Sri Lanka took a 1-0 lead in their three-match ODI series against the West Indies after a commanding chase in a rain-impacted encounter at Pallekele. A strong partnership between Charith Asalanka and debutant Nishan Madushka helped Sri Lanka chase down a DLS-adjusted target of 232 with relative ease, winning by five wickets.
Asalanka and Madushka Shine After Early Setbacks
Sri Lanka’s chase was off to a rocky start, with the hosts reeling at 45 for 3 in the seventh over. However, Asalanka (77 off 71 balls) and Madushka (69 off 54 balls) put together an outstanding 137-run stand to put Sri Lanka in a dominant position.
Madushka, making his ODI debut in place of the injured Pathum Nissanka, was initially content to play the supporting role, allowing Asalanka to take the lead. Both batters displayed maturity and composure, building momentum as Sri Lanka sought to get ahead of the DLS equation in light of rain interruptions.
The West Indies bowlers, despite the conditions and a wet outfield, struggled to maintain control. Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie was the only successful for the visitors, taking 3 for 47. However, his efforts were not enough to stop Sri Lanka, as the hosts accelerated after the rain delay, with Madushka and Asalanka taking charge.
Sri Lanka’s chase seemed in danger when both Asalanka and Madushka departed within a few overs of each other. Asalanka was trapped lbw by Motie, while Madushka edged to slip, but by then, Sri Lanka’s required run rate had dropped to a manageable 4 runs per over.
Kamindu Mendis (30* off 21) and Janith Liyanage (18* off 18) ensured the chase was completed without any further drama, bringing Sri Lanka to victory with five wickets in hand.
West Indies’ Inconsistent Batting
Earlier, the West Indies posted 185 for 4 in 38.3 overs before rain halted their innings. The West Indies’ innings was built around a determined unbeaten 74 by Sherfane Rutherford, who was joined by Roston Chase (33) in an 85-run stand for the fifth wicket. The rain came at a critical juncture when the West Indies looked set to accelerate in the final few overs. However, the weather played spoilsport, cutting their innings short.
Sri Lanka’s spinners, led by Wanindu Hasaranga (2 for 18), took charge after West Indies had made a solid start. The visitors quickly found themselves at 54 for 3, with Keacy Carty (37) and Rutherford stabilizing the innings. However, the slow progress of their innings meant that they struggled to accelerate, particularly in the middle overs, with Sri Lanka’s spin bowlers keeping them in check.
Sri Lanka’s Spin Mastery
Sri Lanka’s bowlers, especially the spinners, were excellent in restricting the West Indies’ scoring options. The spin duo of Hasaranga and Jeffrey Vandersay kept the pressure on, limiting the West Indies to just 94 for 3 after 25 overs. The key moment in the West Indies innings came when Carty, trying to break free, was dismissed immediately after hitting a powerful six off Hasaranga.
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Despite Rutherford’s gritty innings, the West Indies could not make significant inroads. Their hopes of a large total were dashed as the rain stopped play, and Sri Lanka capitalized on the delayed restart to run down the DLS target comfortably.
Match Scorecard:
West Indies (185/4 in 38.3 overs)
Sherfane Rutherford 74* (74 balls)
Keacy Carty 37 (48 balls)
Roston Chase 33* (27 balls)
Extras: 12 (Leg-Byes 9, Wides 3)
Wanindu Hasaranga 6-0-18-2
Jeffrey Vandersay 8.3-0-45-1
Sri Lanka (234/5 in 41.1 overs, DLS target 232)
Charith Asalanka 77 (71 balls)
Nishan Madushka 69 (54 balls)
Kamindu Mendis 30* (21 balls)
Janith Liyanage 18* (18 balls)
Extras: 4 (2 wide, 2 leg-bye)
Gudakesh Motie 8-0-47-3
Alzarri Joseph 6-0-39-2
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