Staff Reporter.
Defending champions West Indies have been knocked out of the Men’s T20 World Cup after a 20-run defeat by already-eliminated Sri Lanka in Abu Dhabi.
Chasing 190 to win, West Indies finished on 169-8, with Shimron Hetmyer top-scoring with 81 not out and three bowlers taking two wickets apiece.
Earlier, Sri Lanka made 189-3 with Charith Asalanka making 68 from 41 balls and Pathum Nissanaka 51.
It leaves England, Australia and South Africa fighting to progress in Group 1.
Australia beat Bangladesh in Thursday’s first game to move into second spot. They will likely qualify if they beat West Indies on Saturday, but South Africa could progress if they beat England and overtake Australia on net run-rate.
England can still be eliminated but it would take a massive defeat for that to happen.
West Indies captain Kieron Pollard: “We were below par. In a match like this you don’t want to see those mistakes.
“For us it has been disappointing. We’re not going to hide from that fact, I’m not going to hide from it. We can do better. I’m sure all the guys in that dressing room are hurting, especially from a batting perspective.”
Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka: “It is a very good victory. Our youngsters have been working hard to get a win and I am really happy.
“I knew Nissanka and Asalanka have had potential for a long time and they’ve worked hard to get here. They have got a long career ahead of them and they’ll have a special place in any team.
“Hasaranga is a gem and a superstar in the making. He is just starting off his career and we have to protect him. He is a real prospect in world cricket.”