West Indies takes 1-0 lead in ODI series

A clinical all-round display by the West Indies, handed them a comfortable eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka, in the first CG Insurance One-Day International series at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

Set 233 to win, the West Indies top order batting, stabilised by Shai Hope and Evin Lewis, posted 143 for the first wicket to set the platform for the uncomplicated win.

Hope hit 110, his tenth ODI century. He lashed 12 fours and a six in his 133-balls stay at the crease.

Lewis struck 4 fours and 2 sixes in his 65. Darren Bravo, 37 not out and Jason Mohammed,13 not out, saw the West Indies over the line at 236 for 2 from 47 overs.

Bowling for Sri Lanka, Dushmantha Chameera took 2 for 50.

In the first half of the match, Sri Lanka were dismissed for 232 from 49 overs. This, after winning the toss and deciding to take first strike.

The visitors started brightly, as openers Danushka Gunathilaka and captain Dimuth Karunarante put together a stand of 105. Gunathilaka was the first to go, brilliantly caught by Kieron Pollard off his own bowling for 52. Karunarante was then given out for obstructing the field, for 55.

Thereafter, it was all down hill for the Sri Lankas, who suffered two runouts, slumping to 126 for 4.

Things did not get better for them when Chandimal gifted a catch to point with the score on 151 for 5. The steady procession back to the players’ pavilion continued. In between though, Ashen Bandara showed some fight with a 60-ball 50.
Bowling for the West Indies, Jason Mohammed had 2 for 12 and Jason Holder, 2 for 39.

Both teams will meet today, Friday, March 12 at the same venue, with the final match set for Sunday, also at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Stadium.

West Indies won the T/20 series, which preceded the ODI series, 2-1.