Sri Lanka were 2-46 in their second innings at close on Wednesday, having conceded a 49-run first innings lead to the visitors, who were bowled out for 253.

Captain Dimuth Karunaratne (6) was run out by a brilliant direct hit from Kyle Mayers, while Oshada Fernando (14) was also run out. Pathum Nissanka was still there on 21 with Charith Asalanka on 4.

Mendis took 6-70 while left-arm spinners Praveen Jayawickrama and Lasith Embuldeniya both picked up two wickets.

Sri Lanka, who'd won the first Test by 187 runs at the same venue, had gone to lunch strongly placed on 2-145 but lost their remaining wickets for the addition of another 59 runs.

Resuming at 1-69, the West Indies had batted remarkably well to add 76 runs in the first session, losing only one wicket.

But their slide started post-lunch when West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite, who was batting with confidence, was bowled by Embuldeniya for 72 with a lovely flighted ball that pitched outside leg and hit the top of off stump.

Mendis had Roston Chase (10) caught at leg slip by Asalanka and trapped Shai Hope (22) lbw.

Jason Holder (4) unsuccessfully reviewed an lbw decision against him from Mendis, who bowled Joshua da Silva the next ball.

Mayers (36 not out) with Kemar Roach (8) ensured that the West Indies took a lead in the first innings and extended it in a 38-run partnership for the ninth wicket with Veerasammy Permaul (8).

Australian Associated Press