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ABU DHABI: 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 at Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium 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. Windies lost openers Chris Gayle (1) and Evin Lewis (8) within the first two overs and failed to overcome the early setbacks.
Going into the game with two losses in three games, the West Indies were always up against it and Sri Lanka out-batted them by amassing 189 for three on a good batting surface.
Pathum Nissanka (51 off 41) and Charith Asalanka (68 off 41) struck sublime half-centuries to give Sri Lanka the upper-hand. Asalanka was particularly severe on the Windies fast bowlers, striking eight fours and a six en route to his second T20 fifty.
The West Indies, who have won two of the last three world titles, are now mathematically out of the competition with two points from four games. Their last game is against Australia on Saturday. For Sri Lanka, it was their first win of the Super 12 stage and they go home offering hopes for a bright future.
