Brathwaite six-for gives WI hope in rain-shortened day

West Indies were on 20 for 1 at the close on Day Three, chasing 244. The match is due to start 15 minutes earlier on Sunday to make up for some of the time lost due to rain.

Kraigg Brathwaite registered best career figures of 6 for 29 as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 206 in their second innings.

Rain called off play after tea as West Indies chased 224 to win and level the two-match series against Sri Lanka in Colombo today, day three of the second Test. West Indies were on 20 for 1 at the close and the match is due to start 15 minutes earlier on Sunday to make up for some of the time lost due to rain.

West Indies had progressed to 20 when Dhammika Prasad beat Kraigg Brathwaite’s forward grope. He was ruled plumb in front for three. Shai Hope, who had failed in all three previous outings in the series, was 17 not out at the break.

Sri Lanka’s bid for an unassailable second innings total was stifled by Brathwaite, who took 6 for 29 as the hosts slumped to 206 all out after lunch. That set the visitors a target of 244 to win. The West Indies have two days’ play remaining — provided there is no further rain — to record their first Test win on Sri Lankan soil.

After lunch, Rangana Herath, who added 30 runs for the seventh wicket with captain Angelo Mathews, was caught by Jermaine Blackwood at slip for 17 off the bowling of Brathwaite. Dilruwan Perera, who hit a six off Brathwaite, was caught two balls later by Kemar Roach at deep mid wicket trying to hit a repeat six. Skipper Mathews tried a reverse sweep and fell to the combination of Blackwood-Brathwaite for the third time in the innings. The Sri Lankan captain made 46.

Last man Nuwan Pradeep was caught first ball by Blackwood off Brathwaite leaving Dhammika Prasad not out on one. Jerome Taylor and Jomel Warrican finished with two wickets each.

Sri Lanka were 202 runs ahead of the West Indies after scoring 200 in the first innings and getting the tourists bowled out for 163 yesterday.