Sri Lanka achieved a decisive five-wicket win against West Indies in the rain-impacted first ODI held in Pallekele. Chasing a revised target of 232 runs in 37 overs, the home team successfully completed the chase with 31 balls remaining, largely due to the contributions of debutant Nishan Madushka, who scored 69 runs, and captain Charith Asalanka, who added 77 runs to the total.
West Indies rain hit batting performance
The West Indies chose to bat first and began their innings steadily, while the Sri Lankan bowlers maintained a disciplined approach with the new ball, challenging players such as Brandon King and Alick Athanaze. The mounting pressure resulted in a wicket on the very first ball bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga, who dismissed King with a deceptive delivery before taking the wicket of Athanaze on the subsequent ball.
The situation was exacerbated when Shai Hope, typically a stabilizing force following uncertain beginnings, was ruled LBW to Jeffrey Vandersay shortly thereafter. Sri Lanka astutely opted for a review of the on-field decision, which ultimately confirmed their advantage. At a score of 54 for 3, the visitors appeared somewhat unsettled; however, a partnership of 46 runs between Keacy Carty and Sherfane Rutherford (74*) contributed significantly to restoring composure.
A Rutherford boundary for four in the 17th over marked the West Indies’ first four in 47 balls. By the halfway mark of 25 overs, the team had managed to reach 94 for 3. It was at this juncture that a frustrated Carty executed a remarkable one-handed loft over long-on for six, providing a brief respite. However, this moment of relief was fleeting, as he was dismissed while attempting to replicate the shot on the very next delivery. This dismissal concluded a partnership of 46 runs, which had been the West Indies’ most productive collaboration of the innings up to that moment.
Rutherford experienced the wicket loss of Carty due to a mishit in the 26th over; however, he persevered and reached his half-century off 64 deliveries, concluding with a six against Charith Asalanka. He received valuable assistance from Roston Chase, who contributed 33 runs off 33 balls, forming a partnership of 84 runs for the fifth wicket. Unfortunately, rain intervened, truncating the innings at 38.3 overs and necessitating a revised target for the opposition after a delay of nearly three and a half hours.
DLS target for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka experienced a tumultuous beginning in response, as Alzarri Joseph secured vital wickets of Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis in the opening four overs. The team found themselves in a precarious position at 45 for 3. Although Motie also bowled at a rate exceeding six runs per over, he still presented a potential wicket-taking threat. In contrast, Roston Chase and Hayden Walsh Jr. could not claim the same, as they conceded 80 runs in their combined 10 overs. This situation arose from a mix of inaccurate bowling and aggressive batting, compounded by the West Indian spinners’ difficulties with a wet ball due to the damp outfield. Additionally, the rain had rendered the pitch more conducive to batting by the time Sri Lanka began their innings.
As the possibility of rain approached, Sri Lanka’s strategy became evident: they needed to establish a lead over the DLS calculation. However, the dismissal of Sadeera, who was out to a stunning delivery from Motie that dislodged the off stump, placed Sri Lanka in a precarious position, threatening to allow the match to slip into a critical state, despite the assurance of batting down to the ninth position.
However, Charith Asalanka and Nishan Madushka managed to stabilize the innings, forming a significant partnership of 137 runs that shifted the momentum in favor of the home side. Both players demonstrated commendable aggression, taking advantage of the damp outfield and the errant deliveries from the West Indian bowlers.
Asalanka achieved a fifty off 44 balls, including two sixes against Chase and Romario Shepherd. Madushka also reached the same milestone in 44 balls, making a notable entrance into ODI cricket. Although the West Indies attempted to recover with Gudakesh Motie, who took 3 wickets for 47 runs, dismissing both Asalanka and Madushka, the initial damage had already been inflicted. Kamindu Mendis (30*) and Janith Liyanage (18*) ensured a smooth finish, leading Sri Lanka to victory. Mendis concluded the match emphatically, hitting a six off Jayden Seales, thereby putting Sri Lanka ahead 1-0 in the three-match series.
Scorecard: WI 185/4 in 38.3 overs (Rutherford 74*; Hasaranga 2-18) lost to SL 234/5 in 31.5 overs (Asalanka 77, Madushka 69; Motie 3-47) by 5 wickets (DLS)
