West Indies secured a rare Test series victory after the second and final match against Sri Lanka ended in a high scoring draw at North Sound. Across five days, the two teams produced 1408 runs and 28 wickets, but the flat surface and periods of rain made a result increasingly unlikely.
The draw was enough for West Indies to claim their first Test series win in 11 attempts, with their previous success coming in 2023. Their last home Test series triumph had been even further back, in June 2022, making this outcome especially valuable for the hosts.
Sri Lanka began the final day with an outside chance of forcing a win and batted with clear urgency. Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis led the charge as the visitors added 139 runs in 24 overs during the morning session, scoring at 5.79 runs per over. However, the attacking approach also brought wickets, with six falling before lunch.
At the interval, Sri Lanka’s lead had reached 281. Many expected an immediate declaration, but they chose to bat a little longer and pushed the target beyond 300 before finally declaring with West Indies needing 302.
The chase never truly gathered momentum. John Campbell and Brandon King focused on safety rather than risk, guiding West Indies to 65 without loss after 23 overs by tea. Sri Lanka tried to create pressure through Prabath Jayasuriya and the seamers, but the surface offered limited help.
King survived a couple of close lbw moments against Jayasuriya, while Campbell looked assured at the other end. Even late rain interruptions could not change the direction of the match.
When the players shook hands after the 40th over, West Indies were 109 for no loss, with both openers unbeaten on half centuries. It was a fitting finish to a Test dominated by batters and a memorable series result for West Indies.
