In a stunning display of skill and resilience, Sri Lanka completed a commanding innings victory over New Zealand in the second Test match at Galle, clinching the series with a 2-0 margin. This triumph marks Sri Lanka’s third consecutive win in Test cricket and significantly boosts their chances in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
Match Overview
The match, played from September 26 to September 29, saw Sri Lanka declare their first innings at a formidable 602 for 5, setting the stage for a dominant performance. New Zealand’s response, however, was dismal, with scores of 88 and 360 in their two innings, leading to an innings defeat by 154 runs.
First Innings: Sri Lanka’s Batting Brilliance
Sri Lanka’s innings was marked by several stellar performances, most notably from Kamindu Mendis, who scored a magnificent 182 runs. His innings was complemented by Dinesh Chandimal’s 116 and Kusal Mendis’ unbeaten 106, with Angelo Mathews adding a crucial 88. The Sri Lankan batsmen showcased a blend of aggression and technique, building a massive total that set a daunting target for the visitors.
New Zealand’s bowlers struggled throughout the innings, with Ish Sodhi being the standout performer, taking 3 wickets for 141 runs. However, the overall effectiveness of the New Zealand bowling attack was undermined by Sri Lanka’s relentless batting display.
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New Zealand’s First Innings Collapse
In stark contrast, New Zealand’s first innings was a disastrous affair, where they were bundled out for just 88 runs. The Sri Lankan bowlers, led by Prabath Jayasuriya and Nishan Peiris, wreaked havoc on the New Zealand batting lineup. Jayasuriya claimed 6 wickets for 42 runs, while Peiris contributed with 3 for 33, effectively dismantling the Kiwi batting order.
Second Innings: A Battle of Resistance
Facing a massive first-innings deficit, New Zealand began their second innings with the hope of salvaging some pride. The overnight batsmen, Glenn Phillips and Tom Blundell, put up a fighting effort, with Phillips scoring 78 runs and Blundell contributing 60. Mitchell Santner also showed resistance with a gritty 67 as New Zealand aimed to avoid an innings defeat.
Despite their efforts, the lower middle order crumbled under pressure. Peiris emerged as the star of the second innings, claiming 6 wickets for 170 runs, marking a successful debut Test series for the young off-spinner. He dismissed each of the three half-centurions in crucial moments, including Santner, who was stumped after losing his footing.
Match Statistics
- Sri Lanka 1st Innings: 602 for 5 declared
- Kamindu Mendis: 182
- Dinesh Chandimal: 116
- Kusal Mendis: 106*
- Angelo Mathews: 88
- Ish Sodhi: 3/141
- New Zealand 1st Innings: 88
- Prabath Jayasuriya: 6/42
- Nishan Peiris: 3/33
- New Zealand 2nd Innings: 360
- Glenn Phillips: 78
- Mitchell Santner: 67
- Tom Blundell: 60
- Nishan Peiris: 6/170
- Prabath Jayasuriya: 3/139
Effect on WTC Points Table
This victory not only secures Sri Lanka’s place in the series but also enhances their position in the ICC World Test Championship standings. With four matches remaining in the current cycle, Sri Lanka is now in contention for a place in the finals, contingent on favorable results from other series.
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