Antigua, 29 June (H.S.): West Indies thrashed Sri Lanka by an innings and 217 runs in the first Test to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. On the fourth day of the match on Sunday, the West Indies pace attack produced a superb performance, dismissing Sri Lanka for just 101 in their second innings.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had posted 308 in their first innings. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva led the resistance with a magnificent 120, while Dinesh Chandimal scored 54 and Nuwanidu Fernando contributed 84. Justin Greaves was the pick of the West Indies bowlers with three wickets.

In reply, West Indies produced a commanding batting display, declaring their first innings at 626 for 9. Wicketkeeper-batter Amir Jangoo registered the first double century of his Test career, scoring a brilliant 233, while captain Roston Chase narrowly missed out on a double hundred with an outstanding 194. Their massive partnership helped the hosts secure a commanding first-innings lead of 318 runs.

Resuming the fourth day at 15 for 1, Sri Lanka endured a disastrous start. In the opening over of the day, Kemar Roach trapped Nishan Madushka leg-before-wicket, and three deliveries later Jayden Seales had nightwatchman Kasun Rajitha caught in the slips.

Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chandimal attempted to rebuild the innings, but Kamindu was bowled by Shamar Joseph. Soon after, first-innings centurion and skipper Dhananjaya de Silva was also dismissed lbw, leaving Sri Lanka reeling after losing half their side.

Roach then bowled Kusal Mendis to deepen Sri Lanka's troubles. Rain briefly interrupted play, but once the match resumed, the West Indies bowlers maintained relentless pressure.

After lunch, Roach struck with consecutive deliveries to remove Dinesh Chandimal and Milan Rathnayake, effectively putting the contest beyond Sri Lanka's reach. He then bowled Asitha Fernando to claim his 300th wicket in Test cricket, becoming only the fifth West Indies bowler to achieve the landmark.

Jayden Seales claimed the final wicket to wrap up Sri Lanka's innings and hand West Indies, under the captaincy of Roston Chase, their first Test victory. The second and final Test of the series will begin at the same venue on Friday.

Brief Scores:

Sri Lanka: 308 and 101 (Dinesh Chandimal 43; Kemar Roach 4/51)

West Indies: 626/9 declared (Amir Jangoo 233, Roston Chase 194)

Result: West Indies defeated Sri Lanka by an innings and 217 runs.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar