SL vs WI 1st ODI Result: Kusal Mendis Masterclass Powers Sri Lanka to Dominant 41-Run Victory Over West Indies

SL vs WI 1st ODI Result: Kusal Mendis and Chameera Crush West Indies in Sabina Park Thriller

Sri Lanka started their 2026 ODI series against West Indies in perfect fashion after securing a convincing 41-run victory in the first ODI at Sabina Park, Jamaica. The visitors delivered a complete performance with both bat and ball as Kusal Mendis, Pathum Nissanka, and Dushmantha Chameera completely dominated the contest.

After being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a strong 303/7 in 50 overs, thanks to brilliant batting performances throughout the innings. The biggest star with the bat was captain Kusal Mendis, who played a classy knock of 72 runs from 62 balls, smashing 4 fours and 4 sixes at a strike rate above 116.

Pathum Nissanka Anchors Sri Lanka Innings

While Kusal Mendis accelerated the innings beautifully in the middle overs, opener Pathum Nissanka provided the perfect foundation with a composed 79 runs off 103 deliveries. His partnership with Kusal completely shifted the momentum towards Sri Lanka after an early wicket.

The duo added a massive 136-run partnership, which became one of the biggest turning points of the match.

Late-Over Explosion Pushes Sri Lanka Past 300

Sri Lanka finished strongly during the final overs as Charith Asalanka smashed 45, while Janith Liyanage remained unbeaten on 44 off just 29 balls with aggressive finishing.

The West Indies bowling attack struggled badly during the death overs, leaking boundaries and wides under pressure. Sri Lanka added crucial runs in the last five overs to cross the 300-run mark comfortably.

Chameera and Theekshana Destroy West Indies Chase

West Indies started the chase aggressively and raced to 75 runs inside the first 10 overs, with Justin Greaves attacking the Sri Lankan pacers fearlessly.

However, once Sri Lanka introduced spin and disciplined pace bowling, the match completely changed.

Dushmantha Chameera delivered the biggest impact with the ball, finishing with:

4 Wickets
Crucial middle-order breakthroughs
Match-changing spell under pressure

Spinner Maheesh Theekshana also bowled brilliantly, conceding only 26 runs in 10 overs while picking up two important wickets.

Shai Hope Fights Alone for West Indies

West Indies captain Shai Hope tried to keep the chase alive with a fighting 56-run knock, while Justin Greaves added 45 at the top. But regular wickets hurt the home side badly throughout the innings.

The dismissal of Sherfane Rutherford and Roston Chase during the middle overs completely shifted the game in Sri Lanka’s favour.

Even though Shamar Joseph played a late cameo of 23 runs, West Indies were eventually bowled out for 262 in 49.2 overs.

Match Highlights

 Sri Lanka – 303/7 (50 Overs)
 Kusal Mendis – 72 (62)
 Pathum Nissanka – 79 (103)
 Janith Liyanage – 44* (29)

West Indies – 262 All Out (49.2 Overs)
Shai Hope – 56 (66)
Justin Greaves – 45 (38)

Dushmantha Chameera – 4 Wickets Maheesh Theekshana – 2 Wickets

Player of the Match – Kusal Mendis

Sri Lanka Take Early Control of ODI Series

This victory gives Sri Lanka a massive confidence boost at the start of the ODI series. Their batting looked balanced, the bowling attack executed plans perfectly, and the team handled pressure moments much better than West Indies.

For West Indies, concerns remain around middle-order consistency and death-over bowling after another disappointing collapse in a crucial chase.

But the night clearly belonged to:

• KUSAL MENDIS
• DUSHMANTHA CHAMEERA
• SRI LANKA CRICKET

Sri Lanka defeated West Indies by 41 runs in the 1st ODI at Sabina Park, Jamaica.

 Telecast & Live Streaming:

TV Telecast: ESPN Caribbean, SLRC, and Sony Sports Network (region-based)
Live Streaming: FanCode, Sony LIV, and Windies Cricket YouTube updates

The remaining ODI matches of the series will continue from Sabina Park, Jamaica.