Sri Lanka beat West Indies

KARACHI: Former captain Mahela Jayawardene destroyed the West Indies via a brutal 98 and led his side to a comprehensive 57-run win over the hosts in their opening Super Eight match in Barbados.

Sri Lanka’s imposing 195 was courtesy Jayawardene’s 56-ball knock that was laced with nine fours and four sixes. He was ably supported by captain Kumar Sangakkara (49- ball 68) and shared a 166-run second-wicket partnership with the Sri Lankan wicket-keeper. The Sri Lankans were particularly severe on Dwayne Bravo who was belted for 36 runs off his three overs.

In reply, none of the West Indies batsmen offered any resistance in front of a varied but highly effective bowling attack. Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard, the two most aggressive batsmen in the world, scored an aggregate of 14 as Ajantha Mendis and Lasith Malinga continued to flux opposition with their unorthodox bowling.