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Already in trouble at the overnight position of 31 for three, Sri Lanka lost Roshen Silva at the start of the morning, bowled by Roach, before Chandimal and Niroshan Dickwella offered the only substantial resistance. They looked to be getting on top of the bowling heading into the lunch interval when Chandimal, on 44, set the tone for the remainder of the innings by playing a loose shot in the final over before the break off Gabriel for Roston Chase to take his third catch of the innings at backward point. Dickwella was then run out for 31 in a mix-up with new batsman Dilruwan Perera early into the afternoon session and from that point the innings subsided swiftly. Despite the West Indies' comfortable position at the start of the second innings, the pressure was once again on the recalled Devon Smith to deliver at the top of the order.
Run out in the first innings for just seven, he was first bowled by a no-ball from Suranga Lakmal and then bowled again by the very next delivery, this time legitimately, and departed for 20. Lahiru Kumara, who impressed with his pace and effort in taking four wickets in the first innings, enjoyed success again when he had the other opener, Kraigg Brathwaite, caught by Dickwella and removed premier middle-order batsman Shai Hope shortly after to a second slip catch by Roshen Silva. At the other end, Powell was all impressive assurance with his stroke play, reaching the half-century mark off just 59 deliveries. By the time stumps were drawn, his 64 had occupied 80 balls in an innings embellished by two sixes and six fours. He lost Chase just before the close of play, bowled by Rangana Herath. It was hardly cause for celebration, though, in a Sri Lankan camp bracing for the challenge of batting for survival at some point on the fourth day against the likes of Gabriel and Roach on a wearing pitch.
Commentary (West Indies innings)
43.1 R Herath to K Powell, 1 run. 138/4
42.6 S Lakmal to Dowrich, No run. 137/4
42.5 S Lakmal to Dowrich, Lakmal tries a shortish delivery but bowls it wide outside off and the batsman pushes it with ease towards covers. 137/4
42.4 S Lakmal to Powell, Just dips in a little after pitching, the southpaw gets his bat down in time and glances it to fine leg for another single. 137/4
42.3 S Lakmal to Powell, Good length ball on the off stump line, Powell defends it down the track. 136/4
42.2 S Lakmal to Dowrich, Touch too straight from Lakmal, maybe is trying for the glory ball. It doesn't swing and Dowrich nudges it away to fine leg for a single. 136/4
42.1 S Lakmal to Dowrich, Superb delivery! Unluckily for Lakmal, he doesn't find the outside edge! Shortish delivery on off, rises sharply and straightens a little. Dowrich looks to defend that but plays down the wrong line. The ball whistles past the outside edge. 135/4
41.6 R Herath to Powell, Pushes it quicker through the air and gets a defensive stroke in response from the batsman. 135/4
41.5 R Herath to Powell, Arm ball from Herath from around the wicket angle. The southpaw blocks it solidly. 135/4
41.4 R Herath to Powell, Loopy ball, the batsman steps out a little and blocks it on the leg side. 135/4
41.3 R Herath to Powell, Powell moves across and works it on the leg side. 135/4
41.2 R Herath to Powell, Darts this one on the off stump line, the batsman defends it out. 135/4
41.1 R Herath to Powell, FOUR! Brilliant shot! First runs off the morning for the Windies and Powell! The bowler drops it short outside off, the left-hander rocks on the back foot and slaps it through the covers. No stopping that one. 135/4
Rangana Herath will bowl from the other end. He starts with a man at short leg and just a lone slip fielder.
40.6 S Lakmal to Dowrich, Fullish delivery from Lakmal, Dowrich pushes to mid off. Maiden over to start Day 4. 131/4
40.5 S Lakmal to Dowrich, Attacks the stumps, doesn't give any room to work with. Dowrich works it to mid wicket. 131/4
40.4 S Lakmal to Dowrich, On a length closer to the off stump, the right-hander sits back and dabs it towards cover-point. 131/4
40.3 S Lakmal to Dowrich, Pulls his length back just a little, and seeing that Dowrich stays in the crease. He defends it on the off side. 131/4
40.2 S Lakmal to S Dowrich, Bowls another full delivery in search of some swing, but it isn't there. The batsman flicks it to mid on. 131/4
40.1 S Lakmal to Dowrich, Gentle full delivery from Lakmal, it is in line with the stumps. Dowrich pushes it confidently back towards the bowler. Lakmal dives to his right and makes a good stop. Saves a run or two for his side. 131/4
Players are taking their positions. Kieran Powell and Shane Dowrich will resume their innings. For Sri Lanka, Suranga Lakmal will kick-start the proceedings on Day 4. We are all set to go..
PITCH REPORT - The legendary Indian opening batsman, Sunil Gavaskar says that one end of the wicket has behaved really well and the batsmen who are looking to spend time can still do good on this wicket. But as he moves towards the other end, he says there are a few cracks and if the bowlers pitch consistently in that area they can cause a lot of trouble.
The weather will play a key role from here on in this game. The home team will not want any of it for the next two days. While the visitors will welcome it with both arms wide open, the fans of the Asian team will be praying for the heavens to open up and take some time out of this game. Forecast though for today is promising for cricket and we keep our fingers crossed that it stays that way. Let the sport take the front seat and entertain all of us...
