Due to rain, only 34.4 overs of cricket was possible on the opening day at Galle due to rain. Sri Lanka managed 113/1 before bad light stopped play. Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka continued to impress, adding 106 runs for the opening wicket stand.
Sri Lanka decided to strengthen their batting by bringing in Charith Asalanka for Dushmantha Chameera. West Indies, on the other hand, included Veerasammy Permaul and Kemar Roach.
There was not much help for the pacers to begin with, but Kemar Roach and Jason Holder kept things tight in their opening spells. The spinners, barring Jomel Warrican, proved to be a bit expensive. There was a bit of turn available on the first day itself, and thus West Indies would expect more from Veerasammy Permaul and Roston Chase.
Pathum Nissanka, currently on 61, holds the key for Sri Lanka, along with Oshada Fernando. Having scored 3 and 14 in the first Test match, Oshada is due for a big score. In the press conference, Dhananjaya de Silva had reckoned that anything in excess of 300 is going to be a decent total here.
West Indies have already wasted two reviews, something they need to be more mindful on a pitch expected to deteriorate.
Betway Fantasy Tips
- Pick Pathum Nissanka and Charith Asalanka in your side.
- Jomel Warrican caused all sorts of trouble on Day 1, so he shouldn't be avoided.