Karunaratne hit 16 boundaries and a six during his career-best knock of 186
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
The West Indies continued to struggle on the second day of the first Test in Galle as Sri Lanka opener Dimuth Karunaratne scored a career-best 186 and batsman Dinesh Chandimal made 151.
To make things worse, the West Indies lost two wickets prior to the end of play, which leaves them in a tough spot heading into the third day.
Starting out the day on 250/2, Karunaratne and Chandimal converted their 149-run partnership into a 238-run stand, during which Karunaratne surpassed the 150-run mark and Chandimal brought up his fifth Test century.
With things starting to get way out of hand for the tourists, all-rounder Marlon Samuels provided the much-needed breakthrough when he dismissed Karunaratne for a career-best 186 off 354 balls, which included 16 boundaries and a six.
Just as the West Indies ended an enormous partnership, they were forced to endure more punishment as Chandimal and captain Angelo Mathews amassed an 86-run stand, during which Chandimal registered his 150, before he was caught by Jermaine Blackwood at extra cover off the bowling of Jerome Taylor.
Chandimal’s superb innings of 151 came off 298 deliveries and included 16 boundaries and two sixes.
Chandimal celebrates after scoring his fifth Test century
Image courtesy of: ESPNcricinfo
Following Chandimal’s dismissal, Sri Lanka began to lose wickets in a hurry and they were eventually bowled out for 484.
Devendra Bishoo was the pick of the bowlers with four wickets, while Taylor snapped up two and Samuels, Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach and skipper Jason Holder chipped in with one wicket apiece.
Trailing by 484, the West Indies got off to a horrible start as opener Kraigg Brathwaite was given out lbw off the bowling of Rangana Herath for 19.
Herath struck again a short while later as he clean bowled Shai Hope for 23 to leave the West Indies in deep trouble at 49/2.
However, Darren Bravo and Samuels ensured the West Indies did not lose any more wickets as they put together an unbeaten 17-run partnership before stumps was called.
Bravo finished on 15 off 39 balls, which included two boundaries, while Samuels remained undefeated on seven off 16 deliveries, which included one boundary.
Herath was the only bowler to take any wickets.
The West Indies ended day two on 66/2 and will continue batting tomorrow at 10:00 local time or 04:30 GMT.