Depleted Windies crumbles

The torrid fortunes of West Indies cricket maintained consistency today, as the tourists crumbled for 110 on the opening day of the lone warm-up match ahead of two Tests against Sri Lanka. Continuing its dominance, the Sri Lanka Cricket XI reached a commanding 152/1 at stumps.

In face of spin from Test players Herath (3/23) and Lokuarachchi (3/15), no West Indian batsman crossed 20 in the display. Indeed, Omari Banks topscored with 18, whilst Runako Morton (17) and captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul (15) were the next in line.

Batting the 39 remaining overs was a breeze for the host batsmen, with captain Marvan Atapattu’s breezy unbeaten 77 leading the charge. The established Test batsman, making his return from injury, stroked 12 boundaries in his 118-ball knock. Fellow opening batsman, Upul Tharanga scored 41, but was the lone Sri Lankan dismissal on the day.

Omari Banks (1/51) took the only wicket for the West Indians, and Kumar Sangakkara (25 not out) batted to the close.

Score Summary:

West Indians 110 ao (51 overs)
OAC Banks 18, RS Morton 17, S Chanderpaul 15
KS Lokuarachchi 3/15, HMRKB Herath 3/23, PS Jayaprakashdaran 2/20

Sri Lanka Cricket XI 152/1 (39 overs)
MS Atapattu 77*, WU Tharanga 41, KS Sangakkara 25*
OAC Banks 1/51