Smith and Joseph spark stunning comeback as Select XI shock Sri Lanka
Key Points(5)
- ST JOHN’S, Antigua — What appeared to be a routine Sri Lankan victory turned into one of the most dramatic collapses of the match as the West Indies Select XI produced a remarkable fourth-day comeback at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.
- Fast bowlers Nial Smith and Alzarri Joseph combined for nine wickets to dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting order and deliver a stunning 15-run victory.
- Sri Lanka resumed the final day needing just 94 runs with nine wickets remaining after reaching 30 for one in pursuit of 124.
- Instead, they were bowled out for 108 in only 29.5 overs as the Select XI turned the match completely on its head.
- Sri Lanka appear in control before collapse begins The visitors looked firmly in command early in the chase.
What appeared to be a routine Sri Lankan victory turned into one of the most dramatic collapses of the match as the West Indies Select XI produced a remarkable fourth-day comeback at the Coolidge Cricket Ground.
Fast bowlers Nial Smith and Alzarri Joseph combined for nine wickets to dismantle Sri Lanka’s batting order and deliver a stunning 15-run victory.
Sri Lanka resumed the final day needing just 94 runs with nine wickets remaining after reaching 30 for one in pursuit of 124.
Instead, they were bowled out for 108 in only 29.5 overs as the Select XI turned the match completely on its head.
Sri Lanka appear in control before collapse begins
The visitors looked firmly in command early in the chase.
With Nishan Madushka and Dinesh Chandimal settled at the crease, Sri Lanka moved to 46 for one and seemed destined to complete the victory comfortably.
But Smith changed the entire momentum of the contest.
The right-arm quick trapped Chandimal lbw for 19 before producing another crucial delivery to remove Madushka for 30, reducing Sri Lanka to 60 for three.
Suddenly, the pressure shifted.
Smith and Joseph rip through Sri Lanka’s middle order
Smith continued his devastating spell by dismissing Dhananjaya de Silva for just one, caught behind, leaving Sri Lanka searching for stability.
Joseph then joined the attack, removing Pasindu Sooriyabandara to add further damage.
Meanwhile, Ojay Shields contributed by taking the wicket of Sonal Dinusha for four.
Sri Lanka had suddenly crashed to 68 for six, but the match still appeared within their reach.
Final resistance disappears under relentless pressure
Sri Lanka’s hopes rested on the partnership between Prabath Jayasuriya and Milan Rathnayake.
The pair briefly steadied the innings, pushing the score to 89 for six and restoring belief that they could survive the storm.
But Smith struck again.
The bowler held onto a return catch to dismiss Jayasuriya for 10, while Joseph removed Rathnayake for six to leave Sri Lanka struggling at 93 for eight.
The comeback was complete moments later.
Smith and Joseph closed out the match by taking the final two wickets in quick succession, removing Vishwa Fernando and Lahiru Kumara.
A pace-bowling masterclass changes everything
Smith finished with outstanding figures of 5-30, while Joseph claimed 4-41 as the pair combined to take nine of Sri Lanka’s 10 wickets.
The victory capped a remarkable turnaround for the Select XI, whose position had appeared increasingly difficult earlier in the match.
A chase that seemed like a formality became a showcase of fast bowling, discipline, and resilience, a reminder that in red-ball cricket, no advantage is safe until the final wicket falls.
