Hamilton misses ton, Windies A post huge first-day total against Sri Lanka A

PALLEKELE , Sri Lanka (CMC):

Jahmar Hamilton missed a century, and Visual Singh is in sight of one as West Indies A dominated the opening day of their second four-day Test against Sri Lanka A at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium yesterday.

Hamilton and Singh posted solid half centuries that allowed West Indies A to surge to 331 for five, after Sri Lanka A won the toss and asked them to bat.

Hamilton missed his century by a single run, while Singh continued his impressive form to be unbeaten on 81 as the regional side finished the day in a strong position after losing the first Test by seven wickets in Colombo last week.

STRUGGLING

The other batsman to score a half century was dropped Test opener, Rajendra Chandrika, who has been struggling to find form. He scored six fours in reaching 51, before he was forced to retire hurt.

Hamilton, the 26-year-old Leeward Island cricketer, was run out following a dominant batting display during which he counted 15 boundaries from his 141-ball occupation of the crease.

He amassed a solid fifth wicket stand of 188 with Singh, the prolific Guyanese batsman who missed his century by four runs in the opening fixture.

Singh has so far picked up nine boundaries and looked set to press on for a triple figure score.

There were other significant contributions from Kieran Powell and Shimron Hetmyer, who scored 29 and 48 before they were caught and bowled, respectively.