Sri Lanka blow up Windies in curtain raiser

Kusal Mendis hits a six in the first ODI against the West Indies as wicket keeper Shai Hope looks on (SLC)

West Indies had no answer to some accurate Sri Lanka bowling as they were shot out for just 262 in the face of a 304 target in their opening ODI match at Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica on Wednesday.

Perhaps the writing may have been on the wall after West Indies skipper Shai Hope under estimated the Sri Lankans and put them in to bat first only to concede a total of 303 for 7 in the allotted 50 overs.

The West Indies bowlers started off well restricting Sri Lanka to a total of 34 in the first 10 overs but with the entry of Kusal Mendis to join Pathum Nissanka wicket-taking for the home team was never easy as the duo shared in a stand of 136 runs for the second wicket after opener Kamindu Mendis was out for 12 with the total at 22.

Janith Liyanage and Charith Asalanka ensured the solid foundation laid by Mendis and Nissanka was not squandered as they kept the scoreboard ticking with contributions of 44 and 45 respectively as Sri Lanka reached a match-winning total making an ideal start to the tour and series.

When the West Indies commenced their innings they had a positive start but with the introduction of the spinners run-making was not easy as Mahes Theekshana produced some super bowling conceding just 26 runs from his 10 overs and more importantly accounting for the scalps of opener Justin Greaves for 45 and Motie for 22.

Fast bowler Dushmantha Chameera did not have much success in his first spell but eventually finished with four wickets that included the wicket of top scorer Shai Hope who hit 56 from 66 balls.

Wanindu Hasaranga was also miserly in his bowling giving away just 43 runs in his 10 overs while accounting for the scalp of Sherfane Rutherford for 5.

The win gave Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three match ODI series with the second match to be played on Sunday.

Kusal had four sixes in his innings of 72 as he set the course for the Sri Lanka total that the home team could not match.