Skipper Charith Asalanka and debutant opener Nishan Madushka led a remarkable recovery for Sri Lanka, scoring 77 and 69 runs, respectively. Their impressive fourth-wicket partnership of 137 runs guided Sri Lanka to a comfortable 5-wicket victory with 31 balls to spare in their first ODI match at Pallekele Cricket Stadium yesterday. Chasing a revised target of 232 runs in 37 overs, Sri Lanka reached the target in 31.5 overs while losing five wickets.
The partnership was crucial, especially after the team encountered early setbacks, losing their first three wickets for just 45 runs. Asalanka showcased his leadership, scoring 77 runs off 71 balls with 8 fours and 3 sixes while also becoming the fastest Sri Lankan to surpass 2000 ODI runs. Madushka provided crucial support, striking 69 runs off 54 balls (7 fours and a six), marking an standout debut fifty.
After Asalanka and Madushka’s departures, courtesy of leg spinner Gudakesh Motie, Kamindu Mendis stepped up, scoring 30 runs off 21 balls with 3 fours and a winning six off Jayden Seales. All-rounder Janith Liyanage added an unbeaten 18 runs off 18 balls, hitting a four and a six, as they formed an unbroken 47-run partnership to secure the win.
This impressive chase allowed Sri Lanka to take a 1-0 lead in the series, despite the rain disruption. Gudakesh Motie was the standout bowler for the West Indies, claiming 3 wickets for 47 runs. Charith Asalanka was awarded Player of the Match.
West Indies scored 185 runs for 4 wickets in 38.3 overs when rain stopped play at 5 PM. They were unable to resume their 
innings, resulting in a final total of 185 runs in 38.3 overs. When the match resumed at 8:25 PM, Sri Lanka had a revised target of 232 runs in 37 overs under the DRS method. After losing three early wickets, the West Indies recovered with two useful partnerships. Sherfane Rutherford was the innings hero, remaining unbeaten on 74, and he formed a critical 85-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Roston Chase, who scored 33 off 33 balls. Earlier, West Indies captain Shai Hope won the toss and decided to bat first on the Pallekele wicket. Openers Brandan King and Alick Athanaze added a 34-run stand in 7.1 overs. Asitha Fernando and Janith Liyanage opened the bowling attack for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka skipper Charith Asalanka introduced spinners during the first power play, which paid off. Wanindu Hasaranga made the first breakthrough with his very first ball (in the 8th over), dismissing King for 14 runs off 25 balls (2 fours). Hasaranga took his second wicket by dismissing Athanaze for 10 runs in the 9.1 over, with Kusal Mendis stumping him. After ten overs, West Indies were 43 for 2 wickets.
Skipper Shai Hope could only manage 5 runs off 13 balls before being LBW to Jeffrey Vandersay after a review by the third umpire.
Sherfane Rutherford and Keacy Carty worked to stabilise the innings, putting together a 46-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Carty was dismissed for 6 runs by Asalanka. Rutherford then reached his second fifty with a six off Asalanka and continued to build an impressive 85-run unbroken partnership with Roston Chase, raising their score to 185 for 4 wickets when rain interrupted play after 38.3 overs.
Rutherford achieved his career-best score of 74 off 82 balls (5 fours and 3 sixes). Roston Chase also played well, scoring 33 runs from 33 deliveries with 3 fours. Wanindu Hasaranga was the standout bowler for Sri Lanka, taking 2 wickets for 18 runs in his 6-over spell, while Charith Asalanka and Jeffrey Vandersay claimed a wicket each.
Sri Lanka fielded debutant Nishan Madushka, who replaced Pathum Nissanka, who was unable to play due to injury. Avishka Fernando came into the side as an opener, while Asitha Fernando was the only pace bowler, supported by all-rounder Janith Liyanage. The spin attack included Wanindu Hasaranga, Jeffrey Vandersay, and Dunith Wellalage, with Kamindu Mendis batting at number three. Sri Lanka will face West Indies again in their second ODI on Wednesday (23) at the same venue.
Dhammika Ratnaweera reporting from Pallekele