Hello and welcome to Day 4 of the first Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka in Port of Spain, Trinidad. The Windies have got a hefty lead, which they would like to further extend and bat Sri Lanka out of this game. Whereas, the Asian team will be on the damage control mode and picking early wickets will help them in that. They would then hope to bat well in their second essay and make the hosts sweat hard for their wickets, contrasting of what they did in their first innings. The morning session promises to be an intriguing one. Do stay tuned for all the action.
... Day 4, Session 1...
Earlier, the hosts choked the opposition with disciplined bowling. Apart from the promising 78-run stand between Chandimal and Dickwella, rest of the batsmen struggled. A downfall resulted which saw the visitors losing 5 for 45 to get bundled out for a paltry score. It was a collective effort from the Windies bowlers. By handing such an advantage, they were always bound to toil hard. To keep things in perspective, the hosts lead by a massive 360 runs and still have batting to come. It will require something spectacular from the Lankans to script a comeback. Join us for Day 4 at 1000 Local (1400 GMT) to catch all the action. Adios!
Kieran Powell displayed just that and mixed caution with aggression to perfection. He played some eye-catchy strokes and found some decent support from Roston Chase. Together, they stitched a 44-run stand to further strengthen their place. The Sri Lankan bowlers bowled their hearts out but they were always under pressure.
The Windies are well and truly in the ascendancy. They have once again performed excellently today to make the pole position their own. However, on a surface which has become quite two-paced and is playing tricks, their top-order batsmen didn't show much patience and departed to some rash strokes. Lahiru Kumara was the star again as he troubled the batsmen with his consistency. You can argue that a lead of 229 runs gave them the comfort zone to go for their strokes but there should be a method to the madness.
39.6 D Perera to Dowrich, Bowls a tossed up delivery outside off, Dowrich comes on the front foot and pushes it to the left of the mid off fielder for a single. That is it for the day gentlemen, says the umpire and flicks the bails with the cap in his hand. It is STUMPS ON DAY 3! 131/4
39.5 D Perera to Dowrich, Oh wow! He is challenging both the edges of the bat. Suddenly, this pitch has spiced up. An arm ball from Perera, it slides on after pitching. The right-hander plays slightly inside the line of it and gets it off the outer half. The fielder at first slip manages to block it. 130/4
39.4 D Perera to Dowrich, Once again there is some turn for Dilruwan Perera! An off spinner from Perera, turns in a little, Dowrich covers the line of it and blocks. 130/4
39.3 D Perera to Dowrich, Pushes it quicker through the air, the batsman drives it to mid on. 130/4
39.2 D Perera to Dowrich, Turn and bounce! It kisses the surface and jumps sharply with some turn. Dowrich hangs right back and safely dabs it on the leg side. 130/4
39.1 D Perera to Dowrich, Floated delivery from Dilruwan on the stumps, Dowrich pushes it to mid on. 130/4
38.6 R Herath to Dowrich, Drifting on middle and leg, Dowrich works it to the square leg region for a single. 130/4
38.5 R Herath to Dowrich, Faster one from Herath on the stumps and the batsman defends it compactly. 129/4
38.4 R Herath to Dowrich, Tossed up delivery on the off stump line, the batsman gets right behind that one and defends it solidly right under his eyes. 129/4
Herath wants few extra men near the batsman. Two fielder come under the lid, one at short leg and the other at silly point.
38.3 R Herath to Dowrich, Loopy delivery, Shane takes a stride ahead and dead-bats it. 129/4
38.2 R Herath to Dowrich, Slow through the air on the same channel, kept out watchfully. 129/4
38.1 R Herath to Dowrich, Tossed up generously outside off, defended solidly off the front foot. 129/4
37.6 D Perera to Dowrich, Spinning in sharply from outside off, Dowrich pushes at it with hard hands but gets a thick outside edge towards backward square leg. A run taken. 129/4
37.5 D Perera to Dowrich, Fullish ball on middle, Dowrich eases it towards mid on. 128/4
37.4 D Perera to Dowrich, Outside off, Dowrich leans ahead in defense. 128/4
37.3 D Perera to Dowrich, FOUR! Poor delivery and duly punished! A half-tracker down the leg side, Dowrich lines it up and pulls it through fine leg to find the fence. 128/4
37.2 D Perera to Dowrich, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 124/4
37.1 D Perera to Dowrich, Goes deep in the crease and counters this one nicely. 124/4
36.6 R Herath to Dowrich, In the air... but safe! Going down the leg side, Dowrich goes for the sweep but gets a top edge. The ball lobs behind and falls safely in the short fine leg region. A run taken. 124/4
36.5 R Herath to S Dowrich, Edged but safe! Outside off, doesn't turn this time. Dowrich pushes at it but gets an outside edge well wide of the first slip fielder. A couple taken. 123/4
36.4 R Herath to Dowrich, Tight lines from Herath, Dowrich is equal to the task as he covers the line and blocks it. 121/4
36.3 R Herath to Dowrich, Hangs deep in the crease and works it nicely towards mid-wicket. 121/4
36.2 R Herath to Dowrich, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 121/4
36.1 R Herath to Dowrich, Tossed up around off, defended solidly off the front foot. 121/4
35.6 D Perera to Powell, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. 121/4
35.5 D Perera to Dowrich, Spins in from outside off, the right-hander looks to defend that but gets it off the inner half to mid-wicket for a single. With that run, West Indies lead touches the 350-run mark. 121/4
35.4 D Perera to Dowrich, Much fuller from Perera on this occasion and the batsman gets well forward as he defends it on the track. 120/4
35.3 D Perera to Dowrich, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. 120/4
35.2 D Perera to Dowrich, Turning down leg, Dowrich looks to flick that but misses it and gets hit on the thigh pad. 120/4
35.1 D Perera to Powell, Faster one on the leg stump line, the batsman uses his wrists and works to mid-wicket for a single. 120/4
The hero of the first innings, Shane Dowrich is the new man in.
