Watch as Sri Lanka chose to bat first after winning the toss in the series-deciding third T20I v West Indies Having split the first two matches, with one victory apiece between them, the teams moved to what became a decisive 3rd match in which they could capture the series and claim their prize at stake.

The visitors were spurred into the match with new-found confidence, having balanced the series in the previous fixture. It was that all-round performance in the first contest which helped change the momentum of the match, and they were looking to carry that form into the final fixture. Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunaratne elected to bat first in an attempt to set a target on the board for the West Indies batting order, putting them under scoreboard pressure.

Sri Lanka have retained much of the core group that they brought back for the latter stages of the Test season. In a big game when continuity is vital, team management trusted those who performed in the second T20I. The middle-order unit was expected to step up early and give the team a platform for a fighting score, while the bowlers were set with playing it tight in latter parts of the match.

On the other hand, West Indies were eager to bounce back after being deprived of a series win in the last outing. The hope was they could play at home to their advantage, but reviving itself with conditions it knew well. The batting order had a number of musclemen who could turn a match upside down in a few overs and the bowling attack sought at benefits in any form to peg Sri Lanka back.

Both sides have enjoyed some periods of dominance in largely entertaining cricket during the series so far. Accordingly, there was a lot of anticipation for yet another tightly contested battle. Fans expected an exciting clash between Sri Lanka’s well-rounded style and West Indies’ boisterous brand of cricket.

The match wasn’t just about the immediate result but it also had significance for both teams as they geared up for upcoming international engagements. It will be a much-needed confidence booster and just reward for the consistency shown throughout the tour.

And here they were, gearing up to face off against each other in the last T20I for an upset of a series, with pride and trophy at stake. Neither side was willing to roll over easily now after trading blows through the first three T20Is.