west indies Celebrated a memorable Test series win after the second and final Test against Sri Lanka Ended in a high scoring draw in Antigua. Having already taken a strong 1-0 lead with an innings win in the opening Test, the Caribbean team secured its first Test series win since February 2023. The result also marked West Indies’ first Test series win over Sri Lanka in 23 years, ending a long wait in impressive fashion.
The second Test, played on a batting-friendly surface, never provided enough support to the bowlers to force a decisive result. Both teams piled up runs over five days, with Sri Lanka showing more urgency on the final day, but West Indies batting comfortably for the remainder of the contest to seal a crucial series win.
Sri Lanka’s positive outlook sets an unexpected goal
Resuming the final day at 92/2, Sri Lanka looked determined to breathe some life into the contest. captain Dhananjay de Silva, Sonal Dinusha And Milan Rathnayake All played attacking cameos as the visitors stepped up the scoring rate in an attempt to create a result. West Indies used defensive fielding and conservative bowling plans to slow down the scoring, but Sri Lanka maintained their aggressive intent throughout the morning session. The visiting team added 139 runs before lunch at the rate of almost six runs per over and sacrificed wickets willingly to gain a big lead.
By the lunch interval, Sri Lanka had increased their lead to 281 runs before adding a few more runs in the afternoon. Once the lead crossed the 300-run mark, the visitors declared the innings at 251/9, setting a theoretical target for the West Indies but leaving limited time to get a result. Although Sri Lanka’s bowlers took occasional uneven bounce from the pitch, the surface remained largely batting friendly. Any hope of a dramatic ending depended on early successes, but they never came.
John Campbell and Brandon King ensure comfortable finish for West Indies
opener john campbell And brandon king Any doubts were removed with a tight unbeaten partnership. The pair looked composed from the start and rotated the strike comfortably on loose balls. Sri Lanka felt they had achieved success when King was declared LBW during the afternoon session. However, the batsman immediately reviewed the decision, and technology overturned the on-field call, allowing him to continue his innings.
Play was temporarily halted twice due to rain interruptions at tea time, but neither delay significantly reduced the overs available. Once play resumed, Campbell and King continued to bat confidently, without taking unnecessary risks, and completed their respective half-centuries. With West Indies reaching 109 without loss and both openers firmly in control, the captains agreed to shake hands, bringing the match to an inevitable draw.
While there was no clear winner in the second Test, the series certainly went to the West Indies. Justin Greaves‘180 more due’ shy hopeA century in the first innings had set the stage for Sri Lanka after they declared at 549/9, while disciplined batting on the final day ensured the hosts secured a historic series win. The 1-0 success not only ended a long wait for a Test series win but also marked an important step forward for the team looking to rebuild its reputation in the longest format.
Brief Score: Sri Lanka fall to 549/9. And 251/9 D.C.L. Drawn with West Indies at 499 and 109/0. West Indies won the two-match Test series 1-0.