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Sri Lanka Stun West Indies by 41 Runs as Chameera Shines in Kingston
9 Jun 2026, 5:48 pm
Sri Lanka Start the Gary Kirsten Era With a Victory
Sri Lanka began their new coaching era under Gary Kirsten in the best possible fashion, beating West Indies by 41 runs in the first ODI at Sabina Park, Kingston, to go 1-0 up in the series. It was Sri Lanka's first ODI win in the West Indies since 2013, and it came with a performance that combined solid batting with disciplined bowling throughout the day.
Nissanka and Mendis Lead the Charge
Sri Lanka posted 303 for 7 in 50 overs, a total built on the back of a strong top-order effort. Pathum Nissanka contributed a composed 79 at the top of the order, providing the kind of consistent foundation the innings needed. Captain Kusal Mendis drove the middle phase with a quickfire 72 that included some aggressive stroke play and maintained the scoring rate even after early wickets fell.
Chameera Dismantles the Chase
West Indies needed 304 to win but never looked like getting close once Dushmantha Chameera found his rhythm. The right-arm seamer claimed 4 wickets to finish with outstanding figures and became just the third Sri Lankan bowler to take four or more wickets in an ODI in the Caribbean against West Indies. Shai Hope offered the most resistance for the hosts with 56, but wickets fell regularly at the other end and West Indies were bowled out for 262 in 49.2 overs.
West Indies Under Pressure in the Rankings
The defeat adds to growing concerns around West Indies' ODI consistency, and they will need a strong response in the remaining two ODIs to avoid another series loss at home. Sri Lanka, meanwhile, showed that their rebuild is producing results across all formats.
Series Continues
The second ODI was abandoned without a ball bowled, leaving the series at 1-0. The third ODI gives West Indies a final chance to level things up before the teams move into the T20 series, which begins on June 11.
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