Sri Lanka close in on victory as West Indies Select XI batting struggles continue

The West Indies Select XI’s bowlers created opportunities, but another disappointing batting collapse has placed Sri Lanka within touching distance of victory in their four-day warmup match at Coolidge Cricket Ground.

After restricting Sri Lanka to 281, the Select XI needed their batters to build on the work of the attack. Instead, the home side struggled once again, falling for 199 in 45.2 overs and leaving Sri Lanka needing only 124 runs for victory.

By the close of the penultimate day on Saturday, Sri Lanka had reached 30 for 1, requiring just 94 more runs to complete a convincing win.

Select XI bowlers fight back, but batters fail to capitalize

The West Indies Select XI’s bowlers had given their side a chance after Sri Lanka resumed their first innings in a strong position at 173 for 4.

Sri Lanka appeared set for a much larger total, but the home attack fought back strongly by claiming the final five wickets for just 47 runs.

Nial Smith led the effort with an impressive spell of 4 for 58, while Keemo Paul added 3 for 67 and Alzarri Joseph claimed 2 for 45.

Despite that late resistance, Sri Lanka had already secured a crucial first-innings advantage.

Dinesh Chandimal anchored the visitors’ innings with a top score of 74, supported by Milan Rathnayake, who made 41, and Dinusha, who contributed 36.

Early strikes put West Indies Select XI under pressure

Needing a strong response, the Select XI immediately found themselves in trouble.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers attacked with discipline, and Asitha Fernando made the early breakthroughs that shook the innings.

The home side slipped to 24 for 3 after Fernando removed Kirk McKenzie and Jonathan Drakes, while Prabath Jayasuriya added to the damage by dismissing Kevin Wickham.

Opener Ackeem Auguste provided some stability with a patient 46, combining with Kemol Savory for a 54-run fourth-wicket partnership.

However, Jayasuriya broke the stand by removing Savory for 27, and the Select XI quickly lost momentum again, sliding from 78 for 3 to 87 for 6.

Bishop launches counterattack before Sri Lanka regain control

With the innings in danger of collapsing completely, Joshua Bishop and Keemo Paul produced a much-needed counterpunch.

The pair added 74 runs in just 11 overs, attacking Sri Lanka’s bowlers and briefly shifting the pressure back onto the visitors.

Paul fell for 29 from 38 deliveries when Dinusha ended the partnership, but Bishop continued attacking.

The left-hander played with urgency and power, smashing 68 from only 42 balls, including five sixes and five fours.

His aggressive innings provided the bulk of the Select XI’s total before he became the final wicket to fall.

Sri Lanka’s bowling trio keeps the pressure on

Sri Lanka’s attack remained the defining factor of the contest.

Fernando, Dinusha, and Jayasuriya each claimed three wickets, with figures of 3 for 27, 3 for 42, and 3 for 70 respectively, dismantling the Select XI middle and lower order.

The visitors’ chase began with a minor setback when Joseph bowled Lahiru Udara for 2.

But beyond that early breakthrough, Sri Lanka negotiated the remaining overs comfortably and finished the day firmly in control.

The match now rests heavily in Sri Lanka’s favor, with victory requiring fewer than 100 runs on the final day.

For the West Indies Select XI, the defeat is a reminder that strong bowling performances must be matched by greater discipline and consistency from the batting group.

Their attack created openings. Their batters, however, could not turn those moments into a winning position.