After seven losses in their last eight games, West Indies gained their first win of the ongoing World Test Championship Cycle. Currently, they are at the bottom of the table from nine matches.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka face their first defeat of the cycle, having played only three games. Currently, they stand at the third spot and would look to bounce back as the caravan rolls to the second match at North Sound from July 3.
That's it from this encounter. There's plenty of cricketing action going around. For now, it's your cricket nerd Arijit Kundu taking a leave alongside fellow co-commentators, Saptak Sanyal, Dev Rajawat, and scorer Danish Elahi. Stay tuned to this network for more cricketing insights.
Biggest Wins for West Indies in Tests at Home (By an Innings and Runs):
Innings and 219 Runs- vs Bangladesh (North Sound, 2018)
Innings and 217 Runs- vs Sri Lanka (North Sound, 2026, THIS TEST)*
Innings and 174 Runs- vs Pakistan (Kingston, 1958)
Roston Chase (West Indies Captain): "(On getting the win) I think the main thing is that we are enjoying. We did a draw and came close against New Zealand, we came here, and executed well. I am very happy for this win. It means a lot for us.
(On what satisfies you the most from many positives). I think two things satisfied me in this game. Firstly, Jangoo getting a century. He was happy to get the century but at times we may get complacent. Its great to see him convert it and contribute for our team rather than playing for an individual person. Secondly, Kemar Roach, one of my first roommates get to 300 Test wickets. He is someone I look up to. In my eyes, he is one of the best fast bowlers in the format going forward. He has worked hard to get to this position, and adds a lot of value to us.
(Message to the troop at the start of the day) Ahhhh, it was very simple. Not to get too far ahead of ourselves. At the start we had 300 runs lead, but it was all about to get patient and execute our plans. The only downfall in this Test for us was the first innings, in the bowling we allowed them to score 300. We tried our best but had to rectify the plans.
(On the bowling attack of West Indies) Our bowlers are much quicker than the Sri Lankan bowlers. They bowl fast, and it can get a little tricky for the batters. All the four bowlers have been brilliant, its pure quality, and then we have Justin Greaves, whenever we need him, he contributes."
Dhananjaya de Silva (Sri Lanka Captain): "(Summarize this Test match from your perspective) In the first innings we had enough runs on the board if we calculate from the history here. Then they were 160 for 5 but captain Chase and Jangoo batted really well.
(Talk us about that batting effort in the second time around) It was quite harder than the first innings. They bowled in good areas, it kept low also some came with bounce. I thought we were in the game in the first innings but one injury led the whole team down.
(Did not seem that your bowling attack was that penetrative) They had five pacers, we only had four. Unfortunately one got injured. The other three bowled their heart out but as I said Chase and Jangoo batted really well and we were out of game after that.
(On the second Test) When we have to win a Test, we have to take all the 20 wickets. We have to take those 20 wickets out."
Amir Jangoo (Player of the Match): “(What does this Test match contribution mean to Amir) Yeah, it's amazing. I'll bridge it all up. Yeah, it was kinda executed right now. Just happy that we got the test win. And yeah, just truly grateful for it.
(On his double century in the Test match) Yeah, I think especially, I normally get a lot of starts. I've been getting old. I think. When you go out to get two lower scores, the average dip a lot. So I realize now that when I do get a start, it's all about catching in. And lucky enough, when I do get a century, I convert them to double. (On the most satisfying part in this Test match) So just to be part of our test win, believe it or not, it's not about buy double cents or anything like that. to be a part of the West Indies team, getting a win on our first win of the Test Championship cycle.
(On the mindset into the contest) Yeah, I always have a positive mindset and I'm always ready. Being a professional cricketer, you always have to be disciplined, always putting the hard yards in training. I've been doing that. Working with our coaches, my bad coach having a good conversation with them too before this game. We know we are pretty ready for the task force at hand. Lucky enough that I had a really good game, but it was all about the preparation."
Player of the Match: Amir Jangoo
Time for the award ceremony and player sayings.
Kemar Roach:"(Special occasion for you. How are you feeling?) First and foremost it has been a long journey. I am happy that the guys won the game. I think that was the thing we wanted. Well done to the team and Roston Chase for his first win as a captain. Sammy on his first win as a coach. It takes a lot to be here. I am here for all these guys who support me. This biome makes me feel good. There is the team physio. We have a lot of conversations for the last couple of weeks as I was coming back for the injury. He was phenomenal. To my family, I know my mom is watching. I know she is proud. My kids, all my friends- everyone is watching. Yesterday guys batted well. A win is important. I am happy that the Antigua fans came out and supported the team. Win is what we wanted and that's what we got.
(Everyone wants to know how much you think you can keep going?) Right now we gonna celebrate this win and will discuss.
(What would you like to say to those who helped you to achieve this?) I really appreciate it. Glad that people supported me over the years. For me right now, it is about basking in the moment and celebrate. Next we will look to win the series."
Kemar Roach is receiving a jersey numbered "300" as he reached the landmark today from Cricket West Indies. His new ball partner Jayden Seales hands it over to him.