Kusal Mendis shines as Sri Lanka outclass West Indies in the first ODI

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Sri Lanka made a winning start to their 2026 tour of the West Indies, defeating the hosts by 41 runs in the first ODI at Sabina Park, Kingston. A brilliant all-round batting effort, led by Kusal Mendis’ attacking 72, helped the visitors post a challenging 303/7 before their bowlers completed the job by dismissing West Indies for 262 in 49.2 overs.

After being asked to bat first, Sri Lanka built their innings around a solid opening contribution from Pathum Nissanka and a fluent knock from Mendis. Nissanka anchored the innings with a well-compiled 79 off 103 deliveries, striking nine fours and a six. Although Kamindu Mendis departed early for 12, Mendis took charge and shifted the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favour.

The wicketkeeper-batter played an entertaining innings of 72 from just 62 balls, smashing four boundaries and four sixes. His aggressive approach ensured Sri Lanka maintained a healthy scoring rate through the middle overs. Pavan Rathnayake added 24, while captain Charith Asalanka contributed a valuable 45 off 44 balls.

Sri Lanka received another boost in the closing stages through Janith Liyanage, who played a crucial cameo of 44 off only 29 deliveries. His innings included five fours and a six and helped the visitors accelerate significantly in the final overs. Wanindu Hasaranga chipped in with a quick seven from four balls as Sri Lanka crossed the 300-run mark, finishing on 303/7 from their allotted 50 overs.

For West Indies, Matthew Forde and Roston Chase were the most effective bowlers, claiming two wickets each. Jayden Seales also picked up two scalps, but the home side struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batters during the latter stages of the innings.

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Chasing 304 for victory, West Indies began positively through John Campbell and Justin Greaves. Campbell struck 17 from 14 balls before falling early, while Greaves played aggressively for his 45 off 38 deliveries. Keacy Carty added 27, and captain Shai Hope kept the chase alive with a composed 56 from 66 balls. Hope mixed caution with aggression, hitting two fours and two sixes, but lacked substantial support from the middle order.

Sherfane Rutherford managed only five, while Chase contributed 33. Gudakesh Motie fought hard with 22, and Shamar Joseph added a spirited 23 lower down the order, but the required rate continued to climb.

Sri Lanka’s bowling attack maintained pressure throughout the chase. Dushmantha Chameera was the standout performer, finishing with impressive figures of 4/67 from his 10 overs. Maheesh Theekshana delivered a match-defining spell, claiming 2/26 in his full quota and choking the flow of runs during the middle overs.

Asitha Fernando and Hasaranga chipped in with a wicket apiece, while Asalanka removed the final batter to seal victory for the visitors. West Indies were eventually bowled out for 262 with four balls remaining. Mendis was named Player of the Match for his explosive 72-run knock that laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s match-winning total.

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