Sri Lanka made a winning start to their ODI series against West Indies, securing a convincing 41-run victory in the opening match at Sabina Park in Kingston. A well-rounded performance with both bat and ball helped the visitors take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
After being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka recovered from a cautious start thanks to an excellent partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. Nissanka anchored the innings with a composed 79, while Kusal injected momentum with a fluent 72 off just 62 deliveries.
His aggressive approach against the spinners shifted the tempo and laid the foundation for a competitive total.
The pair added 136 runs for the second wicket, putting Sri Lanka firmly in control. Later, captain Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage provided the finishing touches.
Asalanka scored a valuable 45, while Liyanage remained unbeaten on 44 from 29 balls, helping Sri Lanka post an imposing 303 for 7.
West Indies began their chase positively, racing to 50 without loss inside six overs. However, Sri Lanka’s bowlers gradually tightened their grip on the contest.
Maheesh Theekshana was outstanding in the middle overs, returning figures of 2 for 26 and consistently troubling the batters with his variations.
Captain Shai Hope fought hard with a well-made 56, but the hosts failed to build substantial partnerships. Dushmantha Chameera proved the difference-maker with the ball, using pace and reverse swing effectively to claim 4 for 67.
From 167 for 5, the chase steadily slipped away from West Indies as wickets continued to fall. Sri Lanka’s disciplined bowling and sharp fielding ensured there was no late comeback, sealing a deserved victory and early control of the series.