Kusal Mendis could not have asked for a better return to captaincy. The wicketkeeper-batter led from the front with a sparkling 72 as Sri Lanka defeated West Indies by 41 runs in the first ODI at Sabina Park to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
On a surface that offered assistance to both seamers and spinners, Sri Lanka’s total of 303 for 7 always looked competitive. By the end, it proved more than enough as West Indies were bowled out for 262 despite a fighting half-century from captain Shai Hope.
Mendis powershow help SL in 1st ODI
After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka endured a cautious start. Jayden Seales removed Kamindu Mendis early, while Pathum Nissanka took time to settle on a pitch that wasn’t easy for strokeplay. At 32 runs in the powerplay, the visitors were in trouble. That changed the moment Kusal arrived at the crease.
The Sri Lankan skipper immediately took the attack to the bowlers, particularly left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie. Four towering sixes off Motie in a span of as many overs changed the momentum and forced West Indies onto the back foot. Kusal raced to a 42-ball half-century and stitched together a crucial 136-run stand with Nissanka for the second wicket.
While Kusal’s 72 came off just 62 deliveries, Nissanka played the anchor role with a measured 79. The opener survived an early drop and gradually worked his way into the innings, ensuring Sri Lanka built a strong platform. But neither of them got to a hundred.
Liyanage, Asalanka finish strong before bowlers take over
Even after the dismissal of the well-set pair, Sri Lanka did not lose momentum. Janith Liyanage and Charith Asalanka provided the finishing touches with aggressive cameos.
Asalanka struck 45 off 44 deliveries, while Liyanage remained unbeaten on 44 from just 29 balls. Their 64-run partnership for the fifth wicket pushed Sri Lanka beyond the 300-run mark, a score that looked above par on a surface where slower bowling continued to grip.
West Indies began the chase brightly, racing to 50 without loss in just six overs. However, once Sri Lanka’s bowlers settled into their rhythm, the hosts struggled to build substantial partnerships. Maheesh Theekshana once again showcased why he remains one of the most difficult white-ball spinners to face. Mixing his variations cleverly, he returned figures of 2 for 26 and repeatedly tied down the West Indies middle order.
Hope fought hard with a composed 56 off 66 balls, but he received little sustained support. Justin Greaves made 45, while a few lower-order batters chipped in, yet no partnership truly threatened Sri Lanka’s grip on the contest. The decisive blows came from Dushmantha Chameera. Generating reverse swing and extracting extra pace, the fast bowler picked up 4 for 67 and removed key batters whenever West Indies threatened to build momentum. From 167 for 5, the required rate continued to climb, and eventually, the hosts folded with four balls remaining.
Kusal Mendis leads from the front as Sri Lanka overpower West Indies in ODI opener Inside Sport India.
Hence then, the article about kusal mendis leads from the front as sri lanka overpower west indies in odi opener was published today ( ) and is available on Inside sport ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Kusal Mendis leads from the front as Sri Lanka overpower West Indies in ODI opener )
Also on site :
- Everyone is sick of the SF Giants benching Bryce Eldridge
- 2026 Australian Swimming Trials: Storylines to Watch in Sydney
- How the least-known players at World Cup are becoming Instagram famous