NEW DELHI: With half-centuries from skipper Charith Asalanka and rookie Nishan Madushka, Sri Lanka defeated the West Indies by 5 wickets in Sunday’s rain-shortened first one-day worldwide at Pallekele.
Chasing a revised goal of 232 in 37 overs, the hosts received with 5.three overs to spare.
Asalanka’s arrival on the crease modified the course of the match after Sri Lanka had a tough begin and had lowered to 45 for 3 within the seventh over.
He shortly fashioned a partnership with Madushka, which resulted in 137 runs for the fourth wicket.
Madushka and Asalanka each reached their half-centuries in a mere forty-four balls.
The 2024 high run scorer in ODIs, injured opener Pathum Nissanka, was changed by Madushka, who has performed ten Check matches.
“I’m glad that he has grabbed the chance with each palms,” Asalanka stated. “It’s good to have wholesome competitors within the facet.”
Earlier than the rain got here, the West Indies had scored 183 for 4 in 38.three overs.
The moist ball was then tough for his or her spinners to grip.
“We have been actually examined by the situations”, West Indies skipper Shai Hope stated.
“Notably for the spinners, the moist ball was fairly difficult.”
The Asalanka-Madushka stand was in the end damaged by Gudakesh Motie after Brandon King made a rapid seize at slip.
Nevertheless, the harm was already accomplished.
Madushka went for 69 off 54 balls, together with seven fours and a six, leaving Sri Lanka needing simply 50 runs off 74 balls.
After a spectacular 77 from 71 balls, which included eight fours and three sixes, Motie additionally trapped Asalanka leg earlier than wicket.
Regardless of having to vary the ball twice because of the tough situations, Motie might have made an even bigger influence. He ended up with three wickets.
Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage noticed Sri Lanka house with ease.
Sherfane Rutherford’s career-best 74 not out and Roston Chase’s help helped the West Indies recuperate from their earlier struggles in opposition to Sri Lanka’s spinners with an uninterrupted 85-run partnership for the fifth wicket.
However, it was unable to forestall Sri Lanka from gaining a 1-Zero sequence lead.
Sri Lanka defeated the West Indies within the shortest format for the primary time final week, profitable the T20 sequence 2-1 after rallying from a deficit.
The ultimate two ODIs are scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday.
