A historic 401-run stand puts Windies in complete control of first Test

West Indies produced a breathtaking batting performance on Saturday as Amir Jangoo and captain Roston Chase delivered one of the greatest partnerships in the nation’s Test history, placing Sri Lanka under enormous pressure in the opening match of the series.

The pair combined for an extraordinary 401-run partnership for the sixth wicket at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, powering West Indies to a commanding first innings total of 626 for nine before Chase declared.

With a huge first innings advantage of 318 runs secured, the hosts immediately tightened their grip. Fast bowler Jayden Seales removed Pathum Nissanka for just three before stumps, leaving Sri Lanka struggling at 15 for one and facing a difficult battle to survive the final stages of the match.

Jangoo and Chase rewrite the record books

The third day belonged entirely to the West Indies duo.

Their sixth-wicket partnership became the highest ever recorded in Test cricket, surpassing the previous mark of 399 set by England’s Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow against South Africa in 2016.

The achievement also placed the pair among the greatest West Indies batting partnerships ever, second only to the legendary 446-run stand between Sir Garfield Sobers and Conrad Hunte against Pakistan in 1958.

When play resumed, West Indies were still behind.

They began the day at 271 for five, trailing Sri Lanka’s first innings score of 308 by 37 runs. With only the lower order remaining, Jangoo and Chase understood that a major partnership was required to completely change the direction of the contest.

They delivered far more than expected.

Jangoo announces himself on the biggest stage

Jangoo, playing only his third Test match, continued his impressive form from the previous day.

The left-hander blended patience with controlled aggression, moving steadily toward a breakthrough moment in his young international career.

Starting the morning on 78, he pushed into the 90s before giving West Indies the lead with a beautifully timed boundary through the off side against spinner Sonal Dinusha.

One over later, history arrived.

Jangoo reached his maiden Test century by clipping Kasun Rajitha through square leg for four, raising the bat as his teammates celebrated a major milestone.

By lunch, the partnership had carried West Indies to 356 for five, with Sri Lanka’s bowling attack struggling to find answers, especially after losing their quickest bowler, Lahiru Kumara, to a hamstring injury the previous day.

Chase matches the moment with captain’s knock

While Jangoo attacked when opportunities appeared, Chase provided the stability and control needed to build a massive total.

The captain reached his sixth Test century by driving Milan Rathnayake through cover for two runs, pushing West Indies beyond 400.

There was a brief scare when Chase survived a dropped chance at first slip by Kamindu Mendis, although the moment would not have counted because the delivery had been called a no-ball.

The partnership continued to grow.

By tea, the record stand had passed 300 runs and West Indies had moved to 492 for five, completely dictating the match.

Jangoo reaches double hundred before falling

After the interval, Jangoo reached another landmark.

The young batsman brought up a magnificent double century with a single to square leg off Dinusha, celebrating by jumping and punching the air in delight.

With West Indies looking to accelerate toward a declaration, Jangoo shifted into attacking mode.

He launched Rathnayake over deep backward square for a huge six but attempted the same shot again the very next delivery and paid the price.

A leading edge sent the ball high into the air, allowing wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis to complete the catch.

Jangoo departed after a remarkable innings of 233, lasting more than nine and a half hours. He faced 373 deliveries and struck 19 fours and three sixes.

Chase falls just short of double century

The entertainment continued as West Indies pushed for a declaration.

Alzarri Joseph added quick runs with a lively cameo, smashing two sixes and a four in his 21 off 20 balls before Rathnayake claimed another wicket.

Then came the captain’s dismissal.

Chase was within touching distance of a double century but fell for 194 when he missed a sweep attempt against Dinusha and was bowled.

His marathon innings lasted more than eight and a half hours, with 13 fours and two sixes from 324 balls.

Seales strikes again as Sri Lanka face uphill battle

Sri Lanka’s only major success came through Rathnayake, who completed his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket with figures of 5-124.

His final wicket, Kemar Roach trapped lbw without scoring, triggered the West Indies declaration.

Sri Lanka’s reply began under immediate pressure.

Seales made the breakthrough before the close, finding the edge of Nissanka’s bat with the first ball of his second over and sending him behind for three.

The visitors survived until the end of play, but the damage had already been done.

West Indies had turned a difficult position into complete dominance, and Sri Lanka now face a demanding final stretch against a side full of confidence after one of the most memorable batting days in recent Caribbean Test history.