After performing phenomenally with the bowl, Sri Lanka's top-order faced the wrath of West Indies bowling unit on the second day of the third Test in Barbados.
Resuming the game at 132 for 5, Shane Dowrich and skipper Jason Holder stitched a much-needed partnership of 115 runs before Lahiru Kumara struck in the 56th over and removed the West Indies wicketkeeper on 71. Holder held the nerve for a while but he too fell prey to Kasun Rajitha after contributing 74 runs off 123 deliveries.
The Lanakan bowlers managed to bundle-up the guests on a total of 204 runs. Lahiru Kumara remained the highest wicket-taker, picking up 4 scalps in 23.3 overs. Kasun Rajitha bagged 3 while stand-in captain Suranga Lakmal and Dilruwan Perera took 2 and 1 wicket respectively.
In reply, the Lankans had a terrible start with the bat while West Indies came roaring. Pacer Kemar Roach turned out to be the biggest nightmare for the openers Kusal Perera (0) and Mahela Udawatte (4), sending them back to the pavilion within first 7 overs.
Later, a decent partnership between Dhanushka Gunathilkaka and Kusal Mendis kept the momentum alive as they went into the dinner break on 75 for 2.
The final session again proved to be a sour one for the guests as they lost three wickets for just 10 runs to slip from 75 for 2 to 85 for 5. Holder opened his account of wickets with removing Gunathilaka on 29. And then, it was Shannon Gabriel who trapped Mendis (22) and then Dhananjaya de Silva (8) in the 31st over.
All the good work done by Mendis and Gunathilaka in the second session was reduced to nothing in just the space of five overs.
Earlier in the day, the match had a delayed start due to rain after which a clear sky welcomed the teams for a crucial session.
The game on Day 2 concluded with Sri Lanka putting 99 runs on the board at a loss of five wickets. The guests are trailing by 105 runs.