Sarwan secures series draw

Ramnaresh Sarwan drives during his ton © Getty Images

Ramnaresh Sarwan hit a superb century to give West Indies a six-wicket victory against Sri Lanka and a share of the two-match series.

Sarwan was out shortly before Windies reached their target of 253 but his 102 was a match-winning contribution.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul also played a key role with 86 not out to give the hosts a 1-1 series draw after Sri Lanka had won the first Test by 121 runs in Providence.

The run chase got off to a shaky start and they quickly found themselves in trouble at 24 for two with both openers back in the pavilion.

Captain Chris Gayle was the first to go, the victim of a stunning catch at point by Tillakaratne Dilshan for 10 off the bowling of Thilan Thushara.

Sewnarine Chattergoon followed shortly afterwards for 11, trapped lbw by left-armer Chaminda Vaas.

Sarwan steadied the ship in tandem with Marlon Samuels, whose 40-ball stay ended on 11 when he sliced a slower ball from Vaas to Malinda Warnapura at point.

That dismissal brought Chanderpaul to the crease and his fourth-wicket partnership with Sarwan took the match away from Sri Lanka.

The pair were quick to seize on anything short and wide but also batted with a caution which frustrated the tourists.

They batted throughout the afternoon session and looked set to see it through to the close before Sarwan eventually perished after reaching three figures.

Attempting to flick the ball through midwicket he succeeded only in clipping it on to his pad and into the arms of Dilshan at silly point.

Chanderpaul stood firm though and, with Devon Smith (14 not out), guided West Indies home to their first win in Trinidad since 2000.

It was an impressive effort from Gayle’s side as only twice have teams chased higher totals to win at this venue.