34.6 Herath to R Chase, OUT! Castled! The wily old fox has delivered like he has done on so many occasions. However, it is the pitch which has proved to be the undoing of Chase. Coming in with the arm, the ball stays low. Roston goes deep in his crease to clip it across but is foxed by the lack of bounce. The ball hits him on the front pad and deflects back onto the stumps. The Windies lead by 348 runs. 119/4
34.5 R Herath to Powell, Kieran is nimble on his feet and clips it to long on for a run. 119/3
34.4 R Herath to K Powell, A false stroke! Herath needs to keep on troubling the batsmen. Outside off, Powell plays for the non-existent turn and gets an outside edge. The ball goes past the slip fielder and a couple of runs are taken. 118/3
34.3 R Herath to Powell, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. 116/3
34.2 R Herath to Powell, Uses his feet but is not quite to the pitch of this one. Flicks it towards short mid-wicket eventually. 116/3
34.1 R Herath to Powell, Loopy delivery on a shortish length outside off, Powell goes back and plays it with soft hands towards point. 116/3
Rangana Herath is back on.
33.6 D Perera to Chase, Fast on middle, turned towards short mid-wicket. 116/3
33.5 D Perera to Chase, Spinning into Roston who keeps it out watchfully. 116/3
33.4 D Perera to Chase, Fuller this time, patted back to the bowler. 116/3
33.3 D Perera to Chase, Leans ahead and drives it with the spin to mid on. 116/3
33.2 D Perera to Chase, Tossed up delivery, Chase lunges forward in defense. 116/3
33.1 D Perera to Chase, On a shorter length outside off, Chase goes deep in the crease and guides it through short third man for a brace. 116/3
There is an issue with the ball and the umpires are passing it through the 8-shaped gauge. Seems to be fine for the moment.
32.6 L Gamage to Powell, Full ball going down the leg side, Powell misses the whip. 114/3
32.5 L Gamage to R Chase, Fullish delivery, tailing in a touch, Chase accounts for it nicely and taps it towards mid on. 114/3
32.4 L Gamage to Chase, Short of a length outside off, defended solidly off the back foot. 113/3
32.3 L Gamage to Chase, FOUR! Cracking shot! Back of a length and width on offer, Chase stands tall and slaps it through backward point to pick up a boundary. 113/3
32.2 L Gamage to Chase, On a length outside off, angling in, Chase shuffles a touch and works it towards mid on. 109/3
32.1 L Gamage to Powell, Fullish delivery around off, Powell leans ahead in an assured manner and eases it towards covers. 109/3
31.6 D Perera to Powell, Slow through the air outside off, allows ample time to the southpaw to come down the track and knock it towards long off. A run taken. 108/3
31.5 D Perera to Powell, Darted in on middle and off, Powell hangs back and punches it out. 107/3
31.4 D Perera to Powell, Good judgement! Floated around off, spinning away. Powell knows where his off stump is and makes a good leave. 107/3
31.3 D Perera to Chase, Tossed up outside off, sliced through backward point for a run. 107/3
31.2 D Perera to K Powell, Fullish delivery, Powell misreads the length as he steps out of his crease. Ends up yorking himself but manages to jam it out towards mid on. 106/3
31.1 D Perera to Chase, Coming in with the arm, turned with the angle through mid-wicket for a run. 105/3
30.6 L Gamage to Powell, Very full ball outside off, Powell drives it off the bottom half of his bat towards mid off. 104/3
30.5 L Gamage to Powell, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 104/3
30.4 L Gamage to Powell, On a length around the hips, tucked through square leg for a brace. 104/3
30.3 L Gamage to Powell, Back of a length ball, shaping in, punched crisply off the back foot to the cover region. 102/3
30.2 L Gamage to Powell, A touch fuller in length but this one is pretty wide outside off, an easy leave for Powell. 102/3
30.1 L Gamage to Powell, In the channel outside off, left alone. 102/3
29.6 D Perera to Chase, Fullish ball on off, Roston defends it watchfully. 102/3
29.5 D Perera to Chase, Flat on off, Chase defends it with his bat and pad close together. 102/3
29.4 D Perera to Chase, A bit shorter in length, answered with a straight bat. 102/3
29.3 D Perera to Chase, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 102/3
29.2 D Perera to Powell, Misfield! Shorter in length, Powell punches it towards Chandimal at covers who is a bit lazy to react. Concedes a single. 102/3
29.1 D Perera to Powell, Quicker one on the leg stump, clipped nicely to deep mid-wicket for a brace. 101/3
28.6 L Gamage to Chase, A delivery that can fit in the harmless category. Chase makes another leave as that is too wide to tempt the batsman. 99/3
28.5 L Gamage to Chase, That one jags back sharply from a good length, Chase shuffles across and decides to shoulders arms. 99/3
28.4 L Gamage to Chase, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 99/3
28.3 L Gamage to Chase, Another widish delivery from Gamage, the right-hander decides to let it be. 99/3
28.2 L Gamage to Chase, Fuller length ball outside off, it moves away a little. The batsman doesn't play at it. 99/3
28.1 L Gamage to Chase, Gamage bowls it on a length outside off, Roston Chase stays back and lets it through to the keeper. 99/3
27.6 Perera to Powell, SIX! 5th Test fifty for Kieran Powell! He was confident from the word go and has played a brilliant knock so far. Tossed up outside off, Powell skips down the track and lifts it nonchalantly over long off. He has timed it really well and the ball sails over the fence. Gets a hug from his partner and applause from the scanty crowd. He will be looking to convert this into a big one. 99/3
27.5 D Perera to Powell, Fast and accurate from Perera. The southpaw hangs back and pushes it to mid on. 93/3
27.4 D Perera to Powell, On a flatter trajectory, cut away against the spin towards point. 93/3
