Jangoo and Chase rescue West Indies as Sri Lanka’s attack loses control

West Indies recovered from a difficult middle session to seize control of the opening Test against Sri Lanka, thanks to a crucial unbeaten partnership between Amir Jangoo and captain Roston Chase.

After appearing vulnerable at 168 for five at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, the home side regained stability through a composed sixth-wicket stand worth 103 runs.

Jangoo and Chase guided West Indies to 271 for five at the close of play on the second day, leaving them just 37 runs away from surpassing Sri Lanka’s first-innings total.

The turnaround came after Sri Lanka’s fast bowlers, Asitha Fernando and Milan Rathnayake, threatened to expose familiar weaknesses in the West Indies batting order.

Promising start quickly turns into a fight for survival

The day began with confidence from the hosts.

Openers John Campbell and Brandon King provided West Indies with the type of steady start they desperately wanted, moving beyond 50 before the first drinks break without major difficulty.

However, the familiar pattern of losing wickets soon after a strong opening phase returned.

Shortly after the restart, King chased a wide delivery from Rathnayake and edged a catch to cover, departing for 31 and leaving West Indies on 58 for one.

Campbell continued positively alongside Kavem Hodge, carrying the team through to lunch at 89 for one and keeping the momentum alive.

Sri Lanka strike back with three quick wickets

The second session belonged to the visitors.

Campbell fell soon after lunch, attempting an aggressive shot against left-arm spinner Sonal Dinusha. His dismissal at long-on reduced West Indies to 97 for two.

The pressure intensified only five runs later.

Hodge attempted to cut a Rathnayake delivery but chopped the ball back onto his stumps, departing for 19.

Suddenly, West Indies were searching for answers.

Jangoo and Da Silva rebuild before another collapse

Amid the pressure, Jangoo and Joshua Da Silva began restoring order.

The pair added 52 runs, creating the foundation for a recovery.

Da Silva survived a major scare when a leg-before appeal was reviewed, with technology showing the ball narrowly missing the stumps.

But the partnership ended when Da Silva chased a wide delivery from Fernando and was caught at cover for 20.

Justin Greaves then endured a brief stay at the crease, falling victim to an outstanding catch by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis off Fernando’s bowling.

West Indies reached tea struggling at 168 for five.

Jangoo finds his moment under pressure

The match appeared ready to follow the same pattern after tea, but Jangoo refused to let the innings collapse.

He survived an early lbw scare thanks to a thin inside edge and gradually shifted the pressure back onto Sri Lanka.

Reaching 46, he helped West Indies pass the 200-run mark with a risky but successful stroke that flew over the slip cordon for four.

Five balls later, he reached a landmark moment.

Jangoo recorded his maiden Test half-century from 111 balls with an elegant cover drive off Rajitha, producing the shot that confirmed his arrival on the international stage.

Chase provides the perfect support

While Jangoo provided the attacking spark, Chase offered calm leadership at the other end.

The pair negotiated Sri Lanka’s second new ball challenge in the final overs, with Fernando and Rathnayake continuing to test them.

Jangoo ended the day unbeaten on 78 from 174 balls, striking seven boundaries.

Chase remained not out on 42 from 105 deliveries, with two fours.

For Sri Lanka, Fernando finished with two wickets for 25 runs, while Rathnayake claimed two for 45.

West Indies seize momentum heading into Day Three

What began as a worrying day for West Indies ended with renewed confidence.

The hosts still trail Sri Lanka by 37 runs, but the unbeaten partnership has completely changed the complexion of the Test.

From a position of danger, Jangoo and Chase have given West Indies the platform to push ahead, and placed the pressure firmly back on Sri Lanka.