Sri Lanka's Cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka (C) gets dismissed by West Indies Cricketer Sunil Narine (unseen) as wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin (L) looks on during the first One Day International (ODI) cricket match between Sri Lanka and the West Indies at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo on November 1, 2015. AFP PHOTO / LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI (Photo credit should read LAKRUWAN WANNIARACHCHI/AFP/Getty Images)

Ajantha Mendis has fulfilled every cricket fan’s dream by hitting a six to win the game - the only problem was, he didn’t know he’d done it.

Playing for Sri Lanka in the first one-day international against West Indies, Mendis was caught unawares by his matchwinning feat in Colombo.

Set a Duckworth-Lewis target of 163 in 26 overs, the hosts survived anxious moments before winning with seven balls to spare at the Premadasa stadium to grab the lead in the three-match series.

Mendis hit the winning six off Johnson Charles in the company of last man Suranga Lakmal in a thrilling finish, but after hitting the shot Mendis celebrated calmly before refocusing and preparing to face the next ball.

It was only after about 15 seconds that Mendis realised - or was told - what he’d done, and a huge smile broke out across his face.

Read more at FoxSports.com.au