By Dwayne Ferreira
Sri Lanka West Indies Test ended with an innings-and-217-run defeat after Jangoo, Chase and Roach dominated the first Test in Antigua.
Sri Lanka West Indies Test ended in a crushing innings-and-217-run defeat for Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, after their second-innings collapse gave the hosts a commanding victory.
West Indies, driven by a huge first-innings total of 626 for 9 declared, seized control before their pace attack ripped through Sri Lanka for 101 in the second innings. The result handed West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series and gave Sri Lanka a painful start to the red-ball leg of their Caribbean tour.
Sri Lanka had reached 308 in their first innings after captain Dhananjaya de Silva produced a brave century. His 120 from 168 balls brought the visitors respectability after early pressure from the West Indies fast bowlers. Dinesh Chandimal added 54, while Sonal Dinusha and Milan Rathnayake helped Sri Lanka move beyond 300.
However, that first-innings total soon looked inadequate once West Indies settled into their reply.
Sri Lanka West Indies Test Turns On Giant Stand
Amir Jangoo played the match-defining innings, scoring 233 from 373 balls with immense patience and control. Captain Roston Chase joined him with 194 from 324 balls, and the pair built a massive 401-run sixth-wicket partnership.
That stand broke the contest open. Sri Lanka had briefly applied pressure by reducing West Indies to 168 for 5, but Jangoo and Chase shifted the match completely towards the hosts. By the time West Indies declared at 626 for 9, they had built a first-innings lead of 318 runs.
Milan Rathnayake stood out for Sri Lanka with the ball, taking 5 for 124 from 35.5 overs. Asitha Fernando claimed two wickets, while Sonal Dinusha also took two. However, Sri Lanka’s attack spent 160.5 overs in the field as the match slipped away.
Sri Lanka then needed a strong second-innings response to avoid an innings defeat. Instead, the batting order folded against sustained pace and movement.
Roach Leads West Indies Pace Assault
Pathum Nissanka fell early for 3, Nishan Madushka managed only 2, and nightwatchman Kasun Rajitha went for 4. The top order again failed to give Sri Lanka the stability they badly needed.
Dinesh Chandimal fought for 43 from 60 balls, but he received little support. Dhananjaya de Silva, who had carried Sri Lanka in the first innings, fell for a duck in the second. Kusal Mendis made 8, Kamindu Mendis scored 9, and the lower order could not delay the inevitable.
Kemar Roach led the West Indies attack with 4 for 51 and also reached the major landmark of 300 Test wickets. Jayden Seales caused equal problems with 3 for 14, while Shamar Joseph took 2 for 19 and Alzarri Joseph added one wicket.
Sri Lanka were bowled out for 101 in just 31.2 overs, completing a heavy defeat that exposed major batting concerns before the second Test.
Sri Lanka Face Urgent Questions Before Second Test
For West Indies, the win was more than a strong result. It was a statement built on Jangoo’s double century, Chase’s captain’s innings, and a ruthless pace display led by Roach.
For Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka West Indies Test raised urgent questions. Their first innings relied on individual resistance rather than collective control. Meanwhile, the second innings showed how quickly the batting can collapse once early wickets fall.
The second and final Test is scheduled to begin on July 3 at the same venue. Sri Lanka will need a major technical and mental response if they are to avoid a series defeat in the Caribbean.
Chief Scores
Sri Lanka – 308 all out in 71.5 overs
(Dhananjaya de Silva 120, Dinesh Chandimal 54, Sonal Dinusha 43; Justin Greaves 3 for 39, Kemar Roach 2 for 32, Alzarri Joseph 2 for 60, Shamar Joseph 2 for 79)
West Indies – 626 for 9 declared in 160.5 overs
(Amir Jangoo 233, Roston Chase 194, John Campbell 39, Brandon King 31; Milan Rathnayake 5 for 124, Asitha Fernando 2 for 56, Sonal Dinusha 2 for 234)
Sri Lanka – 101 all out in 31.2 overs
(Dinesh Chandimal 43, Sonal Dinusha 12 not out; Kemar Roach 4 for 51, Jayden Seales 3 for 14, Shamar Joseph 2 for 19, Alzarri Joseph 1 for 11)
Result: West Indies won by an innings and 217 runs
Player of the Match: Amir Jangoo
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