Sri Lanka Cricket is back and in some style. They registered a thumping 2-0 win against New Zealand at home in the two-match Test series.
For the unversed, this is their first Test series win against New Zealand in 15 years. In 2022-23 season, the Island nation lost the Test series against the Kiwis away from home by 2-0 margin. In 2019, they drew the home Test series by 1-1 margin.
Hence, this comes as a big boost for the Sri Lankan team, who were, earlier, fighting to maintain their existence in International cricket.
In the second Test match at Galle, Sri Lankan spinners were sensational, which completely decimated the New Zealand batting. Sri Lanka, earlier, batted first and posted a gigantic score of 602 runs for five wickets before declaring the innings.
Dinesh Chandimal and Kusal Mendis scored respective centuries. Kamindu Mendis also stole the limelight with another Test century in his short career.
In reply, New Zealand were bowled out for just 88 runs in the second innings. Sri Lankan spinner, Prabath Jayasuriya didn’t let New Zealand batters breath as he produced a sensational spell of 6 for 42. Nishan Peiris also chipped in with three wickets.
In the second innings, New Zealand ended up managing 360 runs after Sri Lanka enforced the follow on.
Devon Conway return to some form as he played a handy knock of 61 runs of 62 balls. Kane Williamson (46 off 58) was also guilty of not converting his knock into a big one. After New Zealand had lost five for 121, Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips struck a 95-run partnership to revive some hopes. Blundell played a handy knock of 60 runs runs in 64 balls, while Glenn Phillips amassed 78 off 99 deliveries.
However, all those contributions didn’t prove enough as New Zealand lost the game by an innings and 154 runs.
Meanwhile, Kamindu Mendis was chosen as the Player of the match, while Prabath Jayasuriya took home the Player of the Series award.
