ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Abu Dhabi Sri Lanka 189-3 (20 runs): Asalanka 68 (41) and Nissanka 51 (41); Russell 2-23 West Indies 169-8 (20 runs): Pooran 46 (34), Hetmyer 81* (54); Hasaranga 2-19, Binura 2-4 Sri Lanka won by 20 run Scorecard ; Tables
After a 20-run loss to Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi, West Indies, the defending champions, were eliminated from the Men's T20 World Cup.
West Indies won 190. Shimron Hettyer was the top scorer with 81 runs. Three bowlers took two wickets each.
Sri Lanka's previous record was 189-3, with Charith Asalanka scoring 68 balls from 41 and Pathum Nissanaka 51.
It leaves South Africa, Australia, and England fighting for Group 1 success.
Australia defeated Bangladesh by eight wickets on Thursday to move up into second place. They are likely to qualify if West Indies defeats them on Saturday. However, South Africa may be able to advance if England beats South Africa and takes over Australia's net run-rate.
England could still be defeated, but that would require a huge defeat.
For Sri Lanka, Asalanka & Nissanka impress
Sri Lanka's white-ball tour to England in the summer was marred by their poor batting. Coach Mickey Arthur spent the majority of the tour shaking his head, and he could be seen storming the dressing room.
He was beaming with pride after his latest batting effort.
They have Asalanka, 24 and Nissanka, 23 respectively, who both appear to have bright futures.
They were happy to turn the strike and punish bad balls at first, but Nissanka's innovative approach was the breakthrough. He switched-hit over the offside, then moved around the crease to flick through square legs.
His third half-century was well constructed and allowed Asalanka who is naturally more aggressive to drive through the covers and down ground with disdain.
Their partnership was 91 off 61 ball and gave Sri Lanka an opportunity. Dasun Shanaka capitalized on his 14-ball 25 to propel them to the joint third highest score at this World Cup.
They were also very tidy on the field and ball, and there will be another World Cup in Australia 12 months later. This is a side that you should keep an eye out for.
"All good things must come to an end" - Gayle is gone.
Chris Gayle is a legend in Twenty20 cricket. He has scored more than 14,000 runs and hit 22 centuries since its creation. Even joked that he was the one who invented Twenty20 cricket.
However, his recent form has been disappointing. He is averaging 7.5 runs in the World Cup, and was bowled in his latest innings by Binura Fernando who took a loose shot.
The West Indies' 42-year-old left-hander had his last T20 half-century 11 innings ago. It was his only T20 in 30 innings back to 2016.
Before leaving the bubble to prepare the World Cup, he scored only 14 runs and one run in each of the Indian Premier League innings. He also only managed 149 runs in 10 innings during the 2021 tournament.
Stuart Law, former West Indies coach, said that "Unfortunately there will be a moment when performances count."
"The numbers aren't looking good for Chris and unfortunately, for him, all good things end.
"I hope he has final say and pulls out the pin, rather than having the rug pulled under his feet.
He has been an outstanding servant for West Indies cricket as well as world cricket. It has been an absolute pleasure to see him play the game and live his life. He is truly a joy to be around.
West Indies was left on the back foot after Gayle's death and Evin Lewis's opening ceremony. Although Nicholas Pooran performed well and Hetmyer was a star, Andre Russell and Kieron pollard, two of West Indies' most experienced players, failed to make it.
Russell made seven runs in four innings, Pollard 40 and West Indies' approach (52 dot balls to Sri Lankan 30) left much to be desired.
"It has been disappointing" - that's what they said
Kieron Pollard, West Indies captain: "We were below Par. You don't want these mistakes to be seen in a match such as this.
It has been disappointing for us. We won't hide this fact. I don't want to hide it. We can do better. It's obvious that all those guys are suffering, particularly from a batting perspective.
Captain Dasun Shanaka of Sri Lanka: "It's a very nice victory. It is a great win for our youngsters. I am very happy.
I knew that Asalanka and Nissanka had the potential to be great and that they worked hard to achieve it. They've got a long career ahead and will be a valuable part of any team.
"Hasaranga, a star in the making, is a true gem. We have to protect him as he is just beginning his career. He is a great prospect for world cricket.
