Cricket: West Indies claim first victory

Cricket

The West Indies finally got off the mark in the World Series with a 70-run victory over Sri Lanka in Hobart, Tasmania, while Muttiah Muralitharan survived an examination of his controversial bowling technique.

Richie Richardson's side recorded their first win in five matches since the limited-overs series started last month, after dismissing Sri Lanka for 124.

Muralitharan, playing his first game since being no-balled seven times for throwing during last month's second Test against Australia, claimed 2 for 46 as the West Indies scored 194 after being sent in to bat. Both sides now have two points from their one victory each, although they are well behind the leaders, Australia.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul anchored the innings with 77 before the West Indies lost their last seven wickets for 33 runs. Tight bowling and smart fielding enabled them to keep Sri Lanka in check, the fast bowler Ottis Gibson finishing with 5 for 42, while two run-outs contributed to Sri Lanka's defeat.