Cornwall, DaSilva partnership gives West Indies ascendancy

A 90-run, eight-wicket partnership between Rahkeem Cornwall and Joshua DaSilva put West Indies in control by stumps on day two of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground, Antigua.

West Indies, resuming on 13-0 in response to Sri Lanka’s 169, closed the day on 268-8, an overall lead of 99.

West Indies had slipped to 171-7 before Cornwall and DaSilva joined forces to keep the tourists at bay for 23.4 overs and swing the momentum.

Cornwall is not out on 60 off 79 balls (9x4s, 2x6s), his maiden Test fifty, while DaSilva fell short of a half-century just before the close, making 46 (124 balls; 5x4s).

The partnership was the highlight of West Indies innings, as the Sri Lankan bowlers had made consistent strikes, led by Suranga Lakmal, who finished the day with 5-45 off 24 overs. Dushmantha Chameera offered solid support with 2-71 off 22 overs.

West Indies lost skipper Kraigg Brathwaite early for three, while fellow opener John Campbell made 42, Kyle Mayers 45 and Nkrumah Bonner 31.