WI crash to defeat

The West Indies had their 3-game winning streak snapped by Sri Lanka in the first ODI yesterday. Lara won the toss and inserted the opposition. The game started on a bad note as Jayasuriya was given out caught behind to a poor unpiring decision.

Kaluwitharana steadied the innings with a solid knock of 54 off 75 balls. He was helped by 40 from Dharmasena and 27 from Dilshan, but the West Indian bowling was purposeful as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 201 in 48.4 overs. Dillon (3/39) did the major damage.

The West Indies reply never got going as Hinds (0), Gayle (0), Powell (4) and Sawrwan (8) were shot out leaving the hosts in tatters at 19/4 within 6 overs. Lara came to crease at number 5, surprisingly late in the order.

He played with great purpose for 64 not out and got a bit of support from Samuels (29) and Jacobs (14), if only to save the West Indies from the embarrassment of being all out for less than 100. But Muralitharan continued to bewilder the batsmen and ended with 3/17. Vaas (2/16) and Nissanka (2/27) also chipped in.

The innings closed at 146 all out in 41 overs. Lara would hope that the loss is but a wakeup call for his young team. Murali was named Man of the Match.

Posted by Liam