Sri Lanka whitewashes Kiwis

Sri Lanka won by an innings and 154 runs against New Zealand, completing a 2-0 series victory after four days of play in the second Test match at the Galle International Cricket Stadium yesterday. This is Sri Lanka’s third consecutive Test win (following victories against England at the Oval and two against New Zealand at Galle). They remain in third place in the ICC Test Championship points table, behind India and Australia. New Zealand, with this series defeat, dropped to seventh place.

It was an impressive batting display by Sri Lanka, who posted 602 for 5 wickets. The bowlers then followed up with a superb effort, dismissing New Zealand for just 88 in the first innings, their lowest total against Sri Lanka. This gave Sri Lanka a dominant position on a spin-friendly Galle wicket, with New Zealand needing 514 runs to avoid an innings defeat.

On the fourth day, debutant Nishan Pieris was the hero, excelling with the ball by taking 6 for 170, well supported by leg-spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. New Zealand were bowled out for 360, just 25 minutes after lunch, sealing Sri Lanka’s win by an innings and 154 runs, completing a series whitewash with a day to spare.

New Zealand, resuming on 199 for 5, continued to battle on day four. Glenn Phillips and Tom Blundell completed half-centuries, while Mitchell Santner struck an unbeaten 48. They added 136 runs for the loss of three wickets in the first session, with New Zealand reaching 335 for 8 at lunch.

The overnight batter, Tom Blundell, was dismissed in the fourth over of the day after scoring 60 off 64 balls (6 fours and 2 sixes). He was trapped LBW by debutant off-spinner Nishan Pieris, who broke the 97-run sixth-wicket partnership between Blundell and Phillips.

Phillips and Mitchell Santner added a fighting 64-run partnership for the seventh wicket. Phillips attempted a six over long-on but was caught by Dimuth Karunaratne for 78 off 99 balls (3 sixes).

Mitchell Santner played a resilient knock of 67 off 115 balls with 6 fours and 3 sixes, before being stumped by Kusal Mendis off the bowling of Pieris, who finished with figures of 6 for 170 from 33.4 overs. Pieris also took 9 wickets in the match on his debut, while Prabath Jayasuriya claimed 3 for 139 in his 34 overs.

At the presentation ceremony, SLC CEO Ashley de Silva and Acting Secretary Chryshantha Kapuwatte were the chief guests. Kamindu Mendis won the Player of the Match award for his remarkable unbeaten 182. Leg-spinner Prabath Jayasuriya was named Player of the Series for his excellent bowling, taking 18 wickets in the two-match series.