West Indies recover through strong Jangoo and Chase partnership

An unbeaten century stand between Amir Jangoo and Roston Chase rescued the hosts from a difficult position on the second day of the first Test in North Sound, leaving West Indies just 37 runs behind Sri Lanka's first-innings total of 308.

Amir Jangoo, who entered the starting line-up following an injury to Shai Hope during training, capitalised on the opportunity by anchoring the innings. Walking out to bat with the score at 97 for two during the afternoon, he displayed a patient approach, facing 174 deliveries to finish the day unbeaten on 78. His maiden Test half-century guided West Indies to a total of 271 for five at stumps.

At the other end, team captain Roston Chase provided vital support from the number seven position. Despite entering the match with a low batting average from his recent innings since July last year, he adopted a highly cautious strategy. He faced 105 deliveries to secure 42 runs, combining with his partner for an unbroken sixth-wicket stand of 103 runs that restored momentum to the home side.

The partnership proved crucial following a tough middle session where Sri Lanka restricted the hosts by taking four wickets for 79 runs. Earlier in the day, the West Indian opening batsmen started productively, driving the total to 89 for one by the lunch break.

John Campbell and Brandon King successfully managed the new ball, establishing a half-century partnership in the morning. Scoring opportunities emerged early on as Lahiru Kumara conceded runs in his solitary over before exiting the field due to a hamstring injury, leaving the visiting team a bowler short for the remainder of the day. Asitha Fernando and Kasun Rajitha maintained tight lines, though the opening pair handled the initial movement effectively.

The initial opening stand concluded during the 14th over when Brandon King mistimed a shot off Milan Rathnayaka, sending a catch to short cover after scoring 31.

Sri Lanka's bowling attack established greater consistency during the second session to put pressure on the batting line-up. John Campbell departed immediately after the lunch interval for 39 runs, catching a full delivery from left-arm spinner Sonal Dinusha outside off stump and lofting the ball directly to Nishan Madushka.

Shortly afterwards, Milan Rathnayaka claimed his second wicket of the day. He utilized a steady line and length to generate additional bounce, causing Kavem Hodge to inside-edge a defensive stroke onto his own stumps for 16.

Joshua Da Silva and Amir Jangoo attempted a recovery with the score at 102 for three, managing to absorb the pressure despite a slow run rate. While his partner focused on a defensive approach, Amir Jangoo shifted his stance regularly to execute shots through the off side.

The pair added 52 runs over 18 overs before Joshua Da Silva hit a delivery from Asitha Fernando straight to cover, departing for 20. In the subsequent over, Alick Athanaze edged a delivery from Asitha Fernando, allowing wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis to secure a sharp, one-handed catch.

Roston Chase and Amir Jangoo then united to navigate the final 33.5 overs of the day without further losses. Although the Sri Lankan bowlers continued their efforts under the setting sun, the absence of the injured Lahiru Kumara reduced their effectiveness, allowing the West Indian batsmen to remain unhurried until the close of play.