Sri Lanka crumble as West Indies near victory

Sri Lanka (Chandimal 40, Dinusha 4, Seales 2-13) and 308 trail West Indies 626 for 9 dec by 237 runs.

Sri Lanka faced a disheartening decline during the first session of day four, suffering the loss of five wickets for just 66 runs, leading to a precarious position at lunch with the score at 81 for 6. The team still had three recognized batsmen remaining: Dinesh Chandimal, who remained not out on 40, Sonal Dinusha, and Milan Rathnayake who was yet to bat.

If the West Indies continue their strong bowling performance and break through in the next session, they are likely to secure an innings victory. Each of the West Indies’ four frontline fast bowlers showcased remarkable skill, gaining significantly more movement than their Sri Lankan counterparts. Dismissals began early when Kemar Roach successfully bowled Nishan Madushka lbw in the first over of the day. Following this, Jayden Seales made a swift impact, taking a wicket with his very first delivery when he dismissed Sri Lanka's nightwatcher.

Shamar Joseph quickly joined the action, eliminating Kamindu Mendis and then Dhananjaya de Silva in quick succession. Towards the end of the session, Alzarri Joseph added to the West Indies’ tally by outfoxing Kusal Mendis with a well-placed delivery that turned sharply to trap him lbw.

Dinesh Chandimal was the only Sri Lankan batsman to resist the West Indies bowlers effectively. He played cautiously yet confidently against probing deliveries from Roach, notably driving well and finding boundaries square of the wicket. By lunch, Chandimal had reached 40 not out off 52 balls, holding the fort alongside Sonal Dinusha. Seales shone with the ball for the West Indies, collecting the best figures of the session with 2 for 13 from seven overs, while Joseph and Roach each took one wicket apiece.

As it stands, Sri Lanka find themselves in a dire situation, trailing by 237 runs heading into the next session.