Only 12 months after being bowled out for 27 by Australia, the West Indies showed fortitude with the bat to draw the second test with Sri Lanka Tuesday and claim its first test series victory in three years.
Openers John Campbell and Brandon King made half centuries and defied the Sri Lanka bowlers for 40 overs to secure the draw on a showery final day at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Sri Lanka tried to take the initiative and save the series when it declared its second innings at 251-9 three overs after the lunch, setting West Indies 302 to win off 60 overs.
West Indies didn’t take the bait and, bent on securing its first win in 11 series since 2023, ground its way to 109-0 before the captains shook hands and the match was drawn. Campbell and King were both 51 not out and West Indies took the series 1-0.
West Indies won the first test by an innings and 217 runs. Amir Jangoo made 233 and captain Roston Chase 194 in a record 401-run partnership which carried the West Indies to 626-9 in its only innings. Sri Lanka was bowled out for 308 and 101 as veteran Kemar Roach claimed his 300th test wicket.
Sri Lanka tried to make the play in the second test, declaring at 549-9 after winning the toss and batting. Lahiru Udara made 188. West Indies saved the match when it made 499 in reply, thanks to Justin Greaves who made 180 and Shai Hopes’ 112.
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