Sri Lanka defeats West Indies in rain-shortened first ODI
In a thrilling match at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, Sri Lanka emerged victorious over the West Indies in the first one-day international (ODI) cricket match on October 20, 2024. Despite a rain interruption, the hosts managed to chase down a revised target of 232 runs in 37 overs, winning the game by five wickets with 5.3 overs to spare.
The turning point of the match came when Sri Lanka was 45 for three in the seventh over, and captain Charith Asalanka took charge at the crease. His partnership with debutant Nishan Madushka, who replaced injured opener Pathum Nissanka, turned the game around with a 137-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Both players reached their half-centuries in just 44 balls, showcasing their batting prowess.
Asalanka, who scored 77 off 71 balls, and Madushka, who made 69 off 54 balls, propelled Sri Lanka towards victory. Despite a valiant effort from West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie, who claimed three wickets, the wet conditions proved challenging for the visiting team.
West Indies skipper Shai Hope acknowledged the tough conditions, stating, “Particularly for the spinners, the wet ball was quite challenging.” Despite the efforts of Sherfane Rutherford and Roston Chase, who put up a strong partnership for the fifth wicket, it was not enough to stop Sri Lanka from taking the lead in the series.
With this win, Sri Lanka continues their winning momentum after securing the T20 series against the West Indies. The remaining two ODIs promise to be exciting encounters as both teams battle it out for supremacy on the cricket field.
Cricket fans can look forward to more thrilling matches between Sri Lanka and the West Indies as the series progresses. Stay tuned for more exciting cricket action in the days to come.
