West Indies completed a crushing 226-run victory over Sri Lanka just after lunch on the final day of the first Test on Sunday as the tourists surrendered meekly following the departure of century-maker Kusal Mendis and captain Dinesh Chandimal. Set a daunting target of 453, the Sri Lankans crashed from 189 for three in mid-morning to be dismissed for 226 just after lunch, suffering their first Test match defeat at the hands of the Caribbean side for ten years, when they were also beaten at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad. Off-spinning all-rounder Roston Chase triggered the final capitulation in which five wickets fell for just eight runs. His dismissal of Chandimal in the last over before the lunch interval broke the back of the tourists’ resistance and he claimed three of the remaining four wickets to fall to finish with the impressive figures of four for 15 off 8.2 overs.
After the match, Sri Lanka’s Captain Dinesh Chandimal blamed on poor fielding for the defeated.
“We went wrong, our fielding was below par in the first day. We dropped crucial chances” He said.
At one point, It looked so much better for Sri Lanka when Mendis, 94 not out overnight with Sri Lanka on 176 for three, reached his fifth Test century shortly after the start of the day’s play. Chandimal said Mendis Century was one of the positive outcome of the match.
“We can take positives – Kusal’s Knock was brilliant as a youngster. And also Kumara bowled well in both innings” He added.
Chandimal also hinted that Dhananjaya De Silva, who joined squad the day before first test, might play in the next test.
“Dhananjaya batted at number three in last few series and played some great knocks. So, if he feels good, we may play him” He further added. Second Test to be kicked off on June 14 at Gros Islet.