27.3 D Perera to Powell, Floated on middle, Kieran uses his feet and blocks it. 93/3
27.2 D Perera to R Chase, Ooh.. turn! Floated outside off, Chase leans ahead to counter it but gets a thick inside edge which goes between his legs towards short fine leg. 93/3
27.1 D Perera to Powell, Shorter in length, punched off the back foot towards long on for a single. 92/3
26.6 L Gamage to Chase, In the corridor of uncertainty, holding its line. Chase doesn't fiddle with it. 91/3
26.5 L Gamage to Powell, Leg bye! There was sheer optimism from the Sri Lankans. Swinging down the leg side, Powell falls over a bit in his attempt to flick it and is hit on the pads. The ball rolls towards fine leg and Gamage goes up in an appeal, only to be turned down quickly. A run is taken. 91/3
26.4 L Gamage to Chase, Erring in line, down the leg side, Chase helps it down to fine leg for a run. 90/3
26.3 L Gamage to Chase, Fractionally overpitched outside off, a confident stride forward from Roston as he drives it elegantly to the cover region. 89/3
26.2 L Gamage to Chase, That was tantalizingly close to the off stump! Great stuff from the young man. Good length ball outside off, shaping in substantially. Chase tries to cover the line but is completely foxed to get beaten on the inside. Dickwella dives to his left to collect it. 89/3
26.1 L Gamage to Powell, On a length, angling in, tucked with the angle to deep mid-wicket. A single taken. 89/3
Double change. Lahiru Gamage comes in for a burst.
25.6 D Perera to Powell, Clears his front leg and milks it towards deep mid off for a single. 88/3
25.5 D Perera to Powell, Similar delivery, the southpaw is once again to the pitch of it to kill it on the turf. 87/3
25.4 D Perera to Powell, Tossed up delivery on a fullish length, Kieran lunges forward in defense. 87/3
25.3 D Perera to Powell, Tentative! Coming in with the arm from around the wicket, Powell is caught in the crease and plays it off the inner half towards mid on. 87/3
25.2 D Perera to Chase, Spinning in nicely, Roston uses the depth of the crease and turns it through mid-wicket to rotate strike. 87/3
25.1 D Perera to R Chase, Starts off with a floated delivery outside off, Chase drives it with hard hands. Perera dives to his left and makes a good stop. 86/3
Time for Drinks.
24.6 L Kumara to K Powell, FOUR! Perfect execution of the straight drive! For all the kids out there, that is how you should play down the ground. Pitched up delivery on off, Powell strides ahead and drives it exquisitely through mid on to get the desired result. The balance was spot on and he holds his pose for the cameramen to click him. The southpaw has played some eye-catching strokes and is looking in great touch. 86/3
24.5 L Kumara to Powell, Full length ball delivery attacking the stumps, Powell shuffles a touch and drives it crisply to mid on. 82/3
24.4 L Kumara to Powell, Nicely played. Similar delivery on the same channel, this time Kieran gets behind it and punches it towards Chandimal at extra cover. 82/3
24.3 L Kumara to Powell, The two-paced nature of the track is once again on display. Good length ball outside off, stays a bit low. The southpaw tries to push it through the line but the ball passes under his bat. 82/3
24.2 L Kumara to Powell, Back of a length ball outside off, Kieran camps back and plays it with an angled blade towards backward point. 82/3
24.1 L Kumara to Powell, On a length, Powell covers the line and defends it stoutly. 82/3
23.6 R Herath to Chase, Floated generously outside off, Roston comes forward and pushes it nicely to covers. 82/3
23.5 R Herath to Chase, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 82/3
23.4 R Herath to Chase, On a flatter trajectory, Chase is a bit tentative and dead-bats it. 82/3
23.3 R Herath to R Chase, Fuller in length, played with the angle towards mid on. 82/3
23.2 R Herath to Chase, Tossed up delivery, defended solidly off the front foot. 82/3
23.1 R Herath to Chase, Coming in with the arm, Chase lunges forward in defense. 82/3
22.6 L Kumara to Powell, Fullish delivery, shaping in, Powell defends it with his bat and pad close together. 82/3
22.5 Kumara to K Powell, SIX! Streaky but effective! Short delivery in line of the stumps. Powell goes for a pull shot but the ball gets big on him. Hence, a top edge is induced and the ball sails over fine leg. It is going, going and hits the advertising boards on the full. We saw some top edges from the Sri Lankan lower order fly as well. 82/3
22.4 L Kumara to Powell, On a fuller length outside off, pushed to covers off the front foot. 76/3
22.3 L Kumara to Powell, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 76/3
22.2 L Kumara to Powell, Short of a length ball, Kieran hops and keeps it out. 76/3
22.1 L Kumara to Powell, Miscommunication but no harm done! Back of a length outside off, Powell taps it towards the right of the bowler and takes off. However, there is no run there and he is rightly sent back by his partner. 76/3
21.6 R Herath to Chase, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 76/3
21.5 R Herath to R Chase, Tosses it full outside off, the batsman plays a drive to covers but can't find the gap. 76/3
21.4 R Herath to Chase, Chase sits on the back foot and defends it on the track. 76/3
21.3 R Herath to Chase, Gives it more air, seeing the new batsman on strike. Chase leans forward and pushes it to covers. 76/3
21.2 R Herath to Powell, Tossed up delivery from Herath, the batsman leans on the front foot and powers it through the covers for a boundary. 76/3
21.1 R Herath to Powell, Faster one on the off stump line, the batsman plays slightly inside the line of it and the ball goes off the outer half on the off side. 75/3
20.6 L Kumara to Chase, On a length outside off, played with an open bat face towards point. 75/3
Roston Chase comes out to bat.
