Dinusha and – Sonal Dinusha remained unbeaten on 37 and Kusal Mendis on 30 as Sri Lanka reached 402-5 on Day 2 of the second Test against West Indies in Antigua, setting up an aggressive push toward 450-500 after a resilient middle-order stand.
NORTH SOUND, Antigua — The West Indies tried to strike with the second new ball, but Sri Lanka’s middle order held its ground and kept the visitors from getting the breakthrough that would have flipped the day.
By lunch on Day 2 of the second Test, the scoreboard read 402-5, with Sonal Dinusha unbeaten on 37 and Kusal Mendis batting on 30. Resuming on 338-5, both batters absorbed pressure and denied the hosts wickets during the first session back in.
For West Indies, it wasn’t only about bowling discipline—it was also about missed chances. John Campbell dropped what would have been a regulation catch of Mendis at first slip off Shamar Joseph. Joseph. who had finished with figures of 2-82. couldn’t convert that into more wickets. as Alzarri Joseph. Jayden Seales and Justin Greaves each claimed one wicket.
The West Indies’ four fast bowlers were largely controlled through the long spells. Mendis and Dinusha ground out 64 runs in the first session. making it look like the pitch could be negotiated rather than conquered. Mendis mixed caution with bursts of aggression, smashing Joseph over backward point for a six. He followed it with back-to-back boundaries. Campbell’s earlier miscue in the slips only added to the sense that the visitors were being kept out of rhythm.
At the break, Mendis made Sri Lanka’s intent clear to the broadcasters. He said Sri Lanka would be aiming for 450-500 and added, “that’ll be very good on this pitch.”
The push comes on the back of what happened the day before. Lahiru Udara had led Sri Lanka to a strong total on Day 1 with 188, his maiden Test hundred. Kamindu Mendis had been close to a deserved century but finished short, falling for 84.
West Indies still holds the advantage in the series. The visitors lead the two-match series 1-0 after winning the first Test by an innings and 217 runs—its first win in eight World Test Championship games. Now. with Sri Lanka extending confidently on Day 2 and two batters left standing deep into the innings. the next question is whether West Indies can finally break the partnership before Sri Lanka turns the day into something closer to a statement innings.
Sri Lanka vs West Indies second Test Antigua Dinusha Kusal Mendis 402-5 Shamar Joseph Campbell dropped catch World Test Championship