DAMBULLA, Sri Lanka (AFP) – Rovman Powell and Gudakesh Motie’s sturdy 54-run stand avoided a collapse to take West Indies to a competitive 162-8 in Thursday’s T20 decider against Sri Lanka.

The sixth-wicket partnership kept the game alive at the Dambulla after the tourists found themselves swinging at 68-5.

Dunith Wellalage conceded 25 runs in the 15th over, with Motie launching three consecutive sixes and a four from the left-arm spinner.

Kusal Mendis stumped Motie off Wanindu Hasaranga, but not before Motie’s explosive 32 off 15 balls gave the innings momentum.

Powell continued the attack and top-scored with a steady 37 off 27 balls before being caught by Matheesha Pathirana in the penultimate over.

Sri Lanka leaned heavily on their spin arsenal, with Maheesh Theekshana and Wanindu Hasaranga claiming two wickets each.

West Indies won the series opener by five wickets and Sri Lanka bounced back with an impressive 73-run win in the second game.