COOLIDGE, Antigua — The West Indies Academy delivered a composed and commanding efficiency on the opening day of their second four-day encounter towards the Sri Lanka Rising Gamers, closing play at 82 for 1 in response to the guests’ modest 241 all out on the Coolidge Cricket Floor on Saturday.
Following a disciplined bowling show that dismantled the Sri Lankan innings in 60.1 overs, the Academy batters responded with calm assurance, establishing an intriguing battle heading into day two.
Sri Lanka’s innings: Promising begins, untimely ends
After profitable the toss and electing to bat, the Sri Lanka Rising Gamers failed to completely capitalize on what appeared like a reasonably balanced batting floor. Although the wicket supplied good reward for constructive stroke play, it additionally demanded self-discipline—one thing the guests couldn’t persistently muster.
The Sri Lankans raced to 45 inside the primary 9 overs, however their momentum faltered sharply. Seam bowler Raneico Smith broke the opening stand, eradicating Ravindu Rasantha for twenty-four. Only one run later, Smith struck once more, dismissing fellow opener Shevon Daniel for 12.
Ahan Wickramasinghe seemed promising with a fluent 48 that included seven crisp boundaries, however his keep ended simply two runs in need of a half-century when Kelvin Pitman discovered his edge.
Sohan de Livera, contemporary from a century within the first match, added a watchful 41. But, it was Anjala Bandara who offered essentially the most resistance, anchoring the innings with a defiant unbeaten 56 off 104 deliveries. His composed knock injected some respectability into an in any other case underwhelming whole.
Bishop spins an internet as Academy bowlers share spoils
The West Indies Academy assault operated with surgical precision, by no means permitting the Sri Lankan line-up to completely settle. Left-arm spinner Joshua Bishop spearheaded the hassle, ending with figures of three for 68 from 16 probing overs.
Seamers Zishan Motara, Raneico Smith, and Nathan Edward every claimed two wickets, showcasing a balanced assault that thrived on making use of relentless strain.
Bishop’s late burst by way of the decrease order ensured Sri Lanka fell in need of what might have been a extra aggressive rating.
Auguste anchors response with measured stroke play
In response, the West Indies Academy misplaced opener Mbeki Joseph early—caught for 12 with the rating on 31—however suffered no additional harm by stumps.
Ackeem Auguste, in imperious kind, led the hosts’ reply with an assured, unbeaten 47 off 77 balls. Displaying a eager eye and high-quality footwork, he nullified the early motion and set the tone for the innings.
Mavendra Dindyal, 13 not out, offered regular firm on the different finish, making certain the Academy closed the day able of energy at 82 for 1—trailing by simply 159 runs with 9 wickets in hand.
Wanting forward: Academy in pole place
With Auguste effectively set and Dindyal wanting strong, the West Indies Academy will resume on day two with a golden alternative to take full command of the match. If the highest order can convert their begins, a first-innings lead—and probably a dominant place within the match—is effectively inside attain.
The battle between two promising younger sides continues, however for now, the momentum firmly belongs to the hosts.
