Paranavitana defies Windies attack with 83 not out

Tharanga Paranavitana hit a vital half-century under pressure to keep alive Sri Lanka's hopes of salvaging a draw in the opening Test against the West Indies on Friday.

The left-handed opener was unbeaten on 83 as Sri Lanka reached 159-2 in their second innings at lunch on the fifth and final day after conceding a 202-run lead. The hosts now trail by 43 runs with eight wickets in hand.

Former captain Mahela Jayawardene, known for playing long innings, was unbeaten on 14 at the break. He has so far put on 49 for the unfinished third wicket with Paranavitana.

The West Indies bowled well in the extended morning session, grabbing two wickets in three overs through fast bowler Kemar Roach after the hosts had resumed at 89 for no loss.

Off-spinner Shane Shillingford, who took four wickets in the first innings, also kept the pressure on the batsmen with a tidy line and length.

The tourists started the day with pace from one end and spin from the other, succeeding in getting a breakthrough in the morning's fifth over when Roach bowled opener Tillakaratne Dilshan (54).

Dilhan, who added just 10 to his overnight score of 44, hit five fours in his 78-ball knock for his 16th Test half-century.

Roach nearly got the wicket of skipper Kumar Sangakkara with his next delivery, which was turned to square-leg but Andre Russell failed to hold on to a sharp chance.

The fast bowler did not have to wait long for his second success as he removed Sangakkara in his next over, caught by skipper Darren Sammy in the slips after scoring just four runs.

The West Indies had a chance to put more pressure on Sri Lanka when Paranavitana edged Shillingford, but Sammy failed to hold on to the ball at first slip when the batsman was on 53.

Paranavitana continued to defy the West Indies attack, having so far hit seven fours in a 168-ball knock for his fifth Test half-century.

u00a0