West Indies concluded their first home Test series victory in four years when the final match against Sri Lanka ended in a rain-affected draw at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Tuesday.
After losing the first Test by an innings at the same venue, West Indies declared their second innings at 251 for nine, setting Sri Lanka the daunting target of 302 to win the two-match series.
Despite John Campbell and Brandon King’s unbroken opening stand of 89, play was interrupted by showers and sustained rain, leading to a draw with the West Indies scoring 109.
Both Campbell and King remained not out on 51 each. The last Test victory for West Indies at home was against Bangladesh in 2022, while their last win over Sri Lanka was in 2003.
West Indies captain Roston Chase said this achievement is his greatest as a player, praising the batsmen’s consistent performance without needing a “X-factor” from bowlers.
Sri Lanka started the final day with 92 for two, an overall lead of 142. The opening pair of Chandimal and Mendis aimed to declare for a series-saving win but faced wickets falling at regular intervals.
All six West Indies bowlers used by Chase benefited from Sri Lanka’s risk-taking, with Joseph recording the best figures of 2-44.
West Indies will now focus on a five-match one-day international series against New Zealand before returning to Test cricket against Pakistan in Trinidad.