The West Indies Test series win over Sri Lanka marked a memorable moment in Caribbean cricket. The hosts sealed the two-match series 1-0 after the second Test ended in a high-scoring draw in Antigua. Their dominant innings victory in the opening Test proved enough to secure the series.
This success is significant for the West Indies. It is their first Test series victory since February 2023. More importantly, it is their first Test series triumph over Sri Lanka since 2003.
Sri Lanka Finished Strong in the Second Innings
Sri Lanka resumed the final day with a positive approach. Their batters scored quickly and pushed the lead beyond 300.
Captain Dhananjaya de Silva played aggressively. Sonal Dinusha and Milan Rathnayake also added valuable runs. At lunch, Sri Lanka had built a comfortable advantage.
The visitors eventually declared their second innings at 251/9, setting the West Indies a target of 306 runs.
Dinesh Chandimal led the scoring with 71 runs. Kamindu Mendis contributed 44. Alzarri Joseph picked up two wickets for the hosts.
West Indies Openers Stayed Calm
Chasing 306 was never going to be easy. However, West Indies openers John Campbell and Brandon King showed patience from the start.
Rain interrupted play twice, reducing the chances of a result. Even during the breaks, both batters remained composed.
Sri Lanka thought they had a breakthrough when Brandon King was given out lbw. The decision was overturned after a successful DRS review, giving the opener a crucial lifeline.
Campbell and King both finished unbeaten on 51. With no realistic chance of forcing a result, the captains agreed to end the match in a draw.
First Innings Produced Plenty of Runs
The match was dominated by batters from both teams.
Sri Lanka declared their first innings at 549/9. Lahiru Udara starred with 188 runs. Sonal Dinusha added 92, while Kamindu Mendis scored 84.
The West Indies responded with 499 runs. Justin Greaves produced an outstanding 180, and Shai Hope added a century with 112. Sri Lanka pacer Asitha Fernando claimed five wickets.
First Test Victory Made the Difference
The series was effectively decided in the opening Test. West Indies registered a convincing innings victory, putting Sri Lanka under pressure from the beginning.
The drawn second Test was enough to confirm the West Indies Test series win over Sri Lanka, ending a long wait for success against the Asian side.
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