West Indies Beat Sri Lanka in First Test The West Indies secured a dominant innings and 217-run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test of a two-match series at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Sunday. Kemar Roach, the 37-year-old fast bowler, reached a historic milestone by claiming his 300th Test wicket, leading his team to a crushing 101-run collapse of the visitors. The West Indies’ performance marked their first Test win since a series-levelling result against Pakistan in Multan 17 months ago and their first home victory since defeating Bangladesh in Kingston, Jamaica, in November 2024. Trailing by 318 runs in the first innings, Sri Lanka’s batting lineup crumbled under the relentless pace attack of the West Indies. Roach, who had been sidelined for over a year due to injury, returned to the team amid a fast bowlers’ crisis during the 2025 New Zealand tour. His return proved pivotal, as he took four wickets for 51 runs in the second innings, including the key dismissal of Asitha Fernando. With his 300th wicket, Roach became the fifth West Indian to achieve this feat in Test cricket. The West Indies’ dominance was further solidified by Jayden Seales, who finished with three wickets for 14 runs, including the final wicket of Lahiru Kumara. Seales’ dismissal of Kumara, the last Sri Lankan batsman, sealed the result and marked the end of the tourists’ innings. Sri Lanka’s only significant resistance came from Dinesh Chandimal, who scored 43 runs before being caught by John Campbell off Roach’s bowling. Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva admitted his team’s struggles, citing the absence of key bowler Kumara as a major setback. “We thought we had enough runs on the board in the first innings,” de Silva said. “But without Kumara, it was a big setback.#sri_lanka #west_indies #sir_vivian_richards_stadium #kemar_roach #dhananjaya_de_silva
Hope returns, Roach out for West Indies after injury-hit Sri Lanka bat Sri Lanka opted to bat first in the second Test against the West Indies after winning the toss, a decision that surprised many given the team's recent struggles. The match takes place on a North Sound pitch with a fair covering of grass and a slight green tint, conditions that could favor both batting and bowling. West Indies lead the two-Test series 1-0, and the outcome of this match will be crucial in determining the series' direction. Dhananjaya de Silva, Sri Lanka's captain, emphasized his focus on securing 20 wickets in the series, a goal he believes could turn the tide after the team's heavy defeat in the first Test. His comments reflect the pressure on the squad to bounce back from their earlier performance. Meanwhile, West Indies' skipper Roston Chase expressed satisfaction with the decision to bowl first, stating it was his preferred approach if he had won the toss. Both teams made significant changes to their lineups due to injuries. West Indies welcomed back Shai Hope, who had been sidelined, while Joshua Da Silva was replaced. Kemar Roach, a key bowler, missed the match due to injury, with Anderson Phillip stepping in to maintain a four-pacer attack. Sri Lanka also made three adjustments, with Pathum Nissanka, Lahiru Kumara, and Kasun Rajitha absent. Nissanka underwent wrist surgery, while Kumara suffered a hamstring injury in the first Test. The team's replacements included Lahiru Udara, Prabath Jayasuriya, and debutant all-rounder Isitha Wijesundara. The pitch conditions were described as even, with a fair covering of grass and some uneven bounce due to cracks.#sri_lanka #west_indies #shai_hope #dhananjaya_de_silva #roston_chase
