Sri Lanka save face after drawing first Test
Sri Lanka reached 241 for four in their second innings when play was called off due to rain on the fifth and final day. Thilan Samaraweera was unbeaten on 19 and Angelo Mathews on five. The West Indies go into the second Test next week with a confident frame of mind, having dominated the opening Test.
Paranavitana guided his team with an 87-run stand for the third wicket with former captain Jayawardene, who hit his second successive half-century. The tourists bowled well with paceman Kemar Roach grabbing two wickets in successive overs during a lively opening spell after the hosts had resumed at 89 for no loss.
The West Indies had a chance to put more pressure on Sri Lanka when Paranavitana edged Shane Shillingford, but captain Darren Sammy failed to hold on to the ball at first slip when the batsman was on 53. The tourists then struggled for success as Paranavitana and Jayawardene took no risks during their stand.
Shillingford also kept the pressure on with his disciplined bowling and was rewarded for his hard work when he dismissed Paranavitana who missed out on his third Test century when he was caught at first slip by Sammy. He hit eight fours in his 219-ball knock.
Jayawardene reached his half-century in style when he lofted Brendan Nash for a straight six. He also hit seven fours in his 134-ball knock. Nash removed Jayawardene in his next over, holding a return catch for only his second wicket in Test cricket before rain forced the match to be drawn.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 20th, 2010.
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