WI vs SL: Lahiru Udara's maiden century rescues Sri Lanka on Day 1

After a soul-crushing defeat in the first Test, misery almost chased Sri Lanka into the second match as well, until Lahiru Udara stood like a rock in front of West Indies to help his team finish Day 1 in a good position of 338/5 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua. Playing just his third Test match, Udara converted his maiden Test fifty into a century, playing a magnificent innings of 188 (248), laced with 21 fours and five sixes.

He had the support of Kamindu Mendis (84) at the crease as the duo rescued their team from an early collapse to guide them to a good score at the close of play. The day began with Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva winning the toss and opting to bat first.

However, he was almost left regretting his decision as Shamar Joseph got rid of Nishan Madushka (6 off 11), in the fourth over, getting him holed out at point. Joseph (2/60) further removed in-form Dinesh Chandimal, who also found Brandon King at square leg. As a result, West Indies were left reeling at 25/2, and the flashbacks of their collapse from the first Test came back to haunt them.

After two early blows, Kamindu Mendis joined Lahiru Udara at the crease and the duo began rebuilding Sri Lanka’s innings after surviving a few close calls. Udara took the attack on the West Indies bowlers to get the scoreboard moving, and Mendis followed suit.

Udara, Mendis rebuild for Sri Lanka

Udara brought up his maiden Test half-century off 59 balls and was even given a reprieve on 55 as Jayden Seales created a chance, but Justin Greaves was late to react in the slips. As a result, Sri Lanka went into lunch on 99/2.

In the second session, Udara ensured to rub salt into West Indies’ wounds with his rapid scoring rate. Things only went downhill for the hosts as Mendis was also provided a reprieve on 41 after none of the West Indies fielders heard him edge the ball in the 32^nd over.

He eventually brought up his sixth Test fifty, while Udara completed his maiden Test century in style, reaching the milestone with a maximum. 

After reaching his milestone, Udara further pressed on the accelerator and brought up a double-century partnership with Mendis at the start of the third session. West Indies finally managed to get the breakthrough as Justin Greaves (1/23) got Kamindu Mendis stumped on 84, courtesy of some sharp glove work by Shai Hope to bring an end to the 215-run partnership for the third wicket.

West Indies make comeback with late strikes

However, the dismissal had no effect on Udara, who brought up his 150 with a classy boundary. He missed out on his maiden double century, getting holed out on fine leg on 188 and made his way back to the pavilion amid rapturous applause.

West Indies further tightened their grip in the last session as Jayden Seales (1/72) got Dhananjaya de Silva (33 off 90) caught at slip to complete his 100 wickets in Tests. Sri Lanka eventually finished the day on 338/5 with Kusal Mendis (0*) and Sonal Dinusha (5*) at the crease.