A resilient knock from Shai Hope set up West Indies to post a 7-wicket victory against Sri Lanka in the 1st T20I match played at Kingston.

His unbeaten 65* runs off 54 deliveries has put the hosts on a 1-0 lead in the T20I series of Sri Lanka tour of West Indies 2026.

After choosing to bat first, Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis opened the innings while Akeal Hosein opened the bowling attack.

The duo forged a 43-run partnership for the 1st wicket before the dismissal of Pathum Nissanka for 18 runs.

Lasith Croospulle, who came to bat no.3, got dismissed on a golden duck as Jason Holder bagged his second wicket.

With the dismissal of Pavan Rathnayake for 4 runs, Sri Lanka lost three wickets for 49 runs within the power play.

Despite Kusal Mendis’ 36-run knock, Sri Lanka lost four quick wickets as they struggled to make up runs.

However, a solid fifty from Kamindu Mendis has set up the side to revive the game, while other batters lost their wickets at regular intervals.

Shanaka scored 22 runs before his dismissal by Roston Chase.

In the meantime, Kamindu Mendis got dismissed for 51 runs on a runout as Sri Lanka scored 147 runs in their 20-over innings.

Chasing the 148-run target, Brandon King and Shai Hope opened the innings while Dilshan Madushanka opened the bowling attack.

The duo made a solid start, scoring 67 runs for the first wicket. Wanindu Hasanranga bagged the wicket of Brandon King for 37 runs.

Shimron Hetmyer, who came to bat at No.3, added 17 runs before being dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga.

Eshan Malinga bagged the third wicket for Sri Lanka, dismissing Roston Chase for 16 runs. Meanwhile, Shai Hope smashed his fifty and continued to bat along with Rovman Powell to complete the chase.

In the final over, West Indies completed the chase with four balls to spare. With a 1-0 lead in the series, West Indies will take on Sri Lanka in the 2nd T20I on June 14 at Sabina Park, Kingston.