Thirimanne, Oshada script Sri Lanka’s fightback

Oshada Fernando’s 91 and Lahiru Thirimanne’s 76 helped Sri Lanka to take a lead of 153 runs with six wickets in hand against West Indies at the end of the third day of the first Test on Tuesday.

On a day of changing fortunes, Sri Lanka first wrapped up the West Indies first innings for 271. Windies get a lead of 102 runs as they bundled out Sri Lanka 169 in the first innings. Sri Lanka then reached stumps at 255-4.

Thirimanne and Fernando kept up Sri Lanka’s concerted fight back, batting the tourists into a strong position at 170-1. Thirimanne made 76 to follow his 70 in Sri Lanka’s first innings and Fernando made 91 in a partnership of 162 for the second wicket from 301 balls.

Kyle Mayers then struck back for the West Indies, dismissing Fernando for his first wicket in tests, then adding the wicket of the out-of-form Dinesh Chandimal (4), both caught by wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva.

When Kemar Roach bowled Thirimanne, Sri Lanka was 189-4, 87 ahead, after having lost three quick wickets for 19 runs.

Dhananjaya de Silva and Pathum Nissanka then rallied Sri Lanka again, putting on 66 in an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership by stumps. De Silva was 46 and Nissanka 21 at the close of play.

Sri Lanka is working toward a strong position because the West Indies, who won the toss and bowled, face the task of batting last on a wearing pitch at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Earlier, Sri Lanka began the day by swiftly wrapping up the West Indies first innings, dismissing top-scorer Rahkeem Cornwall for 61.

ARR