Sri Lanka produced a commanding batting performance on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies, finishing on 338 for 5 at stumps after choosing to bat first at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, on 3rd July.
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva elected to bat first and made three changes to the side that featured in the opening Test. Lahiru Udara, Prabath Jayasuriya and Isitha Wijesundara were included in the playing XI in place of Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Kumara and Kasun Rajitha.
The match also marked a special occasion for Wijesundara, who made his Test debut and became Sri Lanka’s 171st Test cricketer.
Sri Lanka’s innings got off to a difficult start as the visitors lost both opening batter Nishan Madushka and No. 3 batter Dinesh Chandimal within the opening eight overs. Reduced to 25 for 2, Sri Lanka found themselves under early pressure against the West Indian pace attack.
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However, Lahiru Udara and Kamindu Mendis turned the tide with a magnificent third-wicket partnership that completely shifted the momentum in Sri Lanka’s favour. The pair added 215 runs, registering Sri Lanka’s highest-ever Test partnership for any wicket against the West Indies in the Caribbean.
Udara was the standout performer, producing a superb maiden Test century in just his third appearance. The right-hander played with confidence and composure throughout his innings, compiling a career-best 188 runs from 248 deliveries, including 21 boundaries and five sixes.
At the other end, Kamindu Mendis continued his impressive run in Test cricket with a fluent 84 off 120 balls, striking 11 fours. His positive approach complemented Udara perfectly as the duo rescued Sri Lanka from a precarious position and put the visitors firmly in control.
Despite losing a few wickets late in the day, Sri Lanka maintained the upper hand and closed the opening day’s play on 338 for 5, setting themselves up strongly as they look to post a formidable first-innings total.
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).
Stumps
| Batsmen | R | B | 4s | 6s | SR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nishan Madushka | c Brandon King b Shamar Joseph | 6 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 54.55 |
| Lahiru Udara | c Shamar Joseph b Alzarri Joseph | 188 | 248 | 21 | 5 | 75.81 |
| Dinesh Chandimal | c Brandon King b Shamar Joseph | 1 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 6.67 |
| Kamindu Mendis | st Shai Hope b Justin Greaves | 84 | 120 | 11 | 0 | 70.00 |
| Dhananjaya de Silva | c John Campbell b Jayden Seales | 33 | 90 | 2 | 0 | 36.67 |
| Kusal Mendis | not out | 0 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| Sonal Dinusha | not out | 5 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 55.56 |
| Extras | 21 (b 0 , lb 10 , nb 4, w 7, pen 0) |
| Total | 338/5 (83 Overs, RR: 4.07) |
| Bowling | O | M | R | W | Econ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jayden Seales | 17 | 4 | 72 | 1 | 4.24 | |
| Shamar Joseph | 15 | 2 | 60 | 2 | 4.00 | |
| Alzarri Joseph | 13 | 3 | 62 | 1 | 4.77 | |
| Anderson Phillip | 10 | 0 | 52 | 0 | 5.20 | |
| Justin Greaves | 8 | 0 | 23 | 1 | 2.88 | |
| Roston Chase | 20 | 2 | 59 | 0 | 2.95 | |
