Sri Lanka continued their commanding performance on Day 2 of the second Test against the West Indies, piling up a record first-innings total before making early inroads with the ball at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, on 4th July.
Resuming the day on 338 for 5, Sri Lanka’s overnight batters Kusal Mendis and Sonal Dinusha extended their impressive partnership, frustrating the West Indies bowling attack with a composed and determined display.
The pair added 143 runs for the sixth wicket, taking Sri Lanka into a dominant position before Mendis was dismissed for a well-made 69 off 115 deliveries, an innings that included 8 fours and 3 sixes. The knock also marked his 23rd Test half-century.
Dinusha continued to bat with confidence and looked set for a memorable maiden Test century. However, the left-hander fell agonizingly short after scoring 92 runs from 166 balls, striking 12 boundaries in another classy innings that further underlined his growing stature in the longest format.
Sri Lanka eventually declared their first innings on 549 for 9, registering their highest-ever Test total in the West Indies.
Asked to bat under pressure, the West Indies made a cautious start but lost an early wicket as Sri Lanka’s bowlers maintained their discipline. By stumps on Day 2, the hosts had reached 58 for 1, still trailing by 491 runs.
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).
