RUTHERFORD AND MOTIE TRUMPED BY SRI LANKA'S CAPTAIN AS THE WEST INDIES SUFFER OPENING ODI DEFEAT

West Indies lost the first ODI against Sri Lanka by 3 runs in a low-scoring match.

West Indies lost the first One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka by three runs in a low-scoring match at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on March 10, 2023. Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka played a match-winning knock of 68 runs off 94 balls to take the visitors home.

Batting first, the West Indies were bundled out for 209 runs in 47.3 overs. Shamarh Brooks top-scored for the hosts with 44 runs, while Kyle Mayers contributed 34 and Brandon King made 30. For Sri Lanka, Kasun Rajitha and Lakshan Sandakan picked up three wickets each.

In reply, Sri Lanka looked in trouble at 106/6 in the 27th over before Shanaka's counterattack. He hit 11 fours and a six in his innings and was ably supported by Chamika Karunaratne, who made 32. For the West Indies, Alzarri Joseph and Keemo Paul took two wickets each.

The West Indies will take on Sri Lanka in the second ODI on March 12, 2023, at the same venue.

Shanaka's brilliant batting display

Sri Lankan skipper Dasun Shanaka played a match-winning knock of 68 runs off 94 balls to take his team to victory. He hit 11 fours and a six in his innings.

Shanaka's innings was a masterclass in batting. He paced his innings perfectly and played some brilliant shots. He was particularly severe on the West Indian bowlers in the latter stages of the innings, hitting some lusty blows to take his team to victory.

Shanaka's knock was all the more impressive given that the West Indies bowlers bowled well. They kept the Sri Lankan batsmen in check for much of the innings and took regular wickets. However, Shanaka was able to find a way to score runs and keep his team in the game.

Shanaka's innings is a testament to his class as a batsman. He is a talented player who has the ability to win matches for his team. He is a key player for Sri Lanka and will be hoping to continue his good form in the remaining matches of the series.

West Indies' bowling effort

The West Indies bowlers bowled well in the first ODI against Sri Lanka. They kept the Sri Lankan batsmen in check for much of the innings and took regular wickets.

Alzarri Joseph and Keemo Paul were the pick of the bowlers. Joseph took 2/35 in his 9 overs, while Paul took 2/40 in his 8 overs.

However, the West Indies bowlers were unable to contain Shanaka in the latter stages of the innings. Shanaka hit some lusty blows to take his team to victory.

Despite the defeat, the West Indies bowlers can take some positives from their performance. They bowled well for much of the innings and took regular wickets. They will be hoping to continue their good work in the remaining matches of the series.

West Indies' batting collapse

The West Indies batting collapsed in the first ODI against Sri Lanka. After a solid start, they lost wickets at regular intervals and were eventually bowled out for 209 runs in 47.3 overs.

There were several factors that contributed to the West Indies' batting collapse. Poor shot selection was one issue. The batsmen were often guilty of playing loose shots and giving away their wickets.

The Sri Lankan bowlers also bowled well. They kept the West Indian batsmen in check and took regular wickets. Kasun Rajitha and Lakshan Sandakan were the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets each.

The West Indies' batting collapse is a concern. They will need to improve their batting performance in the remaining matches of the series if they want to win the series.

Conclusion

Sri Lanka won the first ODI against the West Indies by three runs in a low-scoring match. Dasun Shanaka played a match-winning knock of 68 runs off 94 balls to take the visitors home.

The West Indies will need to improve their batting performance in the remaining matches of the series if they want to win the series.