opening day of the first test between west indies And Sri Lanka But Sir Vivian Richards Stadium In North Sound, Antigua, an interesting display of traditional Test cricket was put on. The series opener, which enthralled fans on June 25, 2026, saw a dramatic change in momentum, highlighted by a brilliant century and a highly disciplined bowling battle. At stumps on the first day, Sri Lanka were all out for a mammoth score of 308 runs in 71.5 overs, leaving West Indies at 0/0 for no loss after a single tricky over before the end of play.
Dhananjay de Silva’s century puts Sri Lanka in a strong position against West Indies
Opting to dominate early on, Sri Lanka’s innings was overshadowed by a masterclass from their captain, Dhananjay de Silva. Stepping onto the crease with his team in a critical situation, De Silva played a captaincy inning of the highest order. He scored a brilliant 120 runs in just 168 balls, which included 17 brilliant fours and two skyscraper sixes.
Sri Lanka’s morning had a very bad start. Experienced fast bowler Kemar Roach dismissed Pathum Nissanka for just 2 runs on the last ball of the first over. The situation deteriorated rapidly when Alzarri Joseph trapped mark madushka (23) Leg-before, and Shamar Joseph rejected dangerous Kamindu Mendis For a golden duck on the very next ball, reducing the visiting team to 42/3.
However, de Silva found an able ally. Dinesh Chandimal. Both of them revived the innings with an important partnership of 68 runs. Chandimal was looking in great form and scored a brilliant half-century (54 runs on 67 balls, which included 8 fours). Shamar Joseph Broke his defense. not disappointed even after losing Kusal Mendis At zero shortly after, the Sri Lankan captain stitched another important partnership of 99 runs with the debutant Sonal DinushaWho showed immense patience for his 43 runs. De Silva carried on his innings beautifully, bringing up his half-century in 86 balls and setting the pace to complete a brilliant century in 150 balls, single-handedly turning the match in Sri Lanka’s favour.
Also read: West Indies vs SL, Test Series: Date, Match Time, Broadcast and Live Streaming Details
West Indies restricted Sri Lanka to a strong score
As Sri Lanka threatened to take the home team out of the game completely, the West Indies bowling attack demonstrated remarkable resilience to make a comeback. got success Justin GreavesWho ultimately ended de Silva’s masterclass by getting King caught. De Silva’s departure at 273/7 opened the door for the lower order.
Greaves was the standout operator in the afternoon session, using the old ball beautifully to finish with figures of 3/39 from 11 overs. He was expertly supported by the pace pack; Kemar Roach While maintaining excellent control to return good figures of 2/32 in 12 overs Alzarri Joseph (2/60) and Shamar (2/79) ensured that the tourists could not form another dangerous tail-end partnership. Milan Rathnayak offered a brief resistance with a cameo of 27 runs, and Lahiru Kumara Seales remained unbeaten on 12 before ending the innings at 308. Asitha Fernando.
West Indies openers faced only one over to survive before stumps john campbell And King safely navigates Fernando’s fiery opening outburst. Entering the second day, the hosts are trailing by 308 runs, setting up an interesting battle as they look to replicate Sri Lanka’s first innings resilience on the playing Antigua surface.