(UTV|Cricket) – Andre Russell hammered six sixes in a cameo innings of 40 not out off 14 balls to carry West Indies to an emphatic seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the second T20 International played at the Pallekele International Stadium on Friday.
The win gave West Indies the two-match series 2-0 having won the first played at the same venue on Wednesday by 25 runs. West Indies made short work of Sri Lankas modest total of 155-6, scoring 158-3 to win with three overs to spare.
Russell and Shimron Hetmeyer (43 n.o.) shared an unbroken stand of 55 runs off 26 balls to carry West Indies over the line. Sri Lanka needed something special from Lasith Malinga their captain to defend a small total but he was taken to task by the powerful West Indies batting as he went for 46 runs in his three overs that included four sixes.
Sri Lanka invited to bat first failed to get any big partnerships going and their best effort with the bat came from Dasun Shanaka who scored 31 not out from 24 balls. West Indies opened the bowling with spinner Fabian Allen who picked up two wickets for 24.
Russell won the Player of the Match and Player of the Series awards. (DN)