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

In the opening ODI of the three-match series in between Sri Lanka again The West IndiesSri Lanka secured a 5-wicket victory in the DLS format at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, 20 October.

Sherfane Rutherford strengthens the West Indies innings

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

The innings of West Indies was strengthened by Sherfane Rutherford, who scored the highest score with a good 74 from 82 balls, hitting 5 fours and 3 sixes. Keacy Carty scored 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 picked up a wicket each.

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

In reply, Sri Lanka were set a revised target of 232 in 33 overs under the DLS method. Their chase began with a setback when Avishka Fernando fell cheaply on 5, but Nishan Madushka and Asalanka strengthened the innings. Madushka played well scoring 69 off 54 balls, hitting 7 fours and 1 six. Asalanka, the Man of the Match, was the star of the match, scoring 77 off 71 balls, including 8 fours and 3 sixes, ensuring that Sri Lanka were in control of the chase.

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

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

Sri Lanka beat West Indies by 5 wickets in the rain-affected first ODI.#Sri Lanka #WestIndies #ODI #Cricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/bgrV03lIHf

– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 20, 2024

For his performance throughout the round, Sri Lanka captain Charith Asalanka was named as the man of the match.

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