COOLIDGE, Antigua — The West Indies Academy delivered a composed and commanding performance on the opening day of their second four-day encounter against the Sri Lanka Emerging Players, closing play at 82 for 1 in response to the visitors’ modest 241 all out at the Coolidge Cricket Ground on Saturday.
Following a disciplined bowling display that dismantled the Sri Lankan innings in 60.1 overs, the Academy batters responded with calm assurance, setting up an intriguing battle heading into day two.
Sri Lanka’s innings: Promising starts, premature ends
After winning the toss and electing to bat, the Sri Lanka Emerging Players failed to fully capitalize on what seemed like a fairly balanced batting surface. Though the wicket offered good reward for positive stroke play, it also demanded discipline—something the visitors couldn’t consistently muster.
The Sri Lankans raced to 45 inside the first nine overs, but their momentum faltered sharply. Seam bowler Raneico Smith broke the opening stand, removing Ravindu Rasantha for 24. Just one run later, Smith struck again, dismissing fellow opener Shevon Daniel for 12.
Ahan Wickramasinghe looked promising with a fluent 48 that included seven crisp boundaries, but his stay ended just two runs short of a half-century when Kelvin Pitman found his edge.
Sohan de Livera, fresh from a century in the first match, added a watchful 41. Yet, it was Anjala Bandara who provided the most resistance, anchoring the innings with a defiant unbeaten 56 off 104 deliveries. His composed knock injected some respectability into an otherwise underwhelming total.
Bishop spins a web as Academy bowlers share spoils
The West Indies Academy attack operated with surgical precision, never allowing the Sri Lankan line-up to fully settle. Left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop spearheaded the effort, finishing with figures of 3 for 68 from 16 probing overs.
Seamers Zishan Motara, Raneico Smith, and Nathan Edward each claimed two wickets, showcasing a balanced attack that thrived on applying relentless pressure.
Bishop’s late burst through the lower order ensured Sri Lanka fell short of what could have been a more competitive score.
Auguste anchors response with measured stroke play
In response, the West Indies Academy lost opener Mbeki Joseph early—caught for 12 with the score on 31—but suffered no further damage by stumps.
Ackeem Auguste, in imperious form, led the hosts’ reply with an assured, unbeaten 47 off 77 balls. Displaying a keen eye and fine footwork, he nullified the early movement and set the tone for the innings.
Mavendra Dindyal, 13 not out, provided steady company at the other end, ensuring the Academy closed the day in a position of strength at 82 for 1—trailing by just 159 runs with nine wickets in hand.
Looking ahead: Academy in pole position
With Auguste well set and Dindyal looking solid, the West Indies Academy will resume on day two with a golden opportunity to take full command of the match. If the top order can convert their starts, a first-innings lead—and potentially a dominant position in the match—is well within reach.
The battle between two promising young sides continues, but for now, the momentum firmly belongs to the hosts.
