COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (CMC) — The Sharmarh Brooks- captained West Indies predictably crashed to a seven-wicket loss in the opening four-day Test against Sri Lanka A here yesterday, to fall 1-0 behind in the three-match series.

Resuming the final day here at the Khettarama Stadium on 165 for nine in their second innings — only 55 runs ahead — West Indies A added just 10 more runs before being bowled out.

Left-arm spinner Lakshan Sandakan was the best bowler with four for 51, while seamer Asitha Fernando (2-21), off-spinner Charith Asalanka (2-27) and pacer Asela Gunaratne (2-30), all finished with two wickets each.

Set a modest target of 66, Sri Lanka A were carried by captain Dimuth Karunaratne who stroked an unbeaten 39, while opening partner Lahiru Thirimanne hit 21.

The pair put on 43 for the first wicket, with Karunaratne facing 63 balls and notching seven fours and Thirimanne striking three fours and a six off 39 deliveries.

Fast bowler Keon Joseph, however, took some of the shine off the victory by removing Roshen Silva without scoring and Asalanka for one, as Sri Lanka A lost three quick wickets for 13 runs.

The second Test begins in Pallekele next Tuesday.