in the year Second Test match between Sri Lanka and New ZealandSri Lanka asserted their dominance, fighting to keep the Blackcaps afloat. With a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after a comprehensive win in the first Test, the hosts are in prime position to secure a series sweep.
Sri Lanka’s spin wizard, Prabath Jayasuriyahas been at the center of the Blackcaps’ misery, continuing his remarkable form since the first Test. Jayasuriya, who claimed 9 wickets in the series opener, was once again the star, scoring 6 crucial wickets in New Zealand’s first innings to reduce the visitors to a paltry 88 runs.
Prabath Jayasuriya’s magic strikes again
Jayasuriya wasted no time in getting into the act, batting early in the 9th over of New Zealand’s first innings. Devon Conway After one review, he was arguably the first to fall. Jayasuriya’s delivery skidded straight, square with Conway and found the outside edge before catching it smartly. Dhananjaya de Silva on the slide. Although Conway reviewed the on-field decision, the third umpire upheld the call and dismissed him for 9 runs (21 off balls).
Shortly after, New Zealand’s brave player became the second wicket Kane Williamson Falling into a classic spinner trap at 17. Playing with unusually firm hands, Williamson played a delivery from Jayasuriya straight into Dhananjaya’s hands, who gleefully accepted the catch. Williamson’s cautious 7 off 53 deliveries was not enough to withstand Jayasuriya’s relentless accuracy.
The doors kept falling Tom Blundell Departing on 27, he was again caught by Dhananjaya whose reflex catch at slip stunned Blundell. At the same time, Glenn Phillips Dhananjaya fell for a duck with yet another spin delivery in the safe hands of Dhananjaya. With four wickets down, New Zealand were crushed by Jayasuriya’s brilliant bowling and Dhananjaya’s impeccable drifting ability.
The massacre continued until the 31st year Daryl Mitchellattempting a big shot to relieve the pressure, he mistimed his top speed and was caught by Angelo Mathews at long-on, gifting Jayasuriya his five-wicket haul. The deposition was completed in the 33rd year Tim Southee A sharp turn ball resulted in a fifth catch for Dhananjaya and a sixth wicket for Jayasuriya. The Blackcaps scored just 88 in their first innings without answering Jayasuriya’s spell.
We present the video:
New Zealand’s chief torturer wreaks havoc 💫@PrabathJayasur2 He takes 6 wickets in an incredible bowling display to derail the Kiwis 🤯#SonySportsNetwork #SLvNZ
PS. Don’t miss Dhananjaya de Silva’s 5️⃣ catch 🧐 pic.twitter.com/YuvpPYhVMG
— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 28, 2024
Also READ: Sri Lanka go all guns blazing against New Zealand and continue in second Test
Sri Lanka’s batting masterclass
Earlier, Sri Lanka had posted a stunning 602/5 declared in their first innings for centuries. Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendisand Kusal Mendis. Excellent performances from the trio, coupled with an aggressive batting game, left New Zealand with a monumental task to overcome a huge deficit.
Trailing by 514 runs, New Zealand were forced to continue. Going into the third day of the match, the visitors managed to put up a little better fight in their second innings. At the end of play, due to poor light and weather, New Zealand were 119/5 after 41 overs and still trailed by a daunting 315 runs. Jayasuriya continued to torment the Blackcaps, with Sri Lanka’s spinners once again looking dangerous on a spinning Galle pitch.
