Key facts
- West Indies defeated Sri Lanka by five wickets in the third T20 international.
- Sherfane Rutherford was unbeaten on 54, and Jason Holder scored 21 not out off five balls.
- Shamar Joseph took five wickets for 33 runs.
- Sri Lanka scored 169 runs in their innings.
- West Indies successfully chased the target, reaching 170-5 with two deliveries to spare.
Sherfane Rutherford's unbeaten 54 guided West Indies to a dramatic five-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in the third Twenty20 international, clinching the series with two deliveries to spare. Rutherford and Jason Holder, who finished on 21 not out off five balls, anchored a tense run chase as West Indies reached 170-5 in reply to Sri Lanka's 169.
West Indies opted to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision vindicated by Shamar Joseph's exceptional performance. Joseph took five wickets for 33 runs, including two in the sixth over and three in the final over of Sri Lanka's innings, to contain their total. Matthew Forde contributed with a stunning one-handed catch off his own bowling to dismiss Kusal Mendis early.
Sri Lanka's innings saw Pathum Nissanka score 26 before being caught, and Pavan Rathnayake was trapped lbw by Joseph. Dunith Wellalage anchored a lower-order rally with 43 runs from 28 deliveries, and Wanindu Hasaranga added 21, but Hasaranga was run out in the 19th over, ending a 49-run partnership.
In the chase, West Indies raced to 52 before losing three wickets in quick succession. Rovman Powell (33) and Rutherford then combined for an 81-run partnership for the fifth wicket. The 17th over proved eventful, with Dushmantha Chameera conceding 24 runs, including a no-ball and two wides, and taking Powell's wicket. Needing 36 from three overs and then 29 from two, Holder's three sixes in the 19th over brought West Indies within touching distance of victory.