Sri Lanka made significant strides on the third day of the first Test against New Zealand, thanks to half-centuries from Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal. The duo's 147-run partnership helped Sri Lanka reach 237-4 at stumps, gaining a 202-run lead over New Zealand.
Sri Lanka on commanding position after Karunaratne, Chandimal's batting exploits
However, the dismissals of Karunaratne and Chandimal left the game delicately poised. Experienced batsmen Angelo Mathews and captain Dhananjaya de Silva will be crucial in Sri Lanka's efforts to further extend their lead on the fourth day.
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Saturday, September 21, will be a rest day for the first Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand due to the presidential election in Sri Lanka. This is the first instance since 2008, when Bangladesh hosted Sri Lanka, that a Test match has been scheduled to accommodate such a break.
New Zealand had a promising start, with captain Tim Southee taking a spectacular catch to dismiss Pathum Nissanka. However, the visitors struggled to make further breakthroughs on a pitch that gradually deteriorated throughout the day.
New Zealand makes inroads, Sri Lanka resists
Spinner Ajaz Patel finally broke through Sri Lanka's defense, dismissing Dimuth Karunaratne after a wicketless second session. In the following over, speedster William O'Rourke removed Dinesh Chandimal, bringing New Zealand back into the game at 153-3.
O'Rourke continued to apply pressure, dismissing first-innings centurion Kamindu Mendis. However, Sri Lanka held its nerve and resisted the pressure.
New Zealand resumed the day on 255-4 and added 85 runs before losing their remaining wickets to Sri Lanka's spinners. Sri Lanka's spinners cleaned up the tail with the new ball, limiting New Zealand's lead to 35 runs.
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Tom Blundell was the first New Zealand batsman to be dismissed, caught off a tame delivery from Prabath Jayasuriya. Daryl Mitchell was also run out for 57. Jayasuriya continued to wreak havoc, removing Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee. Ramesh Mendis then dismissed Ajaz Patel, but Glenn Phillips counterattacked with some aggressive shots. Phillips remained unbeaten on 49 from 48 balls, including two fours and five sixes. Ramesh Mendis finished with 3-101, dismissing William O'Rourke to end New Zealand's innings.
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