Sri Lanka Vs West Indies 1st ODI, Colombo: 5 Talking Points

Sri Lanka Vs West Indies 1st ODI, Colombo: 5 Talking Points: The rain affected first one-dayer in Colombo between West Indies and Sri Lanka finally saw a silver lining when the match officials decided to allow the match to go on following improvement in weather conditions and stoppage of heavy rains that interrupted the match for more than an hour. It was reduced to 26-26 overs for both sides under D/L rules and method.

1. West Indies Fought Back:

At the end of 26 overs, West Indies have successfully put a decent total of 159/8 on board. They were languishing at 40/3 after 15-overs at one stage but managed to score 119 runs in the final 11 overs once the match was resumed scoring a little more than 10 runs per over (RPO). However, hosts were to chase 163 in 26 overs under D/L method to win the match. West Indian showed amazing courage to thwart Lankan bowling attack and ensured a respective total on board.

2. Andre Russel’s Blitzkrieg:

The tall Caribbean scored 41 runs off just 24 balls with 3 attractive boundaries and 3 towering sixes and was the highest individual scorer from West Indies. He scored in real quick time hitting at the strike rate of more than 150. It was Russel who initiated the brutal attack against the Sri Lankan bowlers. His 58-run partnership with Darren Bravo 38 (58b, 3 x 4s, 1 x 6) laid the foundation for the team.

3. Jason Holder’s Blinder:

It was Holder’s explosive 36 that took West Indies scorecard go beyond 150. He came to the crease when only a few deliveries were left to be delivered. Without wasting any moment further, the tall Caribbean immediately started hitting big shots until his run-out at the final over. But he did his task exceptionally well scoring 36 off 13 balls with 2 boundaries and 3 sixes at an unbelievable strike rate of around 277.

4. Dilshan’s Effort:

Sri Lankan opener T. Dilshan started off well providing the flying start that the team. He played a fine knock of 59 off just 32 balls with 6 boundaries and 3 sixes before getting caught behind by the West Indian wicketkeeper Ramdin off Braithwaite. Until Dilshan was there the target seemed easily achievable but once he got out, West Indies made things really difficult thanks to some excellent bowling and fielding by them. Dilshan’s knock gave a solid foundation to the team, but, unfortunately, Sri Lankan middle orders completely wasted his efforts.

5. Ajanta Mendis Heroics:

Despite the Sri Lankan 9 wicket down, Ajanta Mendis kept his cool and eventually hit a six at the last bowl of 25th over to help his team seal a 1-wicket win over the West Indies. Mendis remained unbeaten on 21. It is his highest individual score in ODIs.

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