DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka — In an exciting finish to the third and final Twenty20 match, Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera led Sri Lanka to a decisive nine-wicket victory over the West Indies, marking their first-ever series win against the Caribbeans on Thursday.

Sri Lanka successfully chased down a target of 163 runs, concluding the game with a total of 166 runs for only one wicket in 18 overs. The West Indies had originally set the stage, scoring 162 runs for eight wickets after captain Rovman Powell chose to bat first at the Rangiri Dambulla Stadium.

The opening pair of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka set a strong foundation, contributing 60 runs before Nissanka was dismissed for 39 runs by spin bowler Gudakesh Motie. Following Nissanka’s departure, Mendis and Perera put on an impressive unbeaten partnership of 106, steering their side to victory. This win signifies Sri Lanka’s first bilateral Twenty20 series triumph against the West Indies.

Kusal Mendis finished the match not out at 68 runs from 50 balls, which included five boundaries and three sixes. Kusal Perera also displayed his prowess, scoring 55 runs off 36 balls, featuring seven boundaries as he helped secure the win.

In the earlier innings, the West Indies found momentum with Motie contributing a quick 32 runs off just 15 deliveries, striking three sixes along with a boundary. Powell played a solid innings, scoring 37 runs off 27 balls, including three sixes and a boundary, but it was not enough to set a more formidable target.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers, particularly spin duo Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga, shone brightly, each taking two wickets during the match.

The series had its ups and downs, with the West Indies winning the first match by five wickets, but Sri Lanka made a strong comeback in the second match with a commanding 73-run victory. For his exceptional performance in the final match, Mendis was awarded the player of the match, while Nissanka, who accumulated 104 runs throughout the series, earned the title of player of the series.