Match abandoned after Barath’s ton

Malinga claims three wickets to restrict West Indies in rain-hit ODI.

COLOMBO: West Indies’ Adrian Barath cracked a maiden century before the first One-Day International (ODI) against Sri Lanka was abandoned due to heavy rain in Colombo.

The 20-year-old opener limbered up for the World Cup with an impressive 113, which included two sixes and eight fours to help the West Indies post a competitive 245 for five. But a downpour during the interval drenched the Sinhalese Sports Club and prevented Sri Lanka from coming out to bat.

Barath stabilised the innings after the tourists lost two wickets for 42 runs, including that of hard-hitting Chris Gayle, adding 165 for the third wicket with Ramnaresh Sarwan, who hit a solid 75. The West Indies were well set for a final onslaught after reaching 206 for two in 43 overs, but fast-bowler Lasith Malinga (three for 51) restricted the tourists with three quick wickets, including those of Sarwan and Barath in the same over.

West Indies made a poor start after winning the toss as Gayle (four) was caught behind off paceman Nuwan Kulasekara in the day’s fourth over. Darren Bravo also did not last long, making eight before being run out. Barath, playing only his sixth ODI, went for big shots after completing his half-century as he hauled part-time spinner Tillakaratne Dilshan and seamer Angelo Mathews over mid-wicket for sixes.

The second ODI of the three-match series will take place on February 3.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 1^st,  2011.