Chameera stars as Sri Lanka beat West Indies in ODI series opener

KINGSTON: Sri Lanka secured a convincing 41-run victory over West Indies in the first ODI of the three-match series at Sabina Park on Wednesday, thanks to a match-winning bowling performance from Dushmantha Chameera.

Chasing a target of 304, the hosts were bowled out for 262 in 49.2 overs despite several useful contributions from the middle order.

West Indies captain Shai Hope top-scored with 56 off 66 deliveries, striking two fours and two sixes. Justin Greaves provided late resistance with a brisk 45 from 38 balls, including five fours and a six.

Roston Chase added 33 runs from 46 deliveries, hitting three boundaries, while Keacy Carty and Shamar Joseph chipped in with 27 and 23 runs respectively. 

However, none of the batters were able to convert their starts into a match-defining innings as Sri Lanka maintained control throughout the chase.

Chameera was the chief architect of Sri Lanka's victory, claiming four wickets for 67 runs in his allotted 10 overs. 

Spinner Maheesh Theekshana provided valuable support with two wickets, while Asitha Fernando, Wanindu Hasaranga and Charith Asalanka picked up one wicket each.

Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total in their allotted 50 overs, thanks to half-centuries from opener Pathum Nissanka and captain Kusal Mendis, along with valuable contributions from Pavan Rathnayake, Charith Asalanka and Janith Liyanage.

Sri Lanka suffered an early setback when opener Kamindu Mendis became the first batter to fall, dismissed by Jayden Seales for 12 off 21 balls, including one four and one six.

Nissanka and Kusal then combined to stabilise the innings with a 136-run partnership for the second wicket. Both batters brought up their half-centuries and guided Sri Lanka past the 150-run mark.

However, Matthew Forde broke the stand by dismissing Kusal Mendis, who scored 72 off 62 deliveries, striking four fours and four sixes.

Nissanka was later removed after an impressive innings of 79 from 103 balls, decorated with nine fours and a six.

Pavan Rathnayake and Charith Asalanka then added useful runs through a steady partnership, helping Sri Lanka cross the 200-run mark.

Roston Chase eventually dismissed Rathnayake for 24 off 38 deliveries, including one six, while Forde claimed his second wicket by removing Asalanka, who made a valuable 45 off 44 balls with the help of three fours and a six.

Janith Liyanage remained unbeaten on 44 from 29 deliveries, smashing five fours and a six. Wanindu Hasaranga scored seven runs, while Milan Rathnayake was run out for a duck as Sri Lanka completed their innings.

For the West Indies, Jayden Seales, Matthew Forde and Roston Chase were the standout bowlers, claiming two wickets each.