Sri Lanka take 1–0 lead after 41-run win over West Indies in ODI series opener
Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 303 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs. The innings was anchored by opener Pathum Nissanka, who played a responsible knock of 79 runs off 103 deliveries, reaching his 19th ODI half-century. His innings included nine boundaries and one six.
Newly appointed captain Kusal Mendis led from the front with an aggressive 72 off 62 balls, bringing up his 35th ODI fifty. He struck four sixes and four boundaries in a brisk innings that lifted the scoring rate.
Middle-order contributions from Charith Asalanka (45) and Janith Liyanage (44 not out) further strengthened Sri Lanka’s total, helping them push past the 300-run mark.
For the West Indies, Matthew Forde claimed 2 for 44, while Roston Chase also impressed with 2 for 47 from his 10 overs.
In reply, the West Indies were bowled out for 262 in 49.2 overs, falling short despite a determined chase.
The match was played at Sabina Park in Jamaica, marking Sri Lanka’s return to the venue for an ODI after 13 years. The last time they played there, in 2013 under Angelo Mathews’ captaincy, Sri Lanka were restricted to 208 and lost by six wickets.
With this win, Sri Lanka move confidently ahead in the series, setting up an important second ODI.
