Mendis clinches Sri Lanka series win over West Indies

Kusal Mendis hit an unbeaten 68 to help clinch Sri Lanka's first T20 international series win over the West Indies with a thumping nine-wicket victory in the third and final game on Thursday.

Sri Lanka chased down their 163-run target with 12 balls to spare as a sell-out home crowd in Dambulla erupted.

"Happy to get the team over the line," said Mendis who hit five fours and three sixes.

"Not the easiest pitch to bat on, but these are conditions that we are used to playing."

The tourists had a chance to dismiss Mendis when he was on 44, but Roston Chase could not hold on to a tough return catch.

Mendis and fellow opener Pathum Nissanka put on 60 runs in just 5.2 overs.

Nissanka, in sublime form, contributed 39 from 22 deliveries, including seven fours and a six, before a low delivery from Gudakesh Motie ended his stay.

Mendis continued his composed knock, driving the spinners effortlessly through the covers and pulling the seamers with authority.

He was joined by Kusal Perera, whose unbeaten 55 off 36 balls showcased his resilience as he battled cramps to reach his 15th T20I half-century.

Together, Mendis and Perera stitched an unbroken 106-run partnership, steering Sri Lanka to a landmark victory over the higher-ranked tourists.

The West Indies opted to bat and rallied from a shaky start that left them 68-5 with a 54-run stand off 26 balls between skipper Rovman Powell and Motie.

Earlier this month they swept a two-Test series at home against New Zealand — their first series win over the Kiwis in 15 years.