West Indies tightened their grip on the opening Test against Sri Lanka after piling up a mammoth first-innings total of 626 for 9 declared on Day 3 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua.
Resuming the day on 271 for 5, the hosts produced a dominant batting display led by Amir Jangoo, who struck a magnificent 233 off 373 deliveries, including 19 fours and three sixes. Skipper Roston Chase provided excellent support with a superb 194 from 324 balls, laced with 13 fours and two sixes.
The pair shared a monumental 401-run partnership for the sixth wicket, setting a new record for the highest sixth-wicket stand in Test cricket history. It also became the second-highest partnership for the West Indies in Test cricket, surpassed only by the legendary pair of Sir Garfield Sobers and Conrad Hunte.
Sri Lanka’s bowlers struggled to make inroads on a batting-friendly surface throughout the day. Their task was made even more difficult after pace spearhead Lahiru Kumara left the field with a hamstring niggle on Day 2 and took no further part in the innings.
Despite the challenging conditions, Milan Rathnayake emerged as Sri Lanka’s standout performer, claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in Test cricket in a memorable personal milestone.
Trailing by 318 runs on first innings, Sri Lanka began their second essay needing a strong response. However, they suffered an early setback when opener Pathum Nissanka was dismissed for just three runs.
At stumps on Day 3, Sri Lanka had reached 15 for 1, still trailing by 303 runs with nine wickets in hand as they face an uphill battle to save the Test heading into the fourth day.
Cricket fans can catch all the action from Sri Lanka’s tour of the West Indies LIVE on ThePapare 1 & 1 HD (Dialog TV Channels 62 & 126).
