The West Indies produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Sri Lanka by an innings and 217 runs in the opening Test of the two-match series.
After winning the toss, the West Indies invited Sri Lanka to bat first. The visitors posted 308 in their first innings, thanks largely to a superb 120 from captain Dhananjaya de Silva, while Dinesh Chandimal added 54. Justin Greaves was the standout bowler for the hosts, claiming three wickets.
In response, the West Indies piled on a massive 626/9 declared, taking complete control of the match. Amir Jangoo starred with a magnificent 233, while captain Roston Chase contributed 194. The pair shared a record-breaking 401-run partnership for the sixth wicket, putting the Sri Lankan bowlers under relentless pressure.
For Sri Lanka, Milan Rathnayake impressed with five wickets, while Asitha Fernando and Sonal Dinusha picked up two wickets each.
Asked to follow on, Sri Lanka’s batting collapsed in the second innings as they were bowled out for just 108. Veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach claimed four wickets while also becoming only the second West Indian fast bowler to reach 300 Test wickets. Jayden Seales chipped in with three wickets.
The emphatic victory gives the West Indies a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series, with the second and final Test scheduled to begin on the 3rd.
