On Day 3 of the second Test, New Zealand’s bowlers dominated Sri Lanka’s batters as they enforced the follow-on and have already taken 2 wickets for 113 runs in Sri Lanka’s second innings.
On the third day, Sri Lanka resumed their innings with a score of 26/2, trailing by 554 runs, with unbeaten knocks of DimuthKarunaratne (16)* and PrabathJayasuriya (4). Sri Lanka was in a dire need of a big partnership, but the Kiwi bowlers had some other plans in store for them. Tim Southee struck the first blow with the wicket of the nightwatchmanJayasuriya for 4(17). With a score of 27/3, signs of tension and nervousness became visible on the faces of the entire Sri Lankan camp.
As Angelo Matthews walked towards the crease, the entire New Zealand team could smell blood. In a span of three overs, the hosts picked up another wicket. Angelo Mathews became the second victim of Matt Henry as he walked back to the pavilion with a score of 1(10). Dinesh Chandimal came in to steady the sinking ship of the Sri Lankan team. His partnership with DimuthKarunaratne certainly rekindled Sri Lanka’s hope of making a comeback in the first innings. However, Chandimal lost his wicket to Michael Bracewell for a score of 37(92).
This one crucial wicket was enough for New Zealand to orchestrate the final blow. Within 15 overs, Sri Lanka lost their remaining wickets, and during this period, they were able to add just 48 runs to their tally. The visitors ended their first innings with a score of 164.
The disciplined bowling of New Zealand bowlers was one of the major reasons for the struggles of Sri Lankan batters. They constantly struck at the right line as well as length. Even though the wicket itself didn’t offer much for the bowlers. The Kiwis kept their cool and patiently waited for the right moment. Matt Henry and Michael Bracewell were prime examples. They ended the first innings with three wickets each.