Jangoo, Chase keep West Indies in touch against Sri Lanka

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, June 28, 2026

West Indies reached 271 for five at the close of day two in the first Test against Sri Lanka, with Amir Jangoo scoring 78 and captain Roston Chase unbeaten on 42, recovering from a precarious position. The resilient batting partnership stabilized the innings on a pitch that had eased for batsmen, keeping West Indies in contention as they look to surpass Sri Lanka’s first innings total.

Antigua and Barbuda — West Indies remained in contention against Sri Lanka after the second day of the first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, closing at 271 for five. The visitors had posted 308 runs in their first innings on day one.

Amir Jangoo, playing only his second Test, and West Indies captain Roston Chase anchored the home side’s innings with a steady partnership. Jangoo ended the day on 78 runs, while Chase was unbeaten on 42. Together, they added 103 runs for the sixth wicket after the West Indies found themselves struggling at 168 for five late in the day.

The pitch, which began offering significant assistance to fast bowlers on the opening day, had slowed and lowered by day two, making shot selection crucial. The pair’s cautious approach lacked flair but was deemed necessary to stabilize the innings following early collapses in the top order.

“While the wicket was really good, the bowlers were getting the ball to swing a lot, so once I was able to cope with that it was just about waiting for the balls in my area to score,” said Jangoo after day’s play. He noted the importance of restraint, emphasizing the different demands of Test cricket compared to shorter formats and crediting pre-series preparations for his ability to adapt.

Sri Lanka, aiming for their first Test series victory in the Caribbean, suffered a blow early on day two when pacer Lahiru Kumara, recently returning from a leg injury, exited the game after pulling up during his second over. Absent Kumara, Asitha Fernando and Milan Rathnayaka bore most of the pace bowling workload. Spinner Sonal Dinusha claimed Sri Lanka’s sole wicket of the day.

West Indies openers John Campbell and Brandon King started confidently with a 58-run opening stand within the first hour. However, King was dismissed shortly after the first drinks break, edging a drive to short extra-cover off Rathnayaka. Campbell followed, caught at long-on for 39 off spinner Dinusha. The early middle order faltered when Kavem Hodge was bowled by Rathnayaka, leaving the score at 102 for three after lunch.

Jangoo then partnered with Trinidad and Tobago captain Joshua da Silva, compiling 52 runs for the fourth wicket before da Silva was caught driving outside off stump off Fernando’s bowling. The West Indies look to build on their position as play resumes on the third day, aiming to surpass Sri Lanka’s first innings total and keep the match competitive.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.