By Dhammika Ratnaweera
Resuming from their overnight score of 382/5, New Zealand were determined and worked towards a target as they made quick runs this morning to declare their innings at 431/6, having added 49 off just five overs on the final morning against Sri Lanka in the second and final match of the test series at P. Sara Stadium.
Then it was up to the New Zealand bowlers do their part of the job as they put on an outstanding performance to bundle out Sri Lanka for 122 in the second innings, as the visitors registered an emphatic win by an innings and 65 runs to level the two-match series.
Sri Lankan captain Dimuth Karunarathna who was off the field during New Zealand’s innings thereby did not open the innings as usual thus making way to Kusal Perera to open with Lahiru Thirimanna to see both openers back in the pavilion without scoring. Skipper Karunarathna admitted that it was his team’s numerous mistakes that cost the match, while their opponents had learnt from their mistakes in the first match to bounce back and win the second. “We couldn’t bat positively during the second innings and our negative approach was the main reason for the unexpected innings defeat over New Zealand in the second test,” said Karunarathna
“Our batsman failed to make good partnerships like Latham and Watling of New Zealand. They seemed to be playing without much responsibility as they gifted their wickets away,” added Karunaratna, who joined Niroshan Dickwella to continue resistance for more than 20 overs post-lunch, after Sri Lanka were reeling at 5 for 32 in the 22nd over.
However, Tim Southee then gave his side a much-needed breakthrough, trapping the Lankan skipper for 21 and thereby, registering his 250th Test wicket. He soon made it 251, removing Dilruwan Perera for a twelve-ball duck as the Black Caps inched closer to victory.
Dickwella and Suranga Lakmal kept the visitors at bay for nearly 18 overs, before Somerville ended the latter’s 45-ball stay at the crease.
With this win, the Kane Williamson led side earned their first points at the World Test Championship table. New Zealand will now head to Katunayake for a T20 practice game against Sri Lanka Board President XI, before the three-match T20I series gets underway on 31 August in Pallekele.
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