Rain impacted the opening ODI in Pallekele, as Sri Lanka defeated West Indies by five wickets. With 31 balls remaining, the hosts easily defeated the revised goal of 232 in 37 overs, owing to the scores of 69 from rookie Nishan Madushka and 77 from skipper Charith Asalanka.
The Sri Lankan bowlers kept things tight with the new ball against players like Brandon King and Alick Athanaze as the West Indies chose to bat and got off to a steady start.
With all the pressure building, Wanindu Hasaranga took a wicket in the first ball, bowling King for an incorrect number before removing Athanaze with his next over.
It did not help that Shai Hope, who normally steadies the innings after poor starts, was given out LBW to Jeffrey Vandersay shortly after. Sri Lanka cleverly reviewed the on-field ruling and won the decision. The visitors struggled at 54 for 3, but a 46-run stand between Sherfane Rutherford (74*) and Keacy Carty helped right the ship.
Despite losing Carty to a mishit in the 26th over, Rutherford persisted and hit a six off Charith Asalanka to reach his fifty off 64 balls. After nearly three and a half hours, the rain ended the innings at 38.3 overs, leaving the opposition to chase a revised goal. Roston Chase supported him, adding 84 runs for the fifth wicket with his run-a-ball 33*.
In response, Sri Lanka’s innings began erratically as Alzarri Joseph removed Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis in the first four overs.
When Charith Asalanka and Nishan Madushka stabilized the innings with a 137-run combination that put the game away from the visitors, they were reeling at 45 for 3. With great intent, both batsmen took advantage of the wet outfield and the West Indian bowlers’ wayward deliveries.
Asalanka reached the fifty-run barrier in 44 balls, blasting two sixes off Chase and Romario Shepherd. In comparison, Madushka reached the milestone in 44 balls, showcasing his style as he debuted his ODI cricket.
Even though Gudakesh Motie (3 for 47) of the West Indies attempted to save some pride by dismissing Madushka and Asalanka, the damage had already been done. Janith Liyanage (18*) and Kamindu Mendis (30*) ensured no more setbacks, leading Sri Lanka to triumph. With a six-ball off Jayden Seales to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, Mendis elegantly completed the victory.
Brief Scores: SL 234/5 in 31.5 overs (Asalanka 77, Madushka 69, Motie 3-47) defeated WI 185/4 in 38.3 overs (Rutherford 74*; Hasaranga 2-18) by five wickets (DLS).
