Pallekalle, Oct 21: With half-centuries from skipper Charith Asalanka and rookie Nishan Madushka, Sri Lanka easily defeated the West Indies by five wickets in Sunday’s rain-shortened first one-day international at Pallekele.Charith Asalanka, SL captain and PoTM, said, Thank you so much, it was a convincing win and we batted really well. First, my plan was to attack from the outset, played with a positive mindset. I think me and Nishan batted well. I think more than 15 overs we got a chance with the wet ball, they couldn’t grip the ball properly and myself and Nishan did well. It was a good innings from Nishan, it’s a positive headache to have. (Replacement player for the injured Nissanka)
Shai Hope, WI captain, said, (On the weather) It’s something we can’t control, we have to focus on what we can focus on, have to make sure we do well in the next game. The guys showed a bit of intent at the backend of the innings. Sherfane played really well, we need to take a leaf out of his book. (Bowling with a wet ball) It was challenging, every time you bowl it was tough, especially for the spinners. We have to do better next time and find ways to get wickets.