Sri Lanka defeated the West Indies by 41 runs at Sabina Park in the opening match of their three-match ODI series. The hosts are fighting desperately to climb from their 10th-place ranking to secure a guaranteed spot in the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup. Sri Lanka capitalized on a late batting surge to post 303 for 7 before bowling out the West Indies for 262 in 49.2 overs.
Pathum Nissanka anchored the first innings with a solid 79. Returning white-ball captain Kusal Mendis earned Player of the Match honors after hitting 72. Charith Asalanka added a quick 45 and Janith Liyanage finished unbeaten on 44 to push the Sri Lankan total past 300. Matthew Forde and Jayden Seales picked up two wickets each for the home side.
The West Indies began their chase well but fell apart rapidly. The hosts suffered a crippling middle-order collapse, dropping from a comfortable 125 for 2 down to 167 for 5. Captain Shai Hope tried to stabilize the innings with 56, marking his 31st ODI half-century. Justin Greaves chipped in 45.
Dushmantha Chameera dismantled the batting lineup. He finished with figures of 4 for 67. Maheesh Theekshana choked the run rate entirely, taking 2 for 26 across a highly economical 10-over spell.
Both teams are operating under strict ICC qualification rules requiring a top-eight ranking by March 31, 2027, for a direct qualification spot. Sri Lanka sits in 6th place and looks to cement their position. The West Indies need immediate series wins to avoid dropping into the global qualifiers. Sri Lanka now holds a 1-0 lead heading into the second match.