Skipper Charith Asalanka and debutant opener Nishan Madushka led a remarkable recovery for Sri Lanka, scoring 77 and 69 runs, respectively. Their impressive fourth-wicket partnership of 137 runs guided Sri Lanka to a comfortable 5-wicket victory with 31 balls to spare in their first ODI match at Pallekele Cricket Stadium yesterday. Chasing a revised target of 232 runs in 37 overs, Sri Lanka reached the target in 31.5 overs while losing five wickets.
The partnership was crucial, especially after the team encountered early setbacks, losing their first three wickets for just 45 runs. Asalanka showcased his leadership, scoring 77 runs off 71 balls with 8 fours and 3 sixes while also becoming the fastest Sri Lankan to surpass 2000 ODI runs. Madushka provided crucial support, striking 69 runs off 54 balls (7 fours and a six), marking an standout debut fifty.
After Asalanka and Madushka’s departures, courtesy of leg spinner Gudakesh Motie, Kamindu Mendis stepped up, scoring 30 runs off 21 balls with 3 fours and a winning six off Jayden Seales. All-rounder Janith Liyanage added an unbeaten 18 runs off 18 balls, hitting a four and a six, as they formed an unbroken 47-run partnership to secure the win.
This impressive chase allowed Sri Lanka to take a 1-0 lead in the series, despite the rain disruption. Gudakesh Motie was the standout bowler for the West Indies, claiming 3 wickets for 47 runs. Charith Asalanka was awarded Player of the Match.
West Indies scored 185 runs for 4 wickets in 38.3 overs when rain stopped play at 5 PM. They were unable to resume their innings, resulting in a final total of 185 runs in 38.3 overs. When the match resumed at 8:25 PM, Sri Lanka had a revised target of 232 runs in 37 overs under the DRS method. After losing three early wickets, the West Indies recovered with two useful partnerships. Sherfane Rutherford was the innings hero, remaining unbeaten on 74, and he formed a critical 85-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Roston Chase, who scored 33 off 33 balls. Earlier, West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and decided to bat first on the Pallekele wicket. Openers Brandan King and Alick Athanaze added a 34-run stand in 7.1 overs. Asitha Fernando and Janith Liyanage opened the bowling attack for Sri Lanka.
