Captain Kusal Mendis led from the front with a sparkling half-century before Dushmantha Chameera and Maheesh Theekshana combined to deliver a clinical bowling performance as Sri Lanka defeated West Indies by 41 runs in the first One-Day International at Sabina Park on Wednesday.

The victory gave Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and marked a positive start for the side under new head coach Gary Kirsten and newly-appointed ODI captain Kusal Mendis.

After being asked to bat, Sri Lanka posted a competitive 303 for 7 in their 50 overs, built around impressive contributions from Pathum Nissanka and Kusal Mendis.

Nissanka anchored the innings with a patient 79 off 103 deliveries, striking nine fours and a six. His innings provided the stability Sri Lanka needed after the early loss of Kamindu Mendis, who was dismissed for 12.

Captain Kusal Mendis then took charge, producing a fluent 72 from just 62 balls with four boundaries and four sixes. His aggressive approach shifted the momentum firmly in Sri Lanka’s favour and helped lift the scoring rate during the middle overs.

Charith Asalanka chipped in with 45 from 44 balls, while Janith Liyanage provided the finishing touches with an unbeaten 44 off only 29 deliveries. Sri Lanka’s total was also aided by 20 extras conceded by the hosts.

For West Indies, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde and Jayden Seales claimed two wickets apiece.

Chasing 304, West Indies made a brisk start through John Campbell and Justin Greaves before Sri Lanka’s bowlers gradually tightened their grip on the contest.

Greaves top-scored with 45, while captain Shai Hope fought hard with a composed 56 off 66 deliveries. However, the hosts struggled to build substantial partnerships as wickets fell at regular intervals.

The turning point came through Sri Lanka’s pace spearhead Dushmantha Chameera. The fast bowler struck at crucial stages to finish with outstanding figures of 4 for 67, removing Hope, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde and Alzarri Joseph.

Spinner Maheesh Theekshana played an equally important role, delivering a miserly spell of 2 for 26 from his 10 overs. His dismissal of Justin Greaves broke an important partnership, while his economy rate of just 2.60 runs per over created immense pressure on the West Indian batting line-up.

Wanindu Hasaranga claimed the key wicket of Sherfane Rutherford, while Asitha Fernando and Charith Asalanka picked up one wicket each.

West Indies were eventually bowled out for 262 in 49.2 overs, falling 41 runs short of the target despite a late unbeaten 23 from Shamar Joseph.

Chief Scores

Sri Lanka 303/7 (50 overs)
Pathum Nissanka 79, Kusal Mendis 72, Charith Asalanka 45, Janith Liyanage 44*.
Roston Chase 2/47, Matthew Forde 2/44, Jayden Seales 2/67.

West Indies 262 all out (49.2 overs)
Shai Hope 56, Justin Greaves 45, Roston Chase 33.
Dushmantha Chameera 4/67, Maheesh Theekshana 2/26, Wanindu Hasaranga 1/43.

Sri Lanka won by 41 runs and lead the three-match ODI series 1-0.