Sri Lanka secures victory in a rain-impacted opening ODI against the West Indies

Sri Lanka achieved a decisive five-wicket victory in the rain-affected first one-day international against the West Indies in Pallekele on Sunday, bolstered by half-centuries from captain Charith Asalanka and debutant Nishan Madushka.

Chasing a revised target of 232 runs in 37 overs, the home team secured their win with 5.3 overs remaining.

Despite a rocky beginning that left Sri Lanka at 45 for three in the seventh over, Asalanka's entry into the match shifted the momentum.

He and Madushka formed a formidable partnership, amassing 137 runs for the fourth wicket in quick succession.

Both players reached their half-centuries in just 44 balls.

Madushka, who has participated in 10 Test matches, was called up to replace the injured opener Pathum Nissanka, the top run-scorer in ODIs for 2024.

"I am pleased that he has seized the opportunity," Asalanka remarked. "It is beneficial to have healthy competition within the team."

The West Indies had set a score of 183 for four in 38.3 overs before rain disrupted play.

Their spinners struggled to maintain control of the wet ball.

"We faced significant challenges due to the conditions," stated West Indies captain Shai Hope.

"The wet ball was particularly difficult for the spinners."

Gudakesh Motie eventually ended the Asalanka-Madushka partnership when Brandon King took a sharp catch at slip.

However, the damage had already been inflicted.

Sri Lanka required only 50 runs from 74 balls when Madushka was dismissed for 69 off 54 balls, which included seven fours and a six.

Motie also trapped Asalanka lbw after a commendable innings of 77 off 71 balls, featuring eight fours and three sixes.

Motie concluded with three wickets, although his potential impact was limited by the challenging conditions, necessitating the ball to be changed twice.

Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage guided Sri Lanka to a comfortable finish.

Previously, the West Indies faced difficulties against the spin bowlers of Sri Lanka. However, Sherfane Rutherford's outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 74, along with valuable contributions from Roston Chase, enabled the visitors to recover through a solid, unbroken partnership of 85 runs for the fifth wicket.

Despite this effort, it was insufficient to prevent Sri Lanka from taking a 1-0 lead in the series.

Sri Lanka made a comeback to secure a 2-1 victory in the T20 series last week, marking their first series triumph over the West Indies in this format.

The remaining two One Day Internationals are scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday.

SportsLigue