Udara headlines the beginning of Sri Lanka’s rule
Udara starred with a magnificent 188, which laid the foundation for Sri Lanka’s greatest ever first innings. The opener shared a record-breaking 215-run partnership for the third wicket with Kamindu Mendis, who played an equally important hand with a fluent 84.
The duo thwarted the West Indies attack for most of the day before the hosts finally made inroads in the late evening session.
Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva added a valuable 33 before a landmark wicket for Jayden Seales, who claimed his 100th Test scalp.
West Indies looking for early momentum on Day 2
The hosts opted for the second new ball late on Day 1, leaving it with just two overs to spare heading into the second morning. With the new conditions expected to help, the West Indies will hope that their pace attack can make immediate breakthroughs and prevent Sri Lanka from posting a daunting first-innings total.
Seales and Alzarri Joseph will be key to the home side’s chances as they look to expose Sri Lanka’s lower order before the visitors cross the 450 mark.
Sri Lanka are targeting a big first-innings total
Moving on to Day 2, Sonal Dinusha (5*) and Kusal Mendis (0*) will look to build on Sri Lanka’s strong position. With five wickets still in hand, the visitors will be looking at a total in the region of 450-500, which will put the West Indies under significant scoreboard pressure and strengthen their chances of leveling the series.