Image Source : Depositphotos
Asalanka and Madushka lead Sri Lanka to a convincing victory
Asalanka and Madushka lead Sri Lanka to a convincing victory
Nishan Madushka and Charith Asalanka had scored a 137-run partnership in 1st ODI in Pallekele
Sri Lanka gets a five-wicket victory against West Indies as the first ODI affected by rain in Pallekele. After being given a revised target of 232 in 37 overs, the home team easily chased it down with 31 balls remaining, led by debutant Nishan Madushka's 69 runs and captain Charith Asalanka's 77.
West Indies decided to bat first and made a great start as well, The Sri Lankan bowlers are keeping things tight with the new ball against Brandon King and Alick Athanaze. The pressure paid off when Wanindu Hasaranga took a wicket on his first ball, bowling King with a wrong 'un, and then dismissing Athanaze in his next over.
Things got worse when Shai Hope, usually the anchor after a rough start, was given out LBW to Jeffrey Vandersay following a successful Sri Lankan review. At 54 for 3, the visitors were in a tough spot, but a 46-run partnership between Keacy Carty and Sherfane Rutherford (74*) helped stabilise the innings.
Although Rutherford lost Carty to a mishit in the 26th over, he stayed focused and reached his fifty off 64 balls with a six off Charith Asalanka. Roston Chase provided solid support, contributing an unbeaten 33 from 33 balls in an 84-run partnership for the fifth wicket. However, rain interrupted play at 38.3 overs, and after a delay of almost three-and-a-half hours, the opposition was set a revised target to chase.
In response, Sri Lanka had a shaky start as Alzarri Joseph took the key wickets of Avishka Fernando and Kusal Mendis within the first four overs. At 45 for 3, Charith Asalanka and Nishan Madushka steadied the innings with a 137-run partnership, putting the game out of the visitors' reach. Both players batted with intent, taking advantage of the wet outfield and loose deliveries from the West Indian bowlers.
Asalanka reached his fifty off 44 balls, hitting a couple of sixes off Chase and Romario Shepherd, while Madushka also reached the milestone in 44 balls, marking an impressive start to his ODI career.
Despite a brief fightback from Gudakesh Motie (3 for 47), who dismissed both Asalanka and Madushka, the damage was already done. Kamindu Mendis (30*) and Janith Liyanage (18*) ensured a smooth finish, with Mendis sealing the victory with a six off Jayden Seales, taking Sri Lanka 1-0 up in the three-match series.
Top Articles
See more
Shami, fully pain-free, aims to play domestic matches to prove his fitness for Australia
22 Oct 2024
New Zealand Fast Bowler Ben Sears Misses India Tour; Uncapped Jacob Duffy Added to Squad
15 Oct 2024
Sri Lanka Selects Former England Star Ian Bell as Batting Coach for Upcoming Test Series
14 Aug 2024
Get live cricket scores and insightful articles at Giritech Data Intelligence Pvt. Ltd. Follow your favorite matches and read expert analyses, player profiles, and more. Your ultimate destination for cricket updates and in-depth coverage.
Any Questions? Contact us at: contact@gamegiri.com
Copyright & Design By Giritech Data Intelligence Pvt. Ltd - 2024 All rights reserved.