Persistent rain, stubborn Nissanka stand frustrate Windies on third day

By Sports Desk March 31, 2021

Stubborn resistance from Pathum Nissanka and persistent rain frustrated the West Indies on the third day of the second Test, as Sri Lanka closed play on 250 for 8, still some 104 runs behind the first innings target.

The Sri Lankans resumed play at 136 for 3 but the promising partnership of Dinesh Chandimal (44) and Dhanajaya De Silva (39) was halted in its tracks during the morning session.  Chandimal was tempted into an attempted hook shot by Shannon Gabriel and caught at deep square leg.

De Silva was given lbw on a delivery from part-timer Jermaine Blackwood, which seemed to be turning away from the stumps.  The decision was, however, not appealed.

The rain repeatedly interrupted play after lunch but there was still time for all-rounder Jason Holder to account for Niroshan Dickwella (21), who was caught behind from an inside edge.  Suranga Lakmal did not stick around long as he lasted for 9 deliveries before being caught at mid-on by Kraigg Brathwaite off Alzarri Joseph.  Dushmantha Chameera became the eighth wicket to fall, after tea, when he was caught by Joshua Da Silva off Holder but Nissanka dug into to reach to within one of a half-century and will resume tomorrow with Lasith Embuldeniya, who is scoreless. 

The rain meant that, overall, only 42 over of play were possible at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

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