Sri Lanka’s hopes of sealing a series-clinching victory were denied as the second and final Test against the West Indies ended in a draw after five days of attritional cricket in Antigua.

After piling up a commanding 549 for 9 declared in their first innings, Sri Lanka held a 50-run first-innings lead when they dismissed the hosts for 499. However, with time running out, the tourists declared their second innings at 251 for 9, setting the West Indies an improbable target before the match ended with the home side on 109 without loss from 40 overs.

Sri Lanka’s first innings was built around a magnificent century from Pathum Nissanka, who once again underlined his growing stature in Test cricket with a composed innings. He was well supported by the middle order as Sri Lanka posted their highest total of the series.

The West Indies responded with resilience, batting for 165.5 overs to reach 499. Their determined effort ensured Sri Lanka’s lead remained manageable and prevented the visitors from forcing a result earlier in the contest.

Needing quick runs in the second innings, Sri Lanka adopted an aggressive approach. Valuable contributions throughout the batting order lifted the tourists to 251 for 9 declared in just 49 overs, leaving the West Indies needing an unlikely 302 runs in the final session.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers searched for an early breakthrough to raise hopes of a dramatic finish, but the West Indies openers negotiated the final 40 overs with discipline. The hosts reached 109 without loss, comfortably batting out the remaining time to secure the draw.

Although Sri Lanka were unable to force victory, the tourists can take plenty of positives from the series, particularly the consistency of their batting unit, which produced two imposing totals. The bowling attack also showed persistence throughout long spells in the field, but the flat Antigua surface offered little assistance as the match drifted towards an inevitable draw.

Match Summary

Sri Lanka 1st innings: 549/9 declared (139.3 overs)
West Indies 1st innings: 499 (165.5 overs)
Sri Lanka 2nd innings: 251/9 declared (49 overs)
West Indies 2nd innings: 109/0 (40 overs)

Result: Match drawn.