West Indies President’s XI took honors on the first day of the two day practice match against Sri Lanka commenced yesterday (17th March) at the Coolidge Cricket Grounds in Antigua.
Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne opened the innings for Sri Lanka after being put into bat first by West Indies President’s XI skipper Roston Chase. But both players could not occupy the crease for a long period as they were dismissed by speedster Kemar Roach for single digit scores.
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When Sri Lanka were reeling at 51 for 4, number three batsman Oshada Fernando and experienced Test batsman Dinesh Chandimal showed some resistance putting on a 53-run partnership for the 5th wicket. However, it was the only significant partnership in the Sri Lankan innings as they were bowled out for just 172 runs in 49.3 overs.
Fernando top scored with 47 runs off 90 balls with 7 fours while Chandimal contributed with 40 runs off 76 balls with 6 fours. The off spinner Chase was the pick of the bowlers for West Indies President’s XI as he bagged 4 scalps for just 12 runs.
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Though Sri Lanka struggled with the bat, the hosts showed a better batting display putting on 103 runs for 1 wicket in 26 overs at the end of the first day’s play. Opening batsman Shai Hope, who was in terrific form with the bat during ODI series for West Indies, batted beautifully scoring an unbeaten 60 runs off 72 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes.
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Brief Scores
Sri Lanka 172 (49.3) Oshada Fernando 47, Dinesh Chandimal 40, Pathum Nissanka 23, Roston Chase 4/12, Anderson Phillip 3/47
West Indies President’s XI 103/1 (26) Shai Hope 60*, Darren Bravo 30*, Suranga Lakmal 1/08
Stumps – Day 01
 at Coolidge Cricket Grounds in Antigua.){kind=link}