20.5 L Kumara to Hope, OUT! Kumara has been absolutely brilliant and he is reaping the dividends as well. The energy has been right up there from the Sri Lankan players and they are finding a way. This is the second time in the game that the pacer has got rid of Shai Hope. He goes wider of the crease and bowls an effort ball well outside off. It takes off after pitching. Hope goes for a tame push through the line but there is no control whatsoever. Ends up getting a fat outside edge behind. Kusal Mendis at second slip is sharp as a hawk. He leaps to his right and takes a very smart catch and then tumbles down. It has been a really good passage of play for the tourists and they need to keep the pressure on. 75/3
Ian Bishop makes a good point on air. He mentions that in the first innings, Powell's head position was not proper and he had paid for the price for that. This time, he showed proper technique to counter the fuller length delivery and got the desired result as well.
20.4 L Kumara to Powell, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They pick up a single. 75/2
20.3 L Kumara to Powell, Good response from the bowler! He hits the deck hard and gets the ball to climb on Powell. He gets into an awkward position but manages to keep it out. 74/2
20.2 L Kumara to Powell, FOUR! Back-to-back boundaries! Steady head, high elbow, and foot towards the pitch of the ball - perfection. Fuller length ball on off, Powell drives it down the ground and the ball whistles away to the long off fence. The lead for the Windies crosses the 300-run mark. 74/2
After that boundary, deep point is immediately in place.
20.1 L Kumara to K Powell, FOUR! Powell is oozing confidence at the moment! Kumara angles this one across the southpaw and there is room on offer. Kieran shuffles a touch and smacks it through covers for a rocketing boundary. 70/2
19.6 R Herath to Powell, Herath sees Powell using his feet and bowls it on a flatter trajectory. The batsman drives it towards wide mid on for a run. 66/2
19.5 R Herath to Powell, This time he is not assured at all. Spinning in sharply, Kieran is squared up in his stance but manages to defend it off the outer half of his bat. 65/2
19.4 R Herath to Powell, FOUR! Glorious! That was a treat to the eyes. Tossed up outside off, Powell skips down the track and creams it through covers to find the fence. He was very assured with what he was doing. 65/2
19.3 R Herath to Powell, Well bowled! Slow through the air, perhaps the slider. Powell stays behind it and somehow defends it. 61/2
19.2 R Herath to Hope, Hope is off the mark! Fullish delivery on middle, Shai makes room and slices his drive towards backward point where the fielder dives to his left to make a decent stop. A single taken. 61/2
19.1 R Herath to Hope, Bowls it fast and flat on leg stump, Hope is circumspect in approach and blocks it to short leg. 60/2
18.6 L Kumara to Powell, Ends the over with a delivery down the leg side. Powell looks to glance that but misses. Dickwella gets an awkward bounce but he does well to hang on to it. 60/2
18.5 L Kumara to Powell, Dishes out a pitched delivery, it is on the off stump line. Powell defends it off the front foot. 60/2
18.4 L Kumara to Powell, Follows it up with a short ball, the southpaw ducks under it and lets it go. 60/2
18.3 L Kumara to Powell, Shorter in length from Kumara, the batsman moves across to flick that but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad. A stifled appeal from the bowler but the umpire ignores it. 60/2
18.2 L Kumara to Powell, Bangs it in short on the stumps, the batsman bends down in time and lets it through. 60/2
18.1 L Kumara to K Powell, FOUR! Just gorgeous! Fuller length ball on the off stump line, Powell gets on the front foot and powers the drive past his partner. The ball beats the man at mid off and races away to the boundary. 60/2
17.6 R Herath to Hope, Fuller length ball from Herath to end the over, the batsman pushes to mid on. 56/2
17.5 R Herath to Hope, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 56/2
17.4 R Herath to Powell, Drives to the right of the bowler and gets off strike with a quick single. 56/2
17.3 R Herath to Powell, Defends it on the leg side. 55/2
17.2 R Herath to Powell, Flatter ball outside off, Powell goes back to cut that one, but fails to make contact with the ball. 55/2
17.1 R Herath to Powell, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 55/2
16.6 L Kumara to Hope, Ripper from Kumara! Another superb delivery, he bowls it seam up and it rises sharply. Hope goes back to defend that but the ball zips past the outside edge of the bat. 55/2
Shai Hope walks out to bat.
