Powell shines as Windies dominate Sri Lanka
Kieran Powell’s audacious, unbeaten half-century underlined the Windies’ dominance of Sri Lanka on yesterday’s day three, as the hosts installed themselves as heavy favourites to win the opening Test at Queen’s Park Oval.
Starting the day with the upper hard, Windies bowlers remained clinical to bundle Sri Lanka out for a paltry 185, and secure a healthy first innings lead of 229 runs.
The left-handed Powell then hammered an elegant 64 to propel the Windies to 131 for four at the close, an overall lead of 360 heading into today’s penultimate day.
Powell faced 80 balls in nearly two hours at the crease, stroking six delightful fours and two sixes, as the regional side turned the screws on Sri Lanka leaving them with a mountain to climb to save the encounter.
The Windies bowlers had earlier maintained the advantage, taking the last seven Sri Lanka wickets to fall for the addition of 154 runs.
Starting the day on 31 for three, Sri Lanka found themselves in further turmoil in the morning’s third over when Roshen Silva was bowled off his pads by seamer Kemar Roach (2-34) after adding four to his overnight one.
Tottering on 43 for four and in need of a partnership, the visitors found salvation in a 78-run, fifth-wicket stand between captain Dinesh Chandimal, who top-scored with 44 and wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella, who made 31.
The right-handed Chandimal was circumspect throughout, counting five fours in an innings lasting 121 balls and nearly three hours, while Dickwella, a left-hander, struck three boundaries in a 79-ball knock.
Chandimal appeared set to take his side safely to lunch when he slashed at the first ball of the final over before the break from Shannon Gabriel (2-48), and gave Roston Chase an easy chest-high catch at point.
CHANCE TO REBUILD
On 125 for five at the interval, Sri Lanka were not afforded the chance to rebuild on the resumption, as they lost their last five wickets for 60 runs.
Dickwella hesitated over a sharp single and was run out about half hour after the break by Kraigg Brathwaite’s direct throw from mid-on at 140 for six, and Rangana Herath (5) survived 15 balls before tugging a short ball from fast bowler Miguel Cummins to substitute Shimron Hetmyer at mid-wicket.
Dilruwan Perera was snared by Shai Hope at short leg off leg-spinner Devendra Bishoo for 20 before Cummins, who finished with three for 39, claimed the last two wickets as Sri Lanka’s innings closed 25 minutes before the scheduled tea interval.