West Indies vs Sri Lanka: West Indies vs Sri Lanka, 1st Test: Oshada Fernando leads Sri Lanka’s fightback on Day 3 | Cricket News – Times of India
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Fernando and Lahiru Thirimanne put together a 162-run second-wicket partnership that wiped out the home team’s 102-run first-innings lead after West Indies had been dismissed for 271 in their first innings early on Tuesday.
Sri Lanka, skittled out for 169 in their first innings, will start Wednesday’s play 153 runs ahead with six wickets in hand.
Oshada Fernando and Lahiru Thirimanne put on a record 162-run stand for the second wicket! 🤝 🙌#WIvSL https://t.co/95mqFKl2Qv
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) 1616539060000
They are in a healthy position even after the West Indies bowlers fought back with three quick wickets after tea to halt a dominant batting performance.
An inspired bowling change led to part-time medium pacer Kyle Mayers grabbing two wickets while Kemar Roach took the other as they put a temporary brake on the visitors’ batting.
The West Indies used six bowlers in their bid to break the partnership but it was only when captain Kraigg Brathwaite turned to a seventh that they made the breakthrough.
A strong come back from Sri Lanka as they finish the day three at 255/4 with a lead of 153 with six-wickets in hand… https://t.co/7oiO26RcJG
— Sri Lanka Cricket 🇱🇰 (@OfficialSLC) 1616538195000
Mayers produced a perfect out-swinger with his first ball to lure Fernando forward and get a thick edge through to wicketkeeper Joshua da Silva for a first Test wicket.
Mayers then removed veteran Dinesh Chandimal (4) in similar fashion and another inspired bowling change saw Roach return to clean bowl Thirimanne for 76 on a deteriorating wicket at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Sri Lanka, however, wrestled back the initiative in the last hour as Dhananjaya de Silva (46 not out) and debutant Pathum Nissanka (21 not out) put together an unbeaten 66-run partnership.