Sri Lanka secured a commanding five-wicket win against the West Indies in the first One Day International (ODI) of their three-match series, after rain interrupted play at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday.
A solid half-century from captain Charith Asalanka and an impressive debut knock from Nishan Madushka helped the hosts chase down a revised target of 232 runs in just 37 overs under the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern method.
West Indies, who were on 185 for four after 38.3 overs when heavy rain halted play, had found momentum courtesy of a vital 85-run partnership between Sherfane Rutherford and Roston Chase. However, the weather interruption curtailed their innings and set Sri Lanka a challenging, albeit manageable, target.
The West Indies’ top order had initially faltered, with leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga dismissing Brandon King for 14 and Alick Athanaze for 10, leaving the visitors struggling at 41 for two. Captain Shai Hope’s poor form persisted, as he fell for just five, lbw to Jeffrey Vandersay, reducing West Indies to 54 for three.
A revised target
Keacy Carty and Rutherford then steadied the innings with a 46-run stand. Carty’s attempt to accelerate ended at 37, caught in the deep after striking Asalanka for a six. Rutherford, however, displayed exceptional timing and patience, hitting 74 off 82 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes. Chase’s run-a-ball 33 provided steady support, but the rains came before the Windies could launch a full assault on Sri Lanka’s bowlers.
Set a revised target of 232, Sri Lanka stumbled early as Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis departed cheaply, with the side reeling at 22 for two. Gudakesh Motie’s dismissal of Sadeera Samarawickrama for 14 further deepened the trouble for the hosts at 45 for three.
However, Asalanka and Madushka combined for a brilliant 137-run, fourth-wicket partnership, steering Sri Lanka back into control. Asalanka, scoring 77 off 64 deliveries, and Madushka, making 69 on debut, showcased excellent shot selection and calm under pressure. Madushka’s innings ended when he was caught at slip off Motie, but by then, Sri Lanka was firmly in control at 182 for four.
Although Motie also claimed Asalanka’s wicket soon after, Janith Liyanage (18 not out) and Kamindu Mendis (30) ensured that Sri Lanka reached the target with 31 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. The second ODI will be played at the same venue on Wednesday.
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