July.08 (Mirror Sports) - West Indies celebrated a rare Test series triumph after settling for a draw against Sri Lanka in the second and final Test at North Sound, sealing their first series victory since 2023.

The match ended in an inevitable stalemate after producing a massive 1,408 runs across five days, with neither side able to force a result on a batting-friendly surface.

Sri Lanka declared their first innings on 549/9 before adding 251/9 in the second innings, setting West Indies a target of 302 from a minimum of 61 overs.

However, the hosts never looked interested in chasing victory. Openers John Campbell and Brandon King batted patiently to finish unbeaten on 51 each as West Indies closed on 109 without loss before both captains agreed to end the match.

The drawn Test handed West Indies their first Test series win in 11 attempts and their first home series victory since June 2022, marking a significant milestone for the Caribbean side.

Earlier, Sri Lanka made one final push for victory on the last morning, scoring quickly before declaring shortly after extending their lead beyond 300. Dinesh Chandimal top-scored with 71, while Kamindu Mendis added valuable runs in an aggressive session that saw six wickets fall as the visitors searched for quick runs.

Despite creating a few half-chances, Sri Lanka's bowlers failed to break the resilient opening partnership. Spinner Prabath Jayasuriya came closest, trapping Brandon King lbw twice, but DRS and umpire's call denied the breakthrough.

Rain interrupted play briefly on two occasions, but the delays did little to alter the outcome as the match drifted towards a draw.

Earlier in the Test, Sri Lanka piled up 549/9 declared thanks to Udara's superb 188 and Sonal Dinusha's 92. West Indies responded strongly with 499, powered by Justin Greaves' outstanding 180 and captain Shai Hope's 112, while Asitha Fernando claimed an impressive five-wicket haul.

Although Sri Lanka dominated large portions of the match, they were unable to take the 20 wickets needed on a placid pitch, allowing West Indies to secure a memorable series victory.