20 Nov 2010

Sri Lanka salvage draw with help from heavens

12:42 pm on 20 November 2010

Opener Tharanga Paranavitana missed out on a century as the first cricket Test between Sri Lanka and West Indies was drawn after rain washed out the final session on the fifth day.

Paranavitana fell for 95 as the hosts reached tea on 241 for four with a lead of 39.

No resumption of play was possible after the break.

Paranavitana and Mahela Jayawardene dug in with a third wicket stand of 87 on the final day to help secure a draw after Sri Lanka had followed on.

West Indies, thanks to career best 333 from Chris Gayle, had made 580 for nine declared in their first innings and then dismissed the home side for 378.

The second Test starts in Colombo on Tuesday.