Rahkeem Cornwall made his highest Test score, sharing a record partnership with Joshua Da Silva, as West Indies secured a vital 99-run lead at the end of the second day, on Monday.
The imposing all-rounder closed on 60 not out to push West Indies to 268-8 off 101 overs, in reply to Sri Lanka’s 169, made on the first dayCornwall has so far hit two sixes – both from savage pulls into the western side of the ground, as well as nine fours. He is the first time an Antiguan to score a half-century at this venue, he now has the highest score by a Number 9 batsman at the ground, and the highest score by a West Indies Number 9 against Sri Lanka.
He featured in a vital eighth-wicket stand with Da Silva, who made 46 in his first knock on Caribbean soil. It changed the course of the match hauled the West Indies around from relative trouble 171-7 to 261-8 and a healthy lead. Da Silva fell just before the close, caught behind as he tried to ramp a ball from Dushmantha Chameera down to third man.Earlier, a 56-run second wicket partnership between John Campbell (42) and Nkrumah Bonner (31) was the best effort by the West Indies top-order. However, Sri Lanka pacer Suranga Lakmal made inroads into the West Indies, with 5-45, his fourth five-wicket haul.
Lakmal dismissed captain Kraigg Brathwaite (3), then removed Kyle Mayers for an attacking 45 off 70 balls in an hour-and-a-half. The left-hander played some brilliant shots, including a hook over the midwicket fence as he struck six fours and two sixes.
Lakmal returned to bowl Jermaine Blackwood (2) and Jason Holder (19), leaving the West Indies 169-6. Alzarri Joseph was his fifth wicket, caught at point as he flashed a firm drive at an outswinger.
