Sri Lanka, despite a five wicket haul by Shannon Gabriel, staged a gallant fightback and are holding the slight edge heading to the 5th and final day of the second test against the West Indies at the Darren Sammy Stadium in St. Lucia.
On Sunday the Sri Lankans, after resuming on their overnight 34 for one, reached 334 for 8 at stumps on day for a lead of 287 runs with 2 wickets in hand. This after slumping to 44 for 3.
Two big partnerships rescued their innings. The first was the 117-run fifth-wicket stand between Kusal Mendis and captain Dinesh Chandimal and the second, which produced 99 runs for the 7th wicket, was between Niroshan Dickwella and Roshen Silva.
Mendis led the way with 87 off 117 balls, Dickwella hit a stroke-filled 62 off 70 deliveries while Silva added 48.
Gabriel was the top West Indian bowler with 6 wickets for 57 runs while Kemar Roach finished with 2 for 75.
Meanwhile, Chandimal, who made 39, was charged by the ICC with “changing the condition of the ball”.
The charge constitutes a breach under Article 2.2.9 of the ICC’s code of conduct, which deals with altering the condition of the ball by “unfair” means
Chandimal has denied the charges and will attend a hearing by match referee Javagal Srinath after the conclusion of the Test.
Scores heading into day 5, Sri Lanka 253 and 334 for 8, West Indies 300.
The Windies lead the series 1-0.