Kumara puts Sri Lanka in control as West Indies Select XI struggle on opening day
Key Points(5)
- Sri Lanka seized control of the opening day of their four-day warmup match against the West Indies Select XI after a disciplined bowling display restricted the home side to 205 runs on Thursday.
- Leading the attack was Lahiru Kumara, whose sharp spell produced a four-wicket haul and kept the Select XI under constant pressure.
- The West Indies side, however, avoided a much heavier collapse thanks to a determined half-century from Kirk McKenzie and valuable contributions from the lower order.
- At the close of play, Sri Lanka had reached 38 for one, trailing by 167 runs after losing opener Lahiru Udara for seven.
- McKenzie stands firm as top order falters The Select XI began with some early promise as Ackeem Auguste and McKenzie added 38 runs for the opening wicket.
Sri Lanka seized control of the opening day of their four-day warmup match against the West Indies Select XI after a disciplined bowling display restricted the home side to 205 runs on Thursday.
Leading the attack was Lahiru Kumara, whose sharp spell produced a four-wicket haul and kept the Select XI under constant pressure.
The West Indies side, however, avoided a much heavier collapse thanks to a determined half-century from Kirk McKenzie and valuable contributions from the lower order.
At the close of play, Sri Lanka had reached 38 for one, trailing by 167 runs after losing opener Lahiru Udara for seven.
McKenzie stands firm as top order falters
The Select XI began with some early promise as Ackeem Auguste and McKenzie added 38 runs for the opening wicket.
But Sri Lanka quickly found their rhythm.
Auguste became Kumara’s first breakthrough after scoring 12, and the fast bowler struck again just two overs later when Jonathan Drakes edged behind the wicket without adding to the total.
With the score under pressure, McKenzie took responsibility.
He combined with Kevin Wickham to rebuild the innings through a 53-run partnership that briefly stabilized the home side at 91 for two.
Sri Lanka bowling attack triggers collapse
The partnership ended when Wickham fell for 20, and the dismissal opened the door for a dramatic slide.
The Select XI lost five wickets for just 32 runs, falling from a comfortable position at 91 for two to a difficult 123 for seven.
Kumara continued to trouble the batters, while Asitha Fernando provided strong support with two wickets.
The Sri Lankan attack maintained pressure through accuracy and movement, leaving the Select XI’s middle order unable to recover.
Lower order delivers vital resistance
Just when Sri Lanka appeared ready to wrap up the innings quickly, the Select XI’s lower order fought back.
Keemo Paul produced a valuable 36 from 51 deliveries, adding crucial runs when they were most needed.
Tailenders Nial Smith and Ojay Shields also contributed important support.
Smith remained unbeaten on 19, Shields made 16, and Alzarri Joseph added 12 as the Select XI pushed their total beyond the 200 mark.
Their efforts transformed what could have been a disappointing total into a more competitive score of 205.
Sri Lanka finish strong after early setback
Sri Lanka began their reply cautiously but lost Udara early, dismissed for seven.
Still, their 38 for one at the end of the day left them firmly in the driver’s seat.
Kumara finished as the standout performer with impressive figures of 4-39, while Fernando claimed 2-26.
With three more days remaining, Sri Lanka enter the next phase of the match with momentum and confidence, while the West Indies Select XI will look to their bowlers to create a response and bring themselves back into contention.
