West Indies Academy secured a commanding innings and 26-run victory over the Sri Lanka Emerging Players inside three days at the Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua, leveling the two-match first-class four-day series.

The victory was powered by a combined six-wicket haul from bowlers Raneico Smith and Kelvin Pitman. Smith’s impressive figures of 3 for 29 and Pitman’s tight 3 for 22 dismantled the visiting team, who were bowled out for 107 while chasing a challenging target. Sri Lanka began the day needing 133 runs with nine wickets in hand to avoid the West Indies Academy batting again, but the visitors fell well short.

Supporting the pace attack were Nathan Edward, who took 2 for 36, and Zishan Motara, who claimed 2 wickets conceding just 4 runs, helping to seal the win. Sri Lanka’s captain, Dhananjayah Lakshan, stood out with a resilient innings of 50 runs, providing the most resistance from the visitors.

Sunday’s play saw the West Indies Academy score 374, responding strongly to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 241. Key contributors included Mavendra Dindyal, who made 82, and Rivaldo Clarke, who remained unbeaten on 57. Solid performances from Ackeem Auguste and captain Teddy Bishop, who both scored 50, were instrumental in building a formidable lead.

For Sri Lanka, Dilum Sudeera took 4 for 79 and Ashian Daniel grabbed 3 for 74, posing a challenge to the home side’s batting.

Final Scores:
West Indies Academy – 374
Sri Lanka Emerging Players – 241 and 107

With the first-class series now level, attention turns to the upcoming limited-overs action. The first of three 50-over matches kicks off on June 21 at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, with the second and third matches scheduled for June 24 and June 26 at the same venue.