A powerful batting performance by captain Charith Asalanka and rookie Nishan Madushka helped Sri Lanka defeat the West Indies by five wickets in a rain-affected first ODI in Pallekele. Sri Lanka now leads the three-match series 1-0 as a result of the victory.
Shai Hope, the captain of the West Indies, won the toss and decided to bat first. His team scored 185-4 in 38.3 overs before play was halted by rain. For the fifth wicket, Sherfane Rutherford and Roston Chase shared an undefeated partnership of 85 runs. Rutherford finished with 74 not out from 82 balls, which included three sixes and five boundaries. A consistent 33 not out off 33 deliveries was Chase’s contribution.
Sri Lanka was assigned a revised target of 232 runs in 37 overs using the DLS method when play restarted. With 31 balls remaining, they reached 234-5, easily chasing down the target. Madushka and Asalanka’s 137-run partnership for the fourth wicket was the high point of Sri Lanka’s innings.
Alzarri Joseph dismissed Kusal Mendis for 13 and Avishka Fernando for 5, causing Sri Lanka to struggle early in their chase. Gudakesh Motie, a left-arm spinner, increased the strain by dismissing Sadeera Samarawickrama for 18, bringing Sri Lanka down to 45-3.
However, Madushka and Asalanka’s 109-ball partnership helped to steady the innings. In replacing the injured Pathum Nissanka, Madushka made an impressive 69 off 54 balls, including seven boundaries and a six.
Asalanka, the captain, took the lead and scored 77 runs off 71 deliveries. He hit eight boundaries and three sixes in his knock, and his collaboration with Madushka was essential to Sri Lanka’s successful chase. Later in the match, Motie claimed two more wickets, including Madushka, but the damage was already done.
With 3-47 in his eight overs, Motie was the best bowler for the West Indies, but the rest of the assault suffered, particularly after the rain made it hard for the spinners to hold the ball. Additionally, the seamers were inaccurate, which made Sri Lanka’s pursuit easier.
Wanindu Hasaranga was Sri Lanka’s most impressive bowler earlier in the day, taking 2-18 in six overs and limiting the West Indies’ score in the first half of the innings before to the rain delay.
With the victory, Sri Lanka is well-positioned for Wednesday’s second ODI, which will be played at the same location. To tie the series, the West Indies will need to get back together and improve their bowling and batting consistency.
Sri Lanka will want to sustain this momentum as the series goes on, especially with important players like Asalanka and Madushka coming up when necessary.
