Chief Scores: Sri Lanka 549/9 declared (Lahiru Udara 188, Sonal Dinusha 92, Kamindu Mendis 84, Kusal Mendis 69; Shamar Joseph 2/98, Jayden Seales 2/98)
West Indies 318/4 (Shai Hope 86*, Justin Greaves 85*, John Campbell 72; Asitha Fernando 2/74, Prabath Jayasuriya 2/77)
Sri Lanka tightened their grip on the second Test against the West Indies despite an impressive fightback from Shai Hope and Justin Greaves on the third day at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua.
At stumps, the West Indies had reached 318 for four in reply to Sri Lanka’s commanding 549 for nine declared, still trailing by 231 runs with six first-innings wickets in hand.
Having resumed the day in complete control following their imposing first-innings total, Sri Lanka struck twice in the opening session through Asitha Fernando before Prabath Jayasuriya removed Kavem Hodge and Amir Jangoo to leave the home side struggling at 144 for four.
However, Hope and Greaves dug in admirably to frustrate the Sri Lankan bowlers with an unbeaten fifth-wicket partnership worth 174 runs.
Hope, the West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman, produced another composed innings, finishing unbeaten on 86 from 173 deliveries with nine boundaries. Greaves matched his captain’s determination, remaining unbeaten on 85 from 162 balls with ten fours as the pair successfully negotiated the final two sessions.
Earlier, opener John Campbell provided the initial resistance with a patient 72 off 154 deliveries, striking nine fours and two sixes before edging Asitha Fernando to Dinesh Chandimal at slip.
Brandon King made 17 before also falling to Fernando, while Hodge battled for 31 from 139 deliveries before being trapped by Jayasuriya. Debutant Amir Jangoo managed only nine before becoming Jayasuriya’s second victim.
Sri Lanka’s bowling attack maintained disciplined lines throughout the day. Fernando finished with two for 74 from 25 overs, while left-arm spinner Jayasuriya claimed two for 77 from an economical 36-over spell. Milan Rathnayake and debutant Isitha Wijesundara bowled tirelessly but were unable to add to the wicket tally.
Sri Lanka’s commanding position was built on a superb batting display over the opening two days.
Lahiru Udara produced the innings of his career with a magnificent 188 from 248 balls, an innings decorated with 21 boundaries and five sixes. The opener laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s imposing total after the visitors had slipped to 25 for two early in their innings.
Kamindu Mendis continued his outstanding Test form with a fluent 84, while Sonal Dinusha narrowly missed out on a maiden Test century after being dismissed for 92. Kusal Mendis added an entertaining 69 featuring three sixes, while captain Dhananjaya de Silva contributed 33.
Sri Lanka eventually declared at 549 for nine after 139.3 overs, giving themselves ample time to bowl the West Indies out twice if required.
For the home side, Shamar Joseph and Jayden Seales claimed two wickets apiece, while Alzarri Joseph, Anderson Phillip, Justin Greaves, Roston Chase and Kavem Hodge picked up one wicket each.
Despite the resilient stand between Hope and Greaves, Sri Lanka remain overwhelming favourites heading into the fourth day. An early breakthrough on Sunday morning could expose the West Indies lower order and provide the visitors with an opportunity to enforce a substantial first-innings advantage.
The first hour of play on Day Four is expected to be decisive, with Sri Lanka eager to end the resistance and move a step closer to sealing victory in Antigua.
