Excellent knocks from Pathum Nissanka (79) and Kusal Mendis (72) laid the foundation for the visitors, while a strong finish lifted them beyond the 300-run mark. West Indies responded positively through Shai Hope and the top order but were eventually bowled out for 262 in 49.2 overs, falling short despite a spirited chase.

 

Match Analysis

Sri Lanka's innings was built around a superb partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. After a cautious start, the pair accelerated through the middle overs, adding 100 runs and taking control of the contest. Nissanka anchored the innings with a composed 79, while Mendis provided momentum with an aggressive 72 that featured four sixes.

The visitors were equally impressive in the closing stages. Their final powerplay yielded 85 runs, transforming a good total into a commanding one. Contributions from the middle order ensured Sri Lanka carried momentum into the innings break.

West Indies started their chase aggressively, racing to 75/2 in the powerplay thanks to a rapid opening stand. However, Sri Lanka's bowlers struck regularly through the middle overs to prevent the hosts from building a match-winning partnership. Shai Hope held the innings together with a patient half-century, but wickets at key moments increased the pressure.

Although West Indies crossed 250, the required rate proved too demanding. Sri Lanka's disciplined bowling and ability to control the middle overs ultimately proved decisive in securing a deserved victory.

Match Report

Sri Lanka defeated West Indies by 41 runs in the opening ODI after an excellent batting display and a disciplined bowling effort.

After being asked to bat, Sri Lanka recovered from an early setback to build a strong platform through Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis. The pair added a century partnership that shifted the momentum firmly in Sri Lanka's favour.

Mendis reached a fluent 72 from 62 balls, striking four fours and four sixes, while Nissanka compiled a classy 79 from 103 deliveries. Their partnership carried Sri Lanka beyond 150 before the middle order took over.

The visitors accelerated impressively in the final 10 overs, adding 85 runs in the last powerplay. Valuable late contributions helped Sri Lanka post an imposing 303/7 from their 50 overs.

West Indies responded positively, reaching 50 inside six overs and finishing the powerplay at 75/2. Justin Greaves and John Campbell provided a fast start before captain Shai Hope anchored the chase.

Hope scored a well-crafted fifty and shared useful partnerships through the middle overs, helping West Indies reach 200 with more than 12 overs remaining. However, Sri Lanka continued to strike at regular intervals and never allowed the hosts to take complete control.

Despite fighting hard until the closing stages, West Indies were eventually dismissed for 262 in 49.2 overs, handing Sri Lanka a deserved 41-run victory and a 1-0 lead in the series.

Match Summary

West Indies vs Sri Lanka, 1st ODI

West Indies 262/10 (49.2 ov)

Sri Lanka 303/7 (50 ov)

Sri Lanka won by 41 runs

Manhattan

???? Sri Lanka secure a 41-run victory in the 1st ODI! ????

A complete team effort, clinical execution, and a winning start to the series. ??#SLvWI #SriLankaCricket #LionsRoar pic.twitter.com/NcraamRUfh

— Sri Lanka Cricket ???? (@OfficialSLC) June 3, 2026

Match Stats

Sri Lanka Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Kamindu Mendis - 6.5 ov), 2-158 (Kusal Mendis - 27.6 ov), 3-177 (Pathum Nissanka - 34.1 ov), 4-221 (Pavan Rathnayake - 40.3 ov), 5-285 (Charith Asalanka - 48.3 ov), 6-295 (Wanindu Hasaranga - 49.3 ov), 7-295 (Milan Rathnayake - 49.4 ov)

West Indies Fall of wickets: 1-50 (John Campbell - 6.1 ov), 2-73 (Justin Greaves - 9.4 ov), 3-125 (Keacy Carty - 20.6 ov), 4-134 (Sherfane Rutherford - 24.1 ov), 5-167 (Shai Hope - 30.5 ov), 6-214 (Gudakesh Motie - 39.5 ov), 7-216 (Roston Chase - 40.3 ov), 8-216 (Alzarri Joseph - 40.5 ov), 9-258 (Matthew Forde - 48.1 ov), 10-262 (Jayden Seales - 49.2 ov)

Partnership

Playing XI

West Indies

Match Details:

Date - Wednesday, June 3, 2026 15:30

Venue - Sabina Park, Kingston

Toss - West Indies elected to bowl

Umpires - Leslie Reifer (West Indies), Wayne Knights (New Zealand), Allahuddien Paleker (South Africa, TV)

Match Referee - Richie Richardson (West Indies)

Weather - Overcast clouds, 29°C, Humidity 47%, Wind Speed 14.65 mph, Cloud Cover 94%

Pitch -

Pitch Condition - Spinning Pitch

Batting Condition - Average

Pace Bowling Condition - Swing Favourable

Spin Bowling Condition - Slow Spin

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