Kingston: Sherfane Rutherford struck an unbeaten half-century and Jason Holder produced a late blitz as West Indies edged Sri Lanka by five wickets in a thrilling third T20 International to clinch the three-match series 2-1 in Jamaica on Sunday.
Chasing 170 for victory, West Indies reached 170/5 with two balls to spare after Rutherford anchored the innings with an unbeaten 54 off 40 deliveries. Holder provided the finishing touch with a stunning cameo of 21 not out from just five balls, including three sixes in the penultimate over.
The hosts had entered the decider after splitting the opening two matches of the series. Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, West Indies were rewarded by a superb spell from Shamar Joseph, who claimed 5/33 to restrict Sri Lanka to 169.
Sri Lanka made a brisk start despite the early loss of Kusal Mendis, dismissed by a remarkable one-handed return catch from Matthew Forde. Pathum Nissanka contributed 26 from 17 balls before Joseph struck twice in successive deliveries to halt the momentum.
A lower-order recovery led by Dunith Wellalage and Wanindu Hasaranga revived the visitors. Wellalage top-scored with 43 off 28 balls while Hasaranga added 21. However, a late collapse saw Sri Lanka lose three wickets in the final over as Joseph completed his five-wicket haul.
West Indies suffered an early setback in the chase when Shai Hope fell in the opening over. After racing to 52, the hosts lost three wickets for just one run, allowing Sri Lanka to regain control.
Rovman and Rutherford's solid partnership
Rovman Powell's 33 and Rutherford's composure steadied the innings with an 81-run fifth-wicket partnership. An eventful 17th over from Dushmantha Chameera, which included a no-ball and two wides, leaked 24 runs and swung the match back in West Indies' favour.
With 29 required from the final two overs, Holder launched a decisive assault on Chameera, smashing three sixes to reduce the target to six runs in the final over. Rutherford then completed his half-century before guiding the team home.
Sri Lanka had earlier won the rain-affected three-match ODI series 1-0, with the final two matches abandoned. The teams will next face off in a two-Test series beginning on 25 June in Antigua.
(With agency inputs from PTI)
