NEW DELHI: Sri Lanka positioned themselves strongly, ending at 237-4 at stumps against New Zealand on the third day of the opening Test in Galle.
Dimuth Karunaratne scored 83, and Dinesh Chandimal made 61, contributing to a crucial 147-run partnership that challenged the Black Caps. However, their dismissals left the game evenly balanced, with Sri Lanka leading by 202 runs.
Angelo Mathews and captain Dhananjaya de Silva, both on 34, remained at the crease.They aim to build on Sri Lanka’s lead when play resumes on Sunday, as Saturday is a rest day due to the presidential election in Sri Lanka, reported Reuters. This marks the first time a Test match has paused for an election since Bangladesh hosted Sri Lanka in 2008.
New Zealand initially made a positive start, highlighted by skipper Tim Southee’s spectacular catch to dismiss Pathum Nissanka. However, breakthroughs were sparse on a pitch that gradually deteriorated.
Spinner Ajaz Patel finally got one past Karunaratne’s defense after a wicketless second session. Soon after, speedster William O’Rourke dismissed Chandimal, bringing New Zealand back into the game at 153-3.
O’Rourke continued his efforts by dismissing first innings centurion Kamindu Mendis (13), increasing the pressure on Sri Lanka. Despite this, Sri Lanka maintained composure late in the day.
Earlier, New Zealand resumed on 255-4 but could only add 85 runs, finishing with a lead of 35. Sri Lankan spinners used the new ball effectively to clean up the tail.
Tom Blundell was the first to depart, with a delivery from Prabath Jayasuriya glancing off his glove to slip. Fellow overnight batsman Daryl Mitchell was run out for 57.
Jayasuriya then dismissed Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee, ending with figures of 4-136. Ramesh Mendis chipped in by getting rid of Patel, although Glenn Phillips continued to frustrate Sri Lanka.
Phillips raised the tempo with powerful hitting, remaining unbeaten on 49 from 48 balls, featuring two fours and five sixes. Ramesh finally bowled last man O’Rourke, concluding with figures of 3-101.
Dimuth Karunaratne scored 83, and Dinesh Chandimal made 61, contributing to a crucial 147-run partnership that challenged the Black Caps. However, their dismissals left the game evenly balanced, with Sri Lanka leading by 202 runs.
Angelo Mathews and captain Dhananjaya de Silva, both on 34, remained at the crease.They aim to build on Sri Lanka’s lead when play resumes on Sunday, as Saturday is a rest day due to the presidential election in Sri Lanka, reported Reuters. This marks the first time a Test match has paused for an election since Bangladesh hosted Sri Lanka in 2008.
New Zealand initially made a positive start, highlighted by skipper Tim Southee’s spectacular catch to dismiss Pathum Nissanka. However, breakthroughs were sparse on a pitch that gradually deteriorated.
Spinner Ajaz Patel finally got one past Karunaratne’s defense after a wicketless second session. Soon after, speedster William O’Rourke dismissed Chandimal, bringing New Zealand back into the game at 153-3.
O’Rourke continued his efforts by dismissing first innings centurion Kamindu Mendis (13), increasing the pressure on Sri Lanka. Despite this, Sri Lanka maintained composure late in the day.
Earlier, New Zealand resumed on 255-4 but could only add 85 runs, finishing with a lead of 35. Sri Lankan spinners used the new ball effectively to clean up the tail.
Tom Blundell was the first to depart, with a delivery from Prabath Jayasuriya glancing off his glove to slip. Fellow overnight batsman Daryl Mitchell was run out for 57.
Jayasuriya then dismissed Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee, ending with figures of 4-136. Ramesh Mendis chipped in by getting rid of Patel, although Glenn Phillips continued to frustrate Sri Lanka.
Phillips raised the tempo with powerful hitting, remaining unbeaten on 49 from 48 balls, featuring two fours and five sixes. Ramesh finally bowled last man O’Rourke, concluding with figures of 3-101.