SL vs WI 2nd Test: Greaves And Hope Centuries Revive West Indies Despite 143-Run Deficit

Justin Greaves and Shai Hope struck impressive centuries to keep the West Indies in contention against Sri Lanka on the fourth day of the second Test, guiding their team to 406/5 in reply to the hosts' imposing first-innings total of 549/9 declared. At lunch on Monday, the visitors still trailed by 143 runs, with Greaves unbeaten on 131 and captain Roston Chase batting on 8.

Resuming after Sri Lanka declared their innings at 549/9 earlier in the day, the West Indies batting line-up responded with determination on a batting-friendly surface. Greaves anchored the innings with a composed and unbeaten century, while Hope produced an equally valuable knock of 112. Their partnership frustrated the Sri Lankan bowlers, who struggled to make breakthroughs on a placid pitch that continued to favour the batters.

Hope's dismissal came in unusual fashion shortly before the lunch interval. Attempting to leave a delivery from left-arm spinner Sonal Dinusha that drifted down the leg side, Hope stepped out of his crease while trying to pad the ball away. Wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis initially failed to gather the delivery cleanly, but the ball ricocheted off his gloves and rolled back onto the stumps, leaving Hope stranded outside his crease and ending an excellent innings of 112.

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Despite Hope's departure, Greaves continued to dominate the Sri Lankan attack with a patient yet authoritative innings. His unbeaten 131 ensured the West Indies remained in the contest as they sought to reduce the sizeable first-innings deficit. Captain Roston Chase joined him at the crease, with the pair aiming to extend the innings and put further pressure on the home side.

Sri Lanka's bowlers found it difficult to extract movement or bounce from the surface, which offered little assistance throughout the day. Although the hosts maintained control through disciplined bowling, opportunities were limited as the West Indies batters settled in for long partnerships. The breakthrough provided by Dinusha was one of the few moments of success for the Sri Lankan attack during the session.

With the West Indies still 143 runs behind at lunch, the remainder of the fourth day promised to be crucial in determining the direction of the match. Greaves' unbeaten century has given the visitors a strong platform to narrow the deficit, while Sri Lanka will be eager to wrap up the innings quickly and maintain their advantage as they push for victory in the second Test.

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