Sri Lanka v West Indies 1st ODI, Review: Sri Lanka clinches a thriller (D/L method)

Sri Lanka v West Indies 1st ODI, Review: Sri Lanka clinches a thriller (D/L method):  The 1st ODI between Sri Lanka and West Indies ended on a thrilling note, as Ajantha Mendis smashed the free hit out of the park, with Sri Lanka going one up in the series.

Mendis was unbeaten on 21 off 20 balls, as the hosts clinched a thriller in style. Charles gave away 12 vital runs from 5 balls in the penultimate over, as West Indies went down the stairs after striking back on time.

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to field on a rain hit 1st ODI. West Indies lost their initial wickets cheaply before Darren Bravo steadied the ship for good. Bravo smashed 3 boundaries and a six on his way to 38 off 58 balls.

Andre Russell joined the party and played a vital cameo of 41 from 24 balls, with the help of 3 fours and 3 sixes. Skipper Jason Holder scored a brisky 36 off 13 balls. The Lanky all-rounder stroked 2 boundaries and 3 towering sixes. West indies wrapped up their innings on 159-8 from 26 overs.

R. Lakmal was the pick of the bowlers for Sri Lanka, as he picked up 3 wickets for 15 runs in 5 overs.

Sri Lanka received a target of 163 from the revised 26 overs. The Lankan’s got off to a flying start, as Dilshan scored a blistering half century, courtesy 6 boundaries and 3 sixes. Sri Lanka were cruising in, having lost 3 wickets with 120 on the board.

Thirimanne and Mathews got out early, as the hosts were trailing at 120-4. Siriwardana was caged by Narine, as Sri Lanka were in a spot of bother at 132-5.

Narine twisted the tale, as he picked up 3 wickets giving away 21 runs from 6 overs. Brathwaite’s golden arm was on duty; picking up 2 wickets for 35 from 5 overs.

Carter cleaned up Senanayake, as the score board read 152-8. Carter picked his first wicket giving away 14 runs at that stage.

11 runs were needed from 15 balls, as Carter trapped Lasith Malinga up front.

The “slinger” took a review, but the ball clipped the leg stump, as it was shown on the giant screen. Malinga went back to the pavilion with a first ball duck, as Sri Lanka were swimming in hot waters ; having lost their 9th wicket.

11 were needed from 14, as Lakmal took guard. Charles came into the attack and bowled a no-ball, which turned out to be the match changing ball, as Mendis towered the ball out of the park for an emphatic finish.

A big no ball worked well for  the hosts, as they clinched a 1 wicket victory.

Brief Scores:

West Indies 159-8 in 26 overs ( Russell-41, Bravo-38, Lakmal 3-15)

Sri Lanka 164-9 in 24.5 overs ( Dilshan-59, Mendis-21*, Narine 3-21)

Sri Lanka won the match by 1 wicket.

Dilshan is the Man of the Match for his 32-ball 59.