Dashing Dhananjaya ton rescues SL after Windies trigger collapse: 1st Test, Day 1 (Antigua)

 

A magnificent captain's knock of 120 from Dhananjaya de Silva dragged Sri Lanka out of early trouble to a competitive 308 all out on the opening day of the first Test against the West Indies.

After the hosts won the toss and elected to bowl, their decision looked to be paying dividends until Dhananjaya anchored the innings. He found crucial support in veteran Dinesh Chandimal (54) and youngster Sonal Dinusha (43) to spearhead a brilliant middle-order recovery.

Justin Greaves was the pick of the West Indian bowlers, returning tidy figures of 3/39, while the experienced Kemar Roach provided strong support with 2/32.

Faced with a tricky single over before the close of play, West Indies openers John Campbell and Brandon King safely negotiated the threat to finish 0/0 at stumps. The hosts trail by 308 runs heading into Day 2, setting up a fascinating second day of red-ball action.

West Indies 0 for 0 (Campbell 0*, King 0*) trail Sri Lanka 308 (Dhananjaya 120, Chandimal 54, Greaves 3-39) by 308 runs.

June 2026.