POINTE-A-PIERRE, Trinidad (CMC):

Stubborn resistance by the lower order enabled Sri Lankan 'A' to pull off a tense draw against West Indies 'A' on the final day of the opening four-day 'Test' at Guaracara Park yesterday.

Set a challenging victory target of 279 in 75 overs after the Windies declared at 263 for four, the visitors ended on 235 for eight when bad light stopped play with five of the mandatory overs remaining.

After being in dire straits on 60 for five, the Sri Lankans were indebted to a fighting sixth-wicket partnership of 94 by Gayan Wijekoon (58) and Kaushal Silva (37), and a 44-run eighth wicket stand by Kaushal Loukarachchi (37 not out) and Nuwan Kalesekara (26), that saw them to safety.

Fast bowler Richard Kelly was the pick of the bowlers with three for 28, while Ravi Rampaul (2-37) and Ryan Hinds (2-55) had two wickets apiece.

Earlier, the West Indies 'A' resumed at its overnight 178 for three, an overall lead of 193, with opener Devon Smith on 104 and left-handed Ryan Hinds yet to face a ball.