Jason Holder and Shamar Joseph shared six wickets before captain Shai Hope’s unbeaten 65 guided West Indies to a seven-wicket victory in the opening T20I at Sabina Park.

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West Indies secured a comfortable seven-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first T20I, taking a 1-0 lead in the series after a disciplined bowling performance and a composed chase led by skipper Shai Hope.

Asked to bat first, Sri Lanka managed 147/9 in their 20 overs despite a fighting half-century from Kamindu Mendis (51) and a quick 36 from Kusal Mendis. Jason Holder was the standout performer with the ball, claiming 3/18, while Shamar Joseph matched him with figures of 3/29 to restrict the visitors.

Chasing 148, West Indies got off to a flying start through Brandon King and Hope, who added 67 runs for the opening wicket. King scored 37 off 22 balls before Hope anchored the innings with an unbeaten 65 from 54 deliveries.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers fought back through Wanindu Hasaranga (2/32) and Eshan Malinga, dragging the contest into the final over. However, Rovman Powell finished the chase in style with a six as West Indies reached 149/3 to seal victory with seven wickets in hand.

Holder’s crucial spell during the powerplay shifted momentum firmly in the hosts’ favour, earning him the Player of the Match award and helping West Indies make a winning start to the T20I series.