West Indies lose to Sri Lanka in 1st ODI

COLOMBO, Sri Lanka – West Indies captain Jason Holder praised his time for a fantastic fightback but rued a missed opportunity to take the lead in the ODI Series against Sri Lanka.

The first ODI was reduced to 26 overs due to rain. Windies were sent into bat and raised 159-8 thanks to some power-hitting from the middle and lower order on a good pitch at the R Premadasa Stadium.

The visitors were 40-3 off 14.2 overs when rain came. After the resumption they smashed 119 runs in the next 12 overs thanks Andre Russell —41 off 24 balls with three fours and three sixes, and Holder — 36 off 13 balls with two fours and three sixes.

Sri Lanka were set a target of 163 (Duckworth/Lewis Method) and ended on 164-9 off 25 overs to win the close contest by one wicket.

Sunil Narine marked his return to international cricket with three wickets in one over to turn the match in West Indies favour after Sri Lanka well placed at 104-2 in the 13th over.

Medium-pacer Jonathan Carter took two wickets in the 24th over while his cousin Carlos Brathwaite took 2-35.

The Man-of-the-Match award went to Sri Lankan opener T.M Dilshan, who top scored 59 off 32 balls.