16.5 L Kumara to Brathwaite, OUT! EDGED AND TAKEN! Second wicket down for the Windies and both the openers are back in the shed. Kumara was the man for the visitors in the first innings and he makes an impact with the ball straightaway. Bowls a short of a length ball outside off, the ball moves away after pitching and jumps a little extra than the batsman expected it to. Brathwaite stays back and loosely plays away from his body. The ball catches the outside edge. Dickwella reacts quickly, dives to his right and pouches it pretty neatly. 55/2
16.4 L Kumara to Brathwaite, Drifting in from outside off, Brathwaite punches it through mid-wicket for a brace. 55/1
16.3 L Kumara to Brathwaite, Angling in from outside off, the batsman defends it down the track. 53/1
16.2 L Kumara to Powell, Another full ball and Powell doesn't hold back. He goes hard at that one and gets an inside edge to fine leg for a single. 53/1
16.1 L Kumara to K Powell, Bowls it full on off and the batsman smashes it to covers. The fielder there dives to his left and gets a hand to it. The Windies pair still get a couple. 52/1
Lahiru Kumara comes into the attack. He was the most successful bowler for Sri Lanka in the first innings. What can he dish out for his side in this innings?
15.6 R Herath to Powell, Powell eases it in the gap on the off side for a single. 50/1
15.5 R Herath to Powell, Played to mid-wicket region by the batsman. 49/1
15.4 R Herath to Brathwaite, Faster on the stumps, Brathwaite taps it with the spin to mid-wicket for a single. 49/1
15.3 R Herath to Brathwaite, Fires it full on the stumps, the batsman pushes it to mid on. 48/1
15.2 R Herath to Brathwaite, Loopy delivery on the stumps, Brathwaite defends it down the track. 48/1
15.1 R Herath to Powell, Defends it to the vacant point region and they take a single. 48/1
14.6 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Bowls from the edge of the crease and angles it in. Brathwaite watchfully defends it back to the bowler. 47/1
14.5 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, On the fourth stump channel, the batsman judges it to perfection and lets it go. 47/1
14.4 S Lakmal to Powell, Drifting well down leg, the left-hander nudges it away to fine leg and gets off strike. 47/1
14.3 S Lakmal to Powell, Angles it in from outside off, Powell blocks it back to the bowler. 46/1
14.2 S Lakmal to Powell, On a good length from Lakmal and outside off. The batsman decides to let it go. 46/1
14.1 S Lakmal to Powell, Fuller length ball on the stumps, the batsman punches it back to the bowler, who bends down quickly and makes a good stop. 46/1
13.6 R Herath to Brathwaite, Drops it short and outside off. The batsman makes room and slaps it through point. Lakmal chases the ball and pulls it inside the ropes. A couple more added to the total. 46/1
13.5 R Herath to Brathwaite, The batsman gets a massive stride forward to the pitch of it and blocks. 44/1
13.4 R Herath to Brathwaite, Floated delivery on the stumps, the batsman defends it back to Herath. 44/1
13.3 R Herath to Brathwaite, Pushes it quicker through the air, the batsman dabs it on the off side. 44/1
13.2 R Herath to Brathwaite, Slider from Herath on the stumps, Brathwaite taps it to mid-wicket. 44/1
13.1 R Herath to Brathwaite, Loopy delivery outside off stump, the batsman lunges on the front foot and lets it go. 44/1
12.6 S Lakmal to Powell, Bowls it fuller and attacks the stumps, Powell defends it solidly. 44/1
12.5 S Lakmal to Powell, A widish delivery from Lakmal, the batsman doesn't play at that one. 44/1
12.4 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Slipping down leg, the batsman securely works it wide of the man at leg gully. The ball rolls to fine leg and they take a run. 44/1
12.3 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Bowls it fullish and attacks the stumps. Brathwaite defends it down the track. 43/1
12.2 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Much fuller from Lakmal on middle and leg. The batsman stays back and defends it on the off side. 43/1
12.1 S Lakmal to Powell, Fuller length ball on off, the batsman drops it on the off side. They take a quick single. 43/1
11.6 R Herath to Brathwaite, Shorter in length outside off, cut away to the man at backward point. 42/1
11.5 R Herath to Brathwaite, On a flatter trajectory on off, skidding after pitching. Kraigg hangs back and blocks it out. 42/1
11.4 R Herath to Brathwaite, Well bowled! The wily old fox tosses this one up generously. Brathwaite uses his feet but is not quite to the pitch of it. Ends up jamming it out somehow. 42/1
11.3 R Herath to Brathwaite, Herath drags his length back, Kraigg camps back and cuts it towards point. 42/1
Drinks break.
