AFTER the West Indies secured their first home T20 International series win in two years, Head Coach Daren Sammy says it’s an important step in building a solid foundation ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup in 2028.

The Windies beat Sri Lanka 2-1 in the three-match series after a five wicket win at Sabina Park in Kingston on Sunday.

After bowling out the visitors for 169 thanks to a maiden five-wicket haul from man of the match Shamar Joseph, the Caribbean men looked in danger of falling short after struggling at 53 for 4.

However, a crucial 81 run partnership between Jamaican star Rovman Powell and Sherfane Rutherford steadied the innings before late heroics from Jason Holder guided the Windies to their target with two balls to spare.

Rutherford finished unbeaten on 54, Powell made 33 and Holder smashed 21 in just five deliveries.

Shamar Joseph celebrates taking the wicket of Sri Lankan batsman Dunith Wellalage. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

“It was a lot more thoughtful and smarter cricket, especially by Rovman and Sherfane and followed by Jason Holder,” Sammy said. “But I think the game was set up front when we bowled — Shamar Joseph, he continues to impress.

“We needed a victory. It’s been a while since we won a T20 series at home in front of the Jamaican fans, I know they wanted a victory for us so I’m glad that we could finish the series on a high.”

Joseph, who was also named player of the series after picking up 11 wickets, was pleased with his contribution to the team.

“I just enjoy taking wickets, I cannot ask for better coming out here, that’s my job,” he said. “Bowling in the death is one of the hardest overs to bowl in any T20 game so coming and executing and getting wickets, I enjoy it. Sometimes we fall short but we always bounce back. It’s the West Indies at the end of the day, we play good cricket and T20 is our game.”

Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana is bowled by West Indies bowler Shamar Joseph. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

It was the Windies’ first series win since their quarter-final exit at the T20 World Cup in March and their first home series win since beating South Africa at Sabina Park in 2024.

Sammy admits the performance wasn’t perfect but believes it’s a good start in building toward the next World Cup in Australia in two years.

“You could have a plan in the dressing room, but you’ve got to go out there and be able to execute the plan, and today we did that more often than not and it was enough to win the series. Still areas and skills we’ve got to develop, but it’s something that we as the coaching staff and players will continue to work on,” he said.

“Getting a series win after, I think, almost two years is something to be proud especially after a World Cup and building for Australia 2028. Being under pressure today and having the nerve and the calm and the cricket smarts to do what it takes to come out over the line, that was special.”

The majority of the team left the island on Monday as they prepare for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka in Antigua with the first Test set to bowl off next Thursday.