Sri Lanka defeated West Indies by 41 runs in the first One Day International (ODI) match at Sabina Park in Jamaica after posting a competitive 303 for seven from 50 overs.
Half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis, along with valuable contributions from Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage, helped set up the win as West Indies’ batting lineup failed to capitalize despite a good start.
West Indies started strongly, with openers John Campbell and Justin Greaves adding 50 runs in six overs. However, a batting collapse saw them fall from 125 for two to 167 for five before being bowled out for 262 in 49.2 overs.
Campbell was run out after a brilliant piece of fielding and direct throw from Janith Liyanage, while Justin Greaves scored a quick 45 before being bowled by Maheesh Theekshana, leaving West Indies at 73 for two.
Keacy Carty and Shai Hope then added 52 runs to steady the innings, but Carty was dismissed for 27 after a brilliant diving catch by Kamindu Mendis.
West Indies’ innings faltered further when Sherfane Rutherford was trapped lbw for two by Wanindu Hasaranga. Captain Shai Hope scored 56 and reached his 31st ODI half-century before giving away his wicket to Dushmantha Chameera.
A 47-run partnership between Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie kept the chase alive, but their slow scoring caused the required run rate to climb above eight runs per over.
West Indies’ hopes ended when Maheesh Theekshana dismissed Gudakesh Motie for 22 and Dushmantha Chameera bowled Roston Chase for 33, leaving them struggling at 216 for seven.
A 42-run ninth-wicket stand between Matthew Forde and Shamar Joseph provided some late entertainment, but it wasn’t enough to carry their side to victory.
Earlier on, Sri Lanka benefited from an early let-off when Keacy Carty dropped a catch off the first ball, giving Pathum Nissanka a reprieve.
Later, Jayden Seales made the breakthrough by dismissing Kamindu Mendis, whose mistimed pull was caught by wicketkeeper Shai Hope.
The dropped catch proved expensive as Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis added 136 runs for the second wicket. Matthew Forde dismissed Kusal Mendis for 72, while Shai Hope took a sharp catch to remove Nissanka for 79.
Late contributions from Charith Asalanka (45) and Janith Liyanage (44 not out) lifted Sri Lanka past 300.
Forde, Roston Chase and Jayden Seales each took two wickets, while Alzarri Joseph struggled on his return, conceding 65 runs from nine overs.