11.2 R Herath to Brathwaite, Outside off, patted back towards the bowler. 42/1
11.1 R Herath to Powell, Fullish on middle and leg, Powell is nimble on his feet and knocks it down to long on for a run. 42/1
10.6 S Lakmal to Powell, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 41/1
10.5 S Lakmal to K Powell, FOUR! Superb shot from Powell to open his account. Short of a length ball outside off, the batsman stands tall and powers it through the covers for a boundary. 40/1
10.4 S Lakmal to Powell, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 36/1
Kieran Powell is the next man in.
10.3 S Lakmal to Smith, OUT! Chopped on! Lakmal finally gets his man. So two in two for Lakmal but the scoreboard will show just one wicket against his name and he has only himself to blame for that. He bowled Smith off the previous ball but he had overstepped, so this time he looks at the umpire first and then starts his celebration. Sri Lanka have got the opening they wanted, can they nip out a few more and make a comeback of sorts? Coming to the delivery - It is pitched on a fuller length by Lakmal and well outside off, seeing the width, Smith decides to play the expansive drive. He doesn't move his feet and tries to reach that one. He ends up getting a thick inside edge which goes on to hit the stumps. After getting a start, the southpaw fails to make a substantial contribution. 36/1
10.3 S Lakmal to D Smith, FIVE NO BALLS! BOWLED, BUT OFF A NO BALL! Oh boy, the rub of the green isn't going Sri Lanka's way! A length ball from Lakmal, slanting in sharply and seams a little. Smith is caught in the crease as he looks to play that. The ball sneaks through his defenses and hits the timber. Lakmal starts to celebrate but turns around to see that the umpire has his hand outstretched. He has overstepped and is heartbroken. The ball races away to the boundary as the fielders were busy celebrating, so five runs added to the total. 36/0
10.2 S Lakmal to Smith, The leg slip moves to the short leg position, but the bowler goes for the double bluff. Decides to bowl it wide outside off. The batsman waits back and chops it to deep point for a brace. 31/0
10.1 S Lakmal to Smith, Starts with a delivery on the leg stump line. Smith goes back to flick that length ball but misses it and gets hit on the pads. 29/0
9.6 R Herath to Brathwaite, Darts it on middle and leg stump line, the batsman defends it back to the bowler. 29/0
9.5 R Herath to Brathwaite, The batsman charges down the wicket and dead-bats it. 29/0
9.4 R Herath to Brathwaite, Turn and bounce! Herath and rest of the spinners will be licking their lips seeing that. The ball lands on a length outside off and grips off the surface, the batsman decides to defend that but he is beaten for the away turn. 29/0
9.3 R Herath to Smith, Loopy ball, the batsman steps out and punches it to long on for a single. 29/0
9.2 R Herath to Smith, Attacks the stumps and the batsman taps it on the leg side. 28/0
9.1 R Herath to Smith, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 28/0
Time for some spin, the wily veteran, Rangana Herath, comes into the attack. Can he spin a web over the Windies batters?
8.6 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, In the channel outside off, Kraigg decides to leave that one. 28/0
8.5 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Brathwaite comes on the front foot and defends it on the off side. 28/0
8.4 S Lakmal to Smith, Change of angle for Lakmal, decides to go around the wicket and attacks the pads with a full delivery. Smith fails to put bat to ball. The ball goes off his pads to mid-wicket. They take a leg bye. 28/0
8.3 S Lakmal to Smith, Width on offer and the batsman slaps it hard to point. Though can't find the gap. 27/0
8.2 S Lakmal to Smith, FOUR! Wow, a brilliant reply from Smith, he gets an overpitched delivery from Lakmal. The left-hander leans forward and creams it past his partner. The ball races to the long off fence. 27/0
8.1 S Lakmal to Smith, LOUD SHOUT FOR AN LBW! Fuller length ball on middle and leg, it keeps a touch low, Smith hangs back to flick that but misses and gets pinged on the pads. Appeal from the Sri Lankan fielders but the umpire shakes his head. Dickwella did indicate that it might be pitching outside leg and they decide not to take the referral. 23/0
7.6 L Gamage to Brathwaite, Length ball outside off, the batsman doesn't play at it. 23/0
7.5 L Gamage to Brathwaite, Again too straight from Gamage, the batsman uses his wrists and flicks it past the short leg fielder for a brace. 23/0
7.4 L Gamage to Brathwaite, FOUR! With that boundary, the Windies lead by 250! Length ball on the leg stump line, Brathwaite plays a delicate leg glance and beats the keeper with it. The ball races away to the fine leg boundary. 21/0
7.3 L Gamage to Brathwaite, Once again, the bowler decides to keep it full. The batsman defends it solidly. 17/0
7.2 L Gamage to K Brathwaite, Fuller in length and outside off, Brathwaite leans forward and drills it to mid off. Can't find the gap. 17/0
7.1 L Gamage to K Brathwaite, Low full toss on the stumps, the batsman punches it to mid on. The fielder dives to his left and makes a good stop. 17/0
6.6 S Lakmal to Smith, Shorter in length, coming in from outside off. Smith decides to play the pull but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad. 17/0
6.5 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Spraying on the pads and the batsman works it to deep square leg for a single. 17/0
6.4 S Lakmal to Smith, Touch too straight, the batsman tucks it on the leg side for a single. 16/0
6.3 Lakmal to Smith, Bowls from around the wicket, slanting in from outside off. Smith hangs back to flick that but gets hit on the pads. There is an elongated appeal for an LBW but the umpire is unmoved. After a chat with his bowler and the keeper, Chandimal decides not to go for the referral. It looked a little high and might have missed the leg stump as well. 15/0
