Sri Lanka triumph in rain-affected first ODI against West Indies

Sri Lanka

Looking to win a shortened chase of 232 in 37 overs, the home team was successful with 5.3 overs to the end.

Sri Lanka successfully completed a massive five-wicket victory in the rain-affected opening one-day international against the West Indies in Pallekele on Sunday, courtesy of an authorative fifty from captain Charith Asalanka and also from debutant Nishan Madushka. 

Looking to win a shortened chase of 232 in 37 overs, the home team was successful with 5.3 overs to the end. 

After reaching the seventh over of the match, where Sri Lanka was in the response after stuttering early scoring at 45 for three, Asalanka’s stag came in the sixth. 

His winning combination with Madushka worth 137 runs for theft the fourth wicket was created in about 40 balls.

Both Asalanka and Madushka scored their half centuries in just 44 balls each.

Madushka has played 10 test matches and was drafted in to replace the Opening batsmen Pathum Nissanka, who is ranked one among the leading ODI run scorers in 2024.

“I am happy that he has taken full advantage of the chance given to him,” Asalanka stated. “It is a good thing there is sufficient competition within the side.”

The West Indies had reached 183 for four in 38.3 overs when rain stopped play. Their spinners then experienced difficulty in holding the ball which was wet.

“We were really tested with the conditions”, West Indies captain Shai Hope sparked up. “Especially for the spinners, the ball that was wet was difficult.”

Asalanka and Madushka had built a solid partnership when Gudakesh Motie got Asalanka out with a superb slip catch by Brandon King.

However, the harm had already occurred by the time that happened.

When Madushka went for 69 runs off 54 deliveries including seven fours and a six, Sri Lanka still needed just 50 runs off 74 deliveries with wickets to spare.

After brilliant 77 off 71 balls, Motie also removed Asalanka leg before the wicket and he built his innings with eight boundaries and three sixes. Despite the difficulties with the weather, the match was interrupted and overcast that required them to change the ball, Motie was able to get three wickets.

Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage then helped make sure that Sri Lanka was in no danger and they finished off the innings with a win once again.

Previously, the West Indies were not impressive against Sri Lanka’s spinners, but, Sherfane Rutherford making 74 not out and with support from Roston Chase, facilitated the visitors with an intact partnership of 85 for the fifth wicket.

Nevertheless, Sri Lanka was still able to go ahead in the series now 1-0 in their favor.

Last week, Sri Lanka, in one of their most successful outings in the shortest format of T20 v West Indies came back from behind to win the series 2-1.

The other two ODIs will take place on Wednesday and Saturday as per the schedule.

Follow all of the exciting moments! Sri Lanka enjoys a great win in the first ODI against the West Indies who were at a one stage making a comeback in the rain-affected match—watch it all here.

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