The innings included a deeply controversial incident where Gunathilaka was given out for allegedly obstructing the field

49 overs: Sri Lanka 232 (Gunathilaka 55, Karunaratne 53, Bandara 50, Holder 2-39) vs West Indies

In a somewhat topsy-turvy Sri Lanka innings that began with a sparkling 105-run opening partnership, West Indies continued to strike throughout the 50 overs to repeatedly peg the visitors back, bowling them out for 232 inside 49 overs. Half-centuries from Danushka Gunathilaka and Dimuth Karunaratne at close to a run-a-ball saw Sri Lanka bring up the three-figure mark inside 19 overs, before a spate of wickets through the middle order saw much of that hard work undone. It included a deeply controversial incident where Gunathilaka was given out for allegedly obstructing the field after West Indian captain Kieron Pollard appealed, and the couple of run-outs that followed put West Indies on top. A half-century from Ashen Bandara lower down the order prevented the innings imploding, allowing them to set a target Sri Lanka’s spinners will feel they have a chance of defending.

There was plenty remarkable about the Sri Lankan innings once they won the toss and batted first, but the only thing likely to be remarked upon at any length is the controversial moment of Gunathilaka’s dismissal that changed the tide of the game. Pollard, who was hugely influential through the innings, had just dismissed Karunaratne with his second delivery, before he served Gunathilaka a short delivery in his next over. Pathum Nissanka, on debut, set off for a single his partner wasn’t remotely interested in, and Pollard, sensing a run-out opportunity, raced to get hold of the ball, nestled besides Gunathilaka’s feet.

As the batsman took a backward step to ensure he remained inside his crease, he trod on the ball, knocking it back, leading to a furious appeal from the West Indian captain. It appeared there was no way replays could establish Gunathilaka had deliberately foiled a run-out attempt, but TV umpire Nigel Guguid took little time reaching that very conclusion, pulling the plug on what was a delightfully fluent innings.

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