West Indies 271 for 5 (Jangoo 78*, Chase 42*, Asitha 2-25, Rathnayaka 2-45) trail Sri Lanka 308 by 37 runs
The opening Test between Sri Lanka and West Indies remains delicately poised after an absorbing second day at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, where the hosts reached 271/5 in reply to Sri Lanka’s 308, trailing by just 37 runs with plenty of cricket still to unfold.
Sri Lanka’s first innings had been built around a composed and authoritative century from captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who anchored the innings with 120 off 168 balls. It was an innings of control rather than flamboyance, ensuring Sri Lanka recovered from early jolts and gradually built a competitive total. He was well supported by Dinesh Chandimal, who added a fluent 54, while Sonal Dinusha chipped in with a valuable 43 to push the innings beyond the 300-mark.
Despite some lower-order resistance, Sri Lanka were eventually bowled out for 308 in 71.5 overs, with West Indies’ seamers sharing the wickets and keeping the visitors from running away with the innings.
In response, West Indies made a steady but watchful start through John Campbell and Brandon King, who put on a useful platform before Sri Lanka’s bowlers struck back. The visitors’ attack, led by disciplined lines and lengths, ensured the scoring rate remained in check and wickets fell at regular intervals.
Sri Lanka’s seamers did much of the early damage. Asitha Fernando impressed with his control and accuracy, finishing with 2 for 25, while Milan Rathnayaka matched him with two important breakthroughs of his own. Their combined effort prevented West Indies from building a dominant position in the first innings.
However, the day belonged to West Indies’ lower-middle order resistance. Amir Jangoo played with patience and assurance to remain unbeaten on 78, while skipper Roston Chase held firm at the other end with an unbeaten 42. Their partnership frustrated Sri Lanka in the final session and ensured the hosts ended the day in a strong position.
With West Indies trailing by only 37 runs and five wickets still intact, the match is finely balanced heading into Day 3. Sri Lanka will look to strike early and regain control, while the hosts will aim to turn their position into a first-innings lead in what is shaping up to be a closely fought contest.
