KANDY – The third and final Test between Sri Lanka and West Indies continued its aimless meander towards a rainy stalemate after adverse weather allowed just under 90 minutes play on the fourth day yesterday.
Only 22.3 overs were possible at the Pallekele Stadium as the persistent rain which has ravaged this match, returnedin full force to wipe out any chance of an outright result in the series decider.
In the time available, West Indies stumbled to 303 for eight as left-arm spinner Rangana Herath tore through the lower order to finish the day with four for 54.
He snatched three wickets to send West Indies tumbling from their overnight 244 for five to 297 for eight, before the rains returned at the first water break and forced an early lunch.
On resumption, just 15 balls were possible before the heavens opened, ruining any further prospects of play for the day.
The first session belonged to Sri Lanka, however, as they claimed quick wickets including the scalp of the dangerous Brendan Nash for 67.
Nash, starting the day on 62, added just five before pulling at an innocuous delivery from Herath down the leg-side and gloving a catch to wicketkeeper Prasanna Jayawardene off the eighth ball of the day.
The left-hander’s demise was the motivation the hosts needed and they quickly removed Carlton Baugh who missed a sweep at Herath and was adjudged lbw for two at 253 for seven.
Captain Darren Sammy’s dismal run with the bat continued when he was palpably lbw on the back foot for eight at 274 for eight, leaving him with just ten runs from three innings in the series.
With the Windies sliding, Sri Lanka seemed likely to be batting by lunch but combative tail-ender Sulieman Benn, unbeaten on 29 at the close, staged a lower order fight back as he added 29 for the ninth wicket with Kemar Roach who was on 12.
(CMC)
