Nissanka, Mendis Brilliance Guides Sri Lanka to 303 Against West Indies in First Innings

Sri Lanka have posted a strong total of 303 against West Indies in the first innings of the Kingston ODI. Led by the brilliance of Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka, the visitors posted a good total that could take the home side under pressure in the second innings.

After winning the toss at Kingston, West Indies decided to bowl first, but it seems that their decision has backfired. The bowlers of the home side looked ineffective in large part of the first innings, as Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka kept them under pressure with strong knocks.

Despite getting the early wicket of Kamindu Mendis, the Caribbean team failed to make any breakthrough until 28th over when Kusal was dismissed for 72 runs. He looked quite comfortable at the crease, as Pathum Nissanka also gave him strong support from the other end.

After the dismissal of Kusal, Nissanka and Pavan Rathnayake forged a steady partnership that put the pressure back on the West Indies. Nissanka was looking good to score a century, but he lost his wicket in the 35th over after scoring 79 runs.

Charith Asalanka then came to the crease to support Rathnayake, and the duo played sensibly to deny WI more wickets during the middle overs. The knock of Asalanka was impressive in this regard, as he played valiantly in the last part of the innings to take the score forward.

The partnership between Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage proved vital towards the end, as the duo smashed big boundaries to put pressure on WI bowlers. Due to their stunning late cameos, Sri Lanka managed to score 303 for the loss of seven wickets at the end of the first innings.

From a bowling perspective, Matthew Forde and Roston Chase were the most notable performers, as they took two wickets each. The home side will now look to chase down this big target in the second innings, as winning the series opener in Kingston is important for them.