Sri Lanka take series lead against West Indies with comfortable win

Half centuries from captain Charith Asalanka and debutant Nishan Madushka helped Sri Lanka chase down a revised target to win the rain-affected first ODI against West Indies by five wickets in Pallekele. 

Chasing a revised target of 232 in 37 overs, Asalanka and Madushka combined for a 137-run fourth wicket partnership, after the hosts were in some early trouble on 45 for 3. 

Asalanka hit three sixes and eight fours to scored 77 off 71 balls, with Madushka scoring at a slightly better rate, chalking up 69 runs off 54 deliveries. 

Both batters were dismissed in quick succession, as Sri Lanka slipped to 187 for 5, but were well ahead of the game, as Kamindu Mendis and Janith Liyanage shepherded their team to the target. 

West Indies opted to bat first and were 185 for 4 in 38.3 overs when rain halted play, and a prolonged stoppage meant they would not be able to resume their innings, Sri Lanka instead being given a revised DLS target. 

Sherfane Rutherford and Roston Chase were unbeaten on 74 and 33 respectively at that stage, having put the West Indies innings, which at one stage had been 54 for 3, back on track.