The bat of opener Kraigg Brathwaite breaks in two during his brief appearance at the crease. West Indies face an uphill battle at 66 for two chasing 484. (WICB media)
GALLE, Sri Lanka (CMC) – West Indies lost both their openers cheaply in the final hour to suffer a major setback, after big centuries by Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal had given Sri Lanka command of the opening Test in Galle on Thursday.
Facing a massive challenge after Sri Lanka piled up a massive 484 in their first innings, West Indies were further undermined by the quick departures of Kraigg Brathwaite (19) and Shai Hope (23) to the left-arm spin of Ragana Herath, to close the second day at the Galle International Stadium tentatively placed on 66 for two.
The pair added 33 for the first wicket before Brathwaite missed an arm ball, was struck on the back leg and adjudged lbw, after just over 36 minutes at the crease. He had earlier had a similar decision overturned on review, on 14.
Hope, in only his fourth Test, played authoritatively for just over an hour and struck three fours but perished when Herath got one to drift past his forward defensive prod, and hit off-stump, about 20 minutes before the close.
Rocking on 49 for two, the Windies were steadied by left-hander Darren Bravo, unbeaten on 15 and Marlon Samuels, on seven not out, who safely navigated their way to the close.
Heading into a pivotal last day, West Indies are still adrift by 418 runs with eight wickets intact.
Earlier, big centuries from Karunaratne (181) and Chandimal (151) laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s dominance after the hosts resumed the day on 250 for two.
The pair extended their overnight third wicket stand of 149 to 238 before being separated, as Sri Lanka controlled the morning session to add 94 runs for the loss of just one wicket.
The left-handed Karunaratne, unbeaten on 135 overnight, posted a career-best knock, facing 354 balls in a shade over eight hours at the crease, and striking 16 fours and a six.
Chandimal meanwhile, who was 72 not out at the start, completed his fifth Test century with an innings which included 16 fours and two sixes, and lasted 298 balls and 6-1/2 hours.
Captain Angelo Mathews chipped in with a breezy 48 off 65 deliveries, adding a further 86 for the fourth wicket with Chandimal.
Leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo finished with four for 143 from a marathon 40 overs while fast bowler Jerome Taylor picked up two for 65.