COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, CMC – West Indies predictably crashed to a seven-wicket loss in the opening four-day “Test” against Sri Lanka A here Friday, to fall 1-0 behind in the three-match series.
Resuming the final day here at the Khettarama Stadium on 165 for nine in their second innings – only 55 runs ahead – West Indies A added just ten more runs before being bowled out.
Left-arm spinner Lakshan Sandakan was the best bowler with four for 51 while seamer Asitha Fernando (2-21), off-spinner Charith Asalanka (2-27) and pacer Asela Gunaratne (2-30), all finished with two wickets each.
Set a modest target of 66, Sri Lanka A were carried by captain Dimuth Karunaratne who stroked an unbeaten 39 while opening partner Lahiru Thirimanne hit 21.
The pair put on 43 for the first wicket with Karunaratne facing 63 balls and notching seven fours and Thirimanne striking three fours and a six off 39 deliveries.
Fast bowler Keon Joseph, however, took some of the shine off the victory by removing Roshen Silva without scoring and Asalanka for one, as Sri Lanka A lost three quick wickets for 13 runs.
The second Test begins in Pallekele next Tuesday.
Scores:
WEST INDIES A 276 (Vishaul Singh 90, Shamarh Brooks 65, Kemar Roach 45 not out, Kieran Powell 36; Asela Gunaratne 3-27) and 175 (Vishaul Singh 46, Gudakesh Motie-Kanhai 34, Shamarh Brooks 28; Lakshan Sandakan 4-51, Asitha Fernando 2-21, Charith Asalanka 2-27)
SRI LANKA A 386 (Dimuth Karunaratne 131, Kusal Perera 87, Niroshan Dickwella 59, Asela Gunaratne 38; Rahkeem Cornwall 8-108) and 67 for three (Dimuth Karunaratne 39 not out, Lahiru Thirimanne 21; Keon Joseph 2-17)