ST JOHN'S, ANTIGUA, 08 July (H.S.): West Indies secured a 1-0 victory in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka after the second and final Test ended in a draw on Tuesday in Antigua. The result marked the Caribbean side's first Test series triumph over Sri Lanka in 23 years and their first Test series victory since February 2023.

Having registered a comprehensive innings victory in the opening Test, West Indies entered the second match with a 1-0 lead in the series.

On the final day, Sri Lanka accelerated the scoring in an attempt to force a result. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva, Sonal Dinusha and Milan Rathnayake played aggressive innings as the visitors declared their second innings at 251 for 9, setting West Indies a target of 362 runs.

However, West Indies openers John Campbell and Brandon King batted confidently in the final session, putting together an unbeaten 109-run opening partnership. Both batters completed half-centuries before the two teams mutually agreed to settle for a draw.

Earlier, Sri Lanka had declared their first innings at 549 for 9. Lahiru Udara top-scored with 188, Sonal Dinusha contributed 92, while Kamindu Mendis added 84.

In reply, West Indies posted 499, powered by Justin Greaves' magnificent 180 and Shai Hope's 112. Sri Lankan fast bowler Asitha Fernando starred with the ball, claiming five wickets in the first innings.

Brief Scores

Sri Lanka: 549/9 declared and 251/9 declared (Lahiru Udara 188, Sonal Dinusha 92, Kamindu Mendis 84 and 44; Alzarri Joseph 2/44, Jayden Seales 2/98).

West Indies: 499 and 109/0 (Justin Greaves 180, Shai Hope 112, John Campbell unbeaten 51, Brandon King unbeaten 51; Asitha Fernando 5/130).

Result: Second Test drawn; West Indies won the two-match Test series 1-0.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar