him to halt the momentum. Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 169.
West Indies’ topsy-turvy chase
The hosts were jolted early when skipper Shai Hope fell for a duck in the third ball of the innings. But Brandon King and Shimron Hetmyer steadied the chase with a brisk 51-run stand off 35 balls. King struggled to adapt to the pitch and was dismissed by Hasaranga, triggering a mini-collapse as West Indies slipped to 53/4 in 8.2 overs.
From there, Sherfane Rutherford (54 off 40) and Rovman Powell (33 off 27) rebuilt the innings with a commanding 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket, now the highest fifth-wicket stand in West Indies’ T20I history, surpassing the previous record of 80 between King and Powell.
Though Dushmantha Chameera dismissed Powell with 36 runs still required, Jason Holder finished the job in style. Holder smashed a blistering 21 off just five balls, including three sixes at a strike rate of 420.00, sealing victory with two balls and five wickets to spare.
