Samaraweera century revives Sri Lanka

By Simon Evans

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad (Reuters) - A patient century from Thilan Samaraweera helped Sri Lanka recover to 268 all out at the close of play on the third day of the second test on Saturday, setting West Indies a victory target of 253.

The tourists were reeling at 99 for six but a seventh-wicket stand of 138 between Samaraweera (125) and Chaminda Vaas (45) hauled Sri Lanka back into the game and the pressure will now be on West Indies's batsmen on a track showing plenty of life.

Earlier, spinner Muttiah Muralitharan (5-79) picked up two of the last three wickets in the morning session to dismiss West Indies for 294, a first-innings lead of 16 for the home team.

Sri Lanka then slumped to four for two, Malinda Warnapura caught by debutant Sewnarine Chattergoon at third slip for a duck as he poked at a rising delivery from the fiery Jerome Taylor.

Taylor then ran out Michael Vandort for one in superb style, pouncing on a ball pushed to mid-on by Kumar Sangakkara and leaving the opener stranded with a direct hit.

Sri Lanka's woes continued when skipper Mahela Jayawardene (12) chopped at a ball from Fidel Edwards and got an inside edge on to his stumps.

Daren Powell claimed the next victim when Sangakkara (14) cut a rising delivery for Samuels to take a fine diving catch in the gully.

Tillakaratne Dilshan, who held together Sri Lanka's batting in the first innings, set about steadying the ship and he put on 41 with Samaraweera for the fifth wicket.