Kusal, Chameera Star as Sri Lanka Outclass West Indies in 1st ODI at Kingston

Sri Lanka defeated West Indies in the 1st ODI at Kingston, as Kusal Mendis remained the most notable performer for the visitors. Due to his blazing 72 runs, Sri Lanka managed to score a big total on the board, which proved too big to chase for the home side in the second innings.

Batting first, Sri Lanka got off to a shaky start, as they lost Kamindu Mendis early in the Powerplay. His dismissal didn’t put much pressure on the visitors, as Kusal Mendis and Pathum Nissanka took control of the innings by playing steadily.

Both batters built a strong partnership that gave Sri Lanka a solid batting platform. After scoring 72 off 62 balls, Kusal finally went back to the pavilion in the 28th over, however, Nissanka remained firm at the other end.

The experienced opener built little partnerships with the middle order to take the scoreboard forward. He was looking well set to score a century, but Roston Chase dismissed him with a sharp delivery on 79 runs.

Nevertheless, Sri Lanka still remained in control, as Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage played valiantly towards the end. Due to their remarkable cameos, the visitors managed to pile up 303 on the board for the loss of seven wickets in the first innings.

When West Indies came out to chase the target, they got off to a great start. Justin Greaves came hard at the Lankan bowlers with strong striking in the Powerplay. He was looking well set to score a fifty, but Theeksana removed him with a fine delivery in the last over of the Powerplay.

The home side then tried to take the chase forward with a steady approach, but regular wickets halted their charge. Captain Shai Hope scored a fighting fifty during the middle overs, but then went back to the pavilion in the 31st over. After his dismissal, the WI batting lineup didn’t look comfortable, as the lower order failed to make any notable contribution.

As a result, West Indies were bowled out for just 262, giving Sri Lanka a strong win in the ODI series opener. Skipper Kusal Mendis received the Player of the Match award, as his fine knock in the first innings gave Sri Lanka a huge edge in the match.