Off-spinner Nishan Peiris claimed six wickets as Sri Lanka bowled out New Zealand for 360 and register a win by an innings and 154 runs on Day 4 of second Test at Galle International Stadium. This is Sri Lanka's biggest Test win by an innings and runs against the BlackCaps. This is Sri Lanka’s first Test series win over New Zealand since 2009.
Four fifties in vain
Starting at an overnight score of 199/5, New Zealand lost the wicket of wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell early. Peiris trapped him in front of the wickets. Blundell scored 60 runs from 64 balls including six fours and a couple of sixes.
Glenn Phillips continued to attack. He missed his century and became Peiris' second victim of the day. Phillips hit six fours and three sixes in his 99-ball 78. Santner played a patient knock and held on to one end. Skipper Tim Southee (10) and Ajaz Patel (22) shared small partnerships and fell to left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.
Santner was the last to fall. He got stumped out trying to take on Peiris. The left-handed batter scored 67 runs from 115 balls including six fours and three sixes. New Zealand were bowled out for 360 in 81.4 overs while following on.
What happened on first three days?
Earlier, on Day 3, Devon Conway scored 61 whereas Kane Williamson missed his half-century. Debutant Peiris took nine wickets on his debut including a six-wicket haul in the second innings.
Earlier, Jayasuriya bagged six wickets as New Zealand were bowled out for 88. This is their lowest score of Sri Lankan soil. In second Test, Sri Lankan skipper Dhananjaya de Silva won the toss and opted to bat first. Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis scored centuries to help Sri Lanka post 602/5. In-form Kamindu who equalled legendary Don Bradman remained unbeaten for 182.
Only part-time off-spinner Phillips bagged three wickets. Skiper Southee claimed one wickets whereas other five bowlers remained wicketless.
Changes on WTC points table
The win helped Sri Lanka rise to third spot in World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 standings. Sri Lanka are on third spot with 55.56 percentage. They have won five out of nine games. Meanwhile, New Zealand slipped to seventh spot after suffering their fifth defeat from eight games.
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