Debutant Lahiru Udara produced a memorable performance on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies, smashing a brilliant 188 to put Sri Lanka in a commanding position at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua. Riding on the opener's marathon innings, Sri Lanka closed Day 1 at 338 for 5, while West Indies pacer Jayden Seales reached the milestone of 100 Test wickets late in the day's play.

Winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to bat first on a surface that initially offered assistance to the fast bowlers. The decision appeared risky during the opening session as the visitors were reduced to 25/2, with Shamar Joseph striking twice to remove Nishan Madushka and experienced batter Dinesh Chandimal cheaply.

With Sri Lanka under pressure, Lahiru Udara, making his long-awaited Test debut at the age of 32, showcased remarkable composure and determination. Replacing regular opener Pathum Nissanka in the playing XI, Udara seized his opportunity with both hands, anchoring the innings through disciplined shot selection and calculated aggression.

The turning point of the innings came through a magnificent 215-run partnership between Udara and Kamindu Mendis. The duo steadied Sri Lanka after the early setbacks and gradually shifted momentum in the visitors' favour. Their stand became Sri Lanka's highest-ever third-wicket partnership in Test cricket on West Indian soil, underlining the significance of their effort.

Kamindu Mendis contributed a fluent 84 off 120 deliveries, mixing solid defence with elegant stroke play. His innings ended when Justin Greaves broke the partnership, with wicketkeeper Shai Hope completing a sharp stumping.

Udara, however, continued his outstanding innings. Displaying confidence against both pace and spin, he reached his maiden Test century in style by clearing the boundary with a six. He eventually scored 188 from 248 balls, an innings decorated with several boundaries and four towering sixes.

Although he narrowly missed a double century, falling just 12 runs short, his knock firmly established him as the standout performer of the day and one of Sri Lanka's most impressive Test debutants in recent years.

Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva added valuable support, contributing 33 runs during a crucial 93-run fourth-wicket partnership with Udara. Their stand further consolidated Sri Lanka's advantage before the West Indies staged a late fightback.

The hosts enjoyed success in the final session when Udara was finally dismissed, followed shortly by the wicket of De Silva, who edged Jayden Seales to the slip cordon. The dismissal carried added significance for Seales, who claimed his 100th wicket in Test cricket, becoming one of the fastest West Indies bowlers to reach the milestone in terms of balls bowled. Former fast bowler Ian Bishop remains the quickest West Indian to achieve the landmark.

Despite Sri Lanka's dominance, West Indies will reflect on missed opportunities that proved costly. Udara received a major reprieve when he was on 55, after a catch off Seales' bowling was spilled due to confusion between John Campbell and Justin Greaves in the slips.

Kamindu Mendis also survived on 41 when the fielding side failed to appeal for an edge behind the wicket. Television replays using UltraEdge later confirmed that the ball had indeed brushed the bat, making it another missed chance that could have altered the course of the innings.

At stumps, Sonal Dinusha remained unbeaten on 5, with Sri Lanka well placed to push for a substantial first-innings total on Day 2.

For the West Indies, an early breakthrough on the second morning will be essential if they hope to prevent Sri Lanka from building a match-defining lead. For Sri Lanka, however, the opening day belonged almost entirely to Lahiru Udara, whose unforgettable debut innings has given his side a significant advantage and marked the arrival of a promising new Test opener on the international stage.