Lahiru Udara produced the innings of his career with a magnificent maiden Test century as Sri Lanka overcame an early wobble to finish the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies in a commanding position at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Friday.
The right-handed opener struck a superb 188 from 248 deliveries, an innings adorned with 21 boundaries and five sixes, to guide Sri Lanka to 338 for 5 at stumps after captain Dhananjaya de Silva elected to bat first.
Udara’s knock was one of resilience, authority and controlled aggression. Coming into the match under pressure and with Sri Lanka needing stability at the top of the order, the 31-year-old responded in the best possible fashion, falling agonisingly short of what would have been a memorable double century.
The visitors endured a difficult start after Nishan Madushka was dismissed for six, edging Shamar Joseph to Brandon King at 15 for 1. Matters worsened when veteran Dinesh Chandimal managed only one before also falling to Joseph, leaving Sri Lanka in trouble at 25 for 2 inside eight overs.
At that stage, the West Indies bowlers sensed an opportunity to seize control, but Udara had other ideas.
Joining forces with Kamindu Mendis, the opener engineered a remarkable recovery through a magnificent 215-run partnership for the third wicket that completely transformed the complexion of the contest.
Udara played positively from the outset, punishing anything loose and displaying impressive confidence against the pace attack led by Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph. He brought up his half-century from just 59 deliveries with eight boundaries before reaching his maiden Test hundred in 117 balls, an innings that already contained 13 fours and three sixes.
The milestone was a significant one for the opener, who has had to wait patiently for opportunities at the highest level. His celebration reflected both relief and joy as teammates rose to applaud a well-deserved first Test century.
Kamindu, meanwhile, continued his remarkable consistency in the longest format. The stylish left-hander compiled 84 from 120 deliveries, striking 11 boundaries and rotating the strike effectively to keep the scoreboard moving.
The pair dominated proceedings throughout the afternoon session. Their stand crossed the hundred-run mark in just over 21 overs before extending beyond 200, effectively batting the West Indies out of the contest on the opening day.
Kamindu was eventually dismissed for 84 when he advanced down the track against Justin Greaves and was smartly stumped by Shai Hope, ending a partnership that had rescued Sri Lanka from a precarious position.
Even after losing his partner, Udara remained composed and continued to accumulate runs. He reached 150 from 195 deliveries and looked set for a historic double century before Alzarri Joseph finally ended his innings in the closing stages of the day.
His dismissal for 188 was greeted with warm applause from both teammates and spectators, acknowledging a truly outstanding effort that laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s dominance.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva then contributed a patient 33 from 90 deliveries, helping consolidate the position before becoming Jayden Seales’ only victim of the day. Kusal Mendis failed to trouble the scorers before stumps but remained unbeaten, while Sonal Dinusha was five not out at the close.
The West Indies bowlers toiled hard on a surface that offered little assistance after the initial movement with the new ball. Shamar Joseph was the pick of the attack with two wickets, while Seales, Alzarri Joseph and Greaves claimed one apiece. Veteran all-rounder and captain Roston Chase bowled economically but went wicketless despite sending down 20 overs.
Having won the toss and chosen to bat first, Sri Lanka will be delighted with the manner in which their batsmen responded after the early setbacks. The tourists now have an excellent opportunity to post a first-innings total in excess of 450 and place significant pressure on the hosts.
Much of that optimism stems from Udara’s magnificent effort, an innings that announced his arrival on the Test stage in emphatic fashion. Though he fell just short of a double hundred, his maiden century will long be remembered as one of the finest knocks by a Sri Lankan opener in recent years.
Chief Scores:
Sri Lanka 338 for 5 in 83 overs (Lahiru Udara 188, Kamindu Mendis 84, Dhananjaya de Silva 33, Nishan Madushka 6, Dinesh Chandimal 1, Kusal Mendis 0*, Sonal Dinusha 5*, extras 21; Shamar Joseph 2-60, Jayden Seales 1-72, Alzarri Joseph 1-62, Justin Greaves 1-23).
Sri Lanka trail/lead: Day One, Sri Lanka 338 for 5 after electing to bat first.
