Pathum, Kusal power Sri Lankan win over Windies: 1st ODI (Kingston)

Sri Lanka opened their ODI series against the West Indies with an impressive 41-run victory at Sabina Park, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match contest.

After being sent in to bat, the visitors compiled 303/7, thanks largely to classy half-centuries from Pathum Nissanka (79) and captain Kusal Mendis (72), who laid the platform for a formidable total.

West Indies started positively but lost momentum as Sri Lanka’s bowlers tightened their grip during the middle overs. Dushmantha Chameera starred with the ball, claiming 4 wickets, while the hosts were eventually bowled out for 262 in 49.2 overs.

The victory gives Sri Lanka an early advantage in a series that carries added importance for the race toward automatic qualification for the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Sri Lanka 303 for 7 (Nissanka 79, Kusal Mendis 72, Forde 2-44, Chase 2-47) beat West Indies 262 (Hope 56, Greaves 45, Chameera 4-67, Theekshana 2-26) by 41 runs.

June 2026.