6.2 S Lakmal to Smith, FOUR! Pulled with authority! He looks in great rhythm, sees the shortish delivery early and gets into position quickly. Pulls it powerfully through square leg for a boundary. 15/0
6.1 S Lakmal to Smith, Wrong line from Lakmal, bowls it fuller on the leg stump line. Smith looks to glance that but misses. 11/0
5.6 L Gamage to Brathwaite, Tailing in from outside off, the batsman aims to play the drive but gets it off the inner half on the leg side. 11/0
5.5 L Gamage to Brathwaite, A harmless delivery from Gamange, full and outside off. The batsman lets it through to the keeper. 11/0
5.4 L Gamage to Brathwaite, Dipping in sharply from outside off, Kraigg stays back and nudges it to mid-wicket. 11/0
5.3 L Gamage to Brathwaite, Serves up a good length ball outside off, the batsman chooses to leave. 11/0
5.2 L Gamage to Brathwaite, Fullish delivery, swings in a little, the batsman taps it on the leg side. 11/0
5.1 L Gamage to Smith, Short of a length ball from Gamage, the batsman punches it to mid off. They take a quick single. 11/0
4.6 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Innocuous delivery outside off, Brathwaite doesn't play at it. 10/0
4.5 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Lakmal tries the short ball, hits the deck half way through. The batsman bends down quickly and lets it through. 10/0
4.4 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Away swinging delivery from Lakmal on a length outside off. Brathwaite decides to let it be. 10/0
4.3 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Punches it off the back foot to the man at extra cover. 10/0
4.2 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Good length ball outside off, the batsman lets it through to the keeper. 10/0
4.1 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Bowls it fuller on the stumps and the batsman sits back in his crease as he defends it down the track. 10/0
3.6 L Gamage to D Smith, Shortish delivery from Gamage, the batsman slaps it but finds the man at backward point. 10/0
3.5 L Gamage to Smith, Fuller in length and angling away from the stumps. No shot offered by the batsman. 10/0
3.4 L Gamage to Smith, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 10/0
3.3 L Gamage to Smith, Wide delivery and it swings further away from the batsman. Smith doesn't play at it. 10/0
3.2 L Gamage to Smith, Spears in a fullish delivery on the stumps, Smith jams his bat down in time and digs it out. 10/0
3.1 L Gamage to Smith, Moving away just a little and seeing that, Smith decides to let it be. 10/0
2.6 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Shortish delivery on the stumps, Braithwaite goes back and defends it. 10/0
2.5 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Bouncer from Lakmal, the batsman ducks under it and lets it go. 10/0
2.4 S Lakmal to Smith, Shortish delivery down leg, the left-hander goes across to pull that but gets a glove to it. The ball rolls to fine leg for a single. 10/0
2.3 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Plays away from the body and pushes it in the gap on the off side for a single. 9/0
2.2 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Sharp nut from Lakmal, superb delivery! Shortish in length and it moves away at pace. The batsman does well to take his hands away from the line of it. 8/0
2.1 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Lakmal bowls it fuller and this one too keeps a little low. Brathwaite pushes it on the off side. 8/0
1.6 L Gamage to Smith, Fuller length ball, angling across, the batsman covers his stumps and lets it go. 8/0
1.5 L Gamage to Smith, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 8/0
1.4 L Gamage to Smith, Played through mid-wicket by the batsman. 8/0
1.3 Gamage to D Smith, This is interesting from Devon, he goes after the short ball and makes his intentions clear. He will go after anything that is in his zone. Short and outside off. Goes for the pull but top edges it over the slip cordon. Mathews can't get there in time and the batsmen take two. 8/0
1.2 L Gamage to Smith, Short of a length ball outside off, the batsman defends it on the off side. 6/0
1.1 L Gamage to Smith, FOUR! SHOT! Devon Smith is off the mark with a positive strike. He got run out in a poor manner in the first innings but this shot will give him a lot of confidence. Short and wide outside off. The left-hander slaps it through the covers. 6/0
Lahiru Gamage will share the attack with Suranga Lakmal.
0.6 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Short of a length ball, this one rises normally and the batsman decides to let it be. 2/0
0.5 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, THIS IS INTERESTING! Another one keeps low and it is in line with the stumps. Brathwaite keeps his eyes on it and just manages to defend it. 2/0
0.4 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Attacks the stumps with a delivery on a fuller length. The batsman defends it. 2/0
0.3 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Fuller length ball, angling in from outside off, the batsman defends it down the track. 2/0
0.2 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, Lovely shape! On a good length closer to the off stump, it moves away quite nicely. Brathwaite leaves it all alone. 2/0
0.1 S Lakmal to Brathwaite, THAT ONE KEPT PRETTY LOW! Fuller length ball on the leg stump line, keeps low, the batsman does well to get his bat down in time and flicks it through square leg. A couple to start the proceedings. 2/0
First Published: June 9, 2018, 6:57 PM IST
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