Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Kemar Roach reached the milestone of 300 Test wickets as West Indies completed an innings and 217 run victory over Sri Lanka in the first Test on Sunday. The hosts dismissed Sri Lanka for 101 in their second innings on the fourth day to secure one of the biggest wins in their Test history and take a 1 nil lead in the two match series.
The emphatic victory at the same venue where the second Test will begin on Friday also lifted West Indies off the bottom of the World Test Championship standings after a difficult run earlier in the cycle.
Roach reaches historic milestone
Veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach produced another memorable performance, taking 4 for 51 to finish the match with his 300th Test wicket.
The landmark dismissal came when he bowled Asitha Fernando to leave Sri Lanka struggling at 9 for 84, with victory only moments away.
Roach became just the fifth West Indies bowler to reach 300 Test wickets, joining Courtney Walsh, Curtley Ambrose, Malcolm Marshall and Lance Gibbs in an exclusive club.
"It has been a long journey," Roach said after the match.
"Well done to the team and Roston Chase who had his first win as captain and first win for Daren Sammy as coach."
"I would not be here if not for these guys. Thanks to my family and I know my mum is watching. She is proud. Thanks to everyone, I really appreciate it and I am glad I made you proud in some way."
West Indies pace attack dominates
Roach was well supported by fellow seamers Jayden Seales, Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph as the quartet dismantled Sri Lanka's batting lineup in just 31 overs.
Sri Lanka resumed the fourth day at 1 for 15 but quickly collapsed under persistent pace and movement.
Roach struck with the fourth ball of the morning, trapping Nishan Madushka leg before wicket. Moments later, Seales forced nightwatchman Kasun Rajitha to edge a simple catch.
Shamar Joseph then made full use of the helpful overcast conditions, producing a delivery that swung back sharply to bowl Kamindu Mendis before trapping captain Dhananjaya da Silva leg before wicket for a seven ball duck.
Only Dinesh Chandimal offered meaningful resistance with 43, while Sonal Dinusha remained unbeaten on 12. No other Sri Lanka batter reached double figures.
Record partnership laid the platform
West Indies had already placed themselves in complete control on the third day through a remarkable batting display.
Amir Jangoo and captain Roston Chase shared a world record 401 run partnership for the sixth wicket, helping the hosts declare on 9 for 626.
Their stand erased Sri Lanka's first innings total of 308 and handed West Indies a commanding lead of 318 runs before the bowlers completed the job.
Although the pitch appeared flat during the record partnership, the West Indies fast bowlers found enough seam movement and swing on the fourth morning to expose Sri Lanka's batting order.
Important boost in World Test Championship
The comprehensive result marked West Indies' sixth largest victory by margin of runs in Test cricket.
It also provided an important confidence boost after the team had lost seven of its previous eight matches in the current World Test Championship.
Captain Roston Chase celebrated his first Test victory as skipper, while head coach Daren Sammy also recorded his first win in charge.
With a 1 nil lead in the series, West Indies will now look to complete a clean sweep when the second Test begins on Friday at the same venue.
