Bowlers seal historic win

BEIJING, March 28 -- Chaminda Vaas took five for 61 to lead Sri Lanka to an historic first win in the Caribbean, defeating West Indies by 121 runs with 6.4 overs left in the opening test in Georgetown on Wednesday.

West Indies, resuming on 96 for one and needing 437 for victory, tried holding out for a draw but was bowled for 315.

Ace offspinner Muttiah Muralitharan, who bowled for most of the final day, chipped in with three for 112.

"These two have been warriors for us and (it was) an amazing effort today again from those two guys," captain Mahela Jayawardene said. "Vaasy was exceptional today. Murali bowled one end throughout.

"It wasn't an easy pitch to get wickets. Dwayne (Bravo) and Ronnie (Sarwan) batted really well, up front. We had to be very patient, wait for our opportunities. Hats off to the four bowlers."

Thilan Thushara, Vaas' seam bowling mate, weighed in with two for 70, and Rangana Herath conceded only 44 in 22 overs.

Sri Lanka lost 0-1 on both previous visits to the Caribbean in 1997 and 2003.

In a tense final hour Vaas bagged both final wickets with the new ball.

He forced Jerome Taylor to edge a delivery to second slip, then four overs later and about 15 minutes from stumps, he got Daren Powell to loft to midoff where Muralitharan grasped a stunning, one-handed catch over his head to provide Vaas with his 12th five-wicket hauls in tests.

Vaas, named man of the match, took 8-109 overall and scored a half century. "It's very important for me since it's my last tour to the West Indies," Vaas said later. "I'm very happy the way we played and it's a good win for us."

West Indies captain Chris Gayle provided stern resistance at the end with an unbeaten on 51.

(Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies)