The opening day of the first Test between the West Indies and Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, delivered a riveting showcase of traditional Test cricket. Captivating fans on June 25, 2026, the series opener saw dramatic shifts in momentum, highlighted by a majestic century and a highly disciplined bowling fightback. At stumps on Day 1, Sri Lanka were bowled out for a vibrant 308 runs in 71.5 overs, leaving the West Indies unscathed at 0/0 after negotiating a single tricky over before the close of play.
Dhananjaya de Silva’s ton powers Sri Lanka into a strong position against West Indies
Choosing to assert dominance early, Sri Lanka’s innings was anchoring heavily on a masterclass from their captain, Dhananjaya de Silva. Stepping into the crease with his team precariously placed, De Silva played a captain’s knock of the highest order. He compiled a spectacular 120 runs off just 168 deliveries, a knock punctuated by 17 crisp boundaries and two towering sixes.
Sri Lanka’s morning began in disastrous fashion. Veteran speedster Kemar Roach struck with the very final ball of the first over, removing Pathum Nissanka for just 2. Things worsened rapidly when Alzarri Joseph trapped Nishan Madushka (23) leg-before, and Shamar Joseph dismissed the dangerous Kamindu Mendis for a golden duck on the very next ball, leaving the visitors reeling at 42/3.
However, De Silva found an able ally in Dinesh Chandimal. The duo resurrected the innings with a vital 68-run partnership. Chandimal looked in sublime touch, bringing up a fluent half-century (54 off 67 balls, including 8 fours) before Shamar Joseph broke through his defense. Undeterred by losing Kusal Mendis for a duck shortly after, the Sri Lankan skipper stitched another crucial 99-run stand with debutant Sonal Dinusha, who showed immense grit for his 43 runs. De Silva paced his innings beautifully, reaching his half-century in 86 balls and accelerating to complete a magnificent century off 150 deliveries, single-handedly turning the tide in Sri Lanka’s favour.
West Indies restrict Sri Lanka to a formidable score
Just as Sri Lanka threatened to bat the home side completely out of the game, the West Indian bowling attack demonstrated remarkable resilience to claw their way back. The breakthrough came via Justin Greaves, who ultimately ended De Silva’s masterclass by forcing a catch to King. De Silva’s departure at 273/7 opened the floodgates for the lower order.
Greaves was the standout operator in the afternoon session, utilizing the old ball beautifully to finish with figures of 3/39 across 11 overs. He was expertly supported by the pace pack; Kemar Roach maintained excellent control to return tidy figures of 2/32 from 12 overs, while Alzarri Joseph (2/60) and Shamar (2/79) ensured the tourists could not form another dangerous tail-end partnership. Milan Rathnayaka offered a brief resistance with a 27-run cameo, and Lahiru Kumara remained stranded on an enterprising 12 not out before Seales wrapped up the innings at 308 by dismissing Asitha Fernando.
Faced with a solitary over to survive before stumps, West Indies openers John Campbell and King safely navigated the fiery opening burst of Fernando. Entering Day 2, the hosts trail by 308 runs, setting up an intriguing battle as they look to replicate Sri Lanka’s first-innings resilience on a sporting Antigua surface.
