Charith Asalanka, Nishan Madushka steer Sri Lanka to a convincing win over West Indies in the first ODI

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In the opening ODI of the three-match series between Sri Lanka and West Indies, Sri Lanka secured a 5-wicket victory via the DLS method at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, October 20.

Sherfane Rutherford anchors the West Indies innings

After winning the toss and electing to bat, the West Indies posted 185/4 in 38.3 overs before rain interrupted play, shortening the match.

The West Indies’ innings was anchored by Sherfane Rutherford, who top-scored with a well-paced 74 off 82 balls, striking 5 fours and 3 sixes. Keacy Carty contributed with 37 off 58 balls, while Roston Chase added 33 off 33 balls. Sri Lanka’s Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout bowler, taking 2 wickets for just 18 runs in his 6 overs, while Jeffrey Vandersay and Charith Asalanka also chipped in with a wicket each.

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Charith Asalanka and Nishan Madushka smash half-centuries for Sri Lanka

In response, Sri Lanka were set a revised target of 232 in 33 overs under the DLS method. Their chase began with an early setback when Avishka Fernando fell cheaply for 5, but Nishan Madushka and Asalanka steadied the innings. Madushka played a fluent knock of 69 off 54 balls, smashing 7 fours and 1 six. Asalanka, the Player of the Match, was the star of the show, scoring a match-winning 77 off 71 balls, including 8 fours and 3 sixes, ensuring Sri Lanka maintained control of the chase.

Kamindu Mendis contributed a useful 30 not out off 21 balls, while Janith Liyanage (18 off 18) provided late stability. For the West Indies, Gudakesh Motie was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 wickets for 47 runs in his 8 overs. Alzarri Joseph grabbed 2 wickets, but the rest of the bowling attack failed to contain Sri Lanka’s batters.

Sri Lanka reached 234/5 in 31.5 overs, securing victory by 5 wickets with the DLS adjustment. This win gave Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the series, with the second ODI scheduled for October 23 at the same venue.

For his all-round performance, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka was adjudged Player of the Match.

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