Sri Lanka vs West Indies, 1st ODI: Sri Lanka Triumph in Rain-Affected Thriller | SL vs WI, 1st ODI Highlights

Sri Lanka secured a dominant five-wicket victory over West Indies in the first ODI of the series, chasing a revised DLS target of 232 in 37 overs after rain interrupted the game. A brilliant 137-run partnership between Nishan Madushka and Charith Asalanka powered Sri Lanka's successful chase with 31 balls to spare.

The match, played at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, saw both sides battle the weather alongside each other. After winning the toss and opting to bat, West Indies posted 185/4 in 38.3 overs before rain halted play for over three hours. The delayed action forced a reduction in overs, giving Sri Lanka a revised target.

West Indies Struggle with Early Wickets but Recover Late

West Indies got off to a rocky start, losing early wickets to Sri Lanka’s spinners. Wanindu Hasaranga struck twice in quick succession, dismissing Brandon King (14) and Alick Athanaze (10) as the visitors were reduced to 41/2 inside 10 overs. When captain Shai Hope (5) fell LBW to Jeffrey Vandersay and Keacy Carty (37) followed, West Indies found themselves at 100/4.

Sherfane Rutherford (74*) and Roston Chase (33*) then resurrected the innings, sharing an unbeaten 85-run partnership. Rutherford looked dangerous, hitting seven boundaries and two sixes, while Chase provided stability. However, just as West Indies were gaining momentum, the heavens opened, limiting their innings to 38.3 overs.

Rain Alters the Equation: Sri Lanka Set 232 to Win

Following a lengthy rain delay, the revised DLS target set Sri Lanka at 232 from 37 overs. West Indies' pace spearhead Alzarri Joseph gave the visitors hope by removing Avishka Fernando (5) and Kusal Mendis (13) early. Sri Lanka were on shaky ground at 22/2 when Gudakesh Motie spun his magic, dismissing Sadeera Samarawickrama (18) with a beautiful delivery.

Madushka and Asalanka Shine in Chase

With the game slipping out of Sri Lanka's hands, Nishan Madushka (69) and captain Charith Asalanka (77) produced a match-defining partnership. They counter-attacked brilliantly, capitalizing on a wet outfield that made it difficult for the bowlers to maintain control. Both batters reached half-centuries, and their aggressive stroke play put Sri Lanka in command.

Their partnership of 137 runs took the game away from West Indies, despite quick wickets falling in the latter stages. Motie dismissed both Madushka and Asalanka, but Janith Liyanage (18*) and Kamindu Mendis (30*) guided Sri Lanka to the finish line without further hiccups.

West Indies’ Bowlers Fall Short

While Alzarri Joseph and Gudakesh Motie claimed two wickets each, their efforts were not enough to defend the target. The wet conditions in the outfield and lack of support from other bowlers made it tough to contain the Sri Lankan batters, who made the most of every opportunity.

Sri Lanka’s clinical performance gives them a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. The second ODI will be crucial for West Indies, who need to address their middle-order collapses and find a way to contain Sri Lanka’s aggressive batting.

The teams will now head to Colombo for the next game, where West Indies will be keen to level the series.

Brief Scores:

• West Indies: 185/4 in 38.3 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 74*, Roston Chase 33*, Wanindu Hasaranga 2/18)
• Sri Lanka: 234/5 in 31.5 overs (Charith Asalanka 77, Nishan Madushka 69, Gudakesh Motie 3/47)

Sri Lanka won by 5 wickets (DLS Method)