In an exhilarating turn of events, Sri Lanka demonstrated resilience on Day 3 of the ongoing test match, led by the exceptional performance of Prabath Jayasuriya, who claimed 4 wickets for 136 runs. Starting the day at 255/4, just 50 runs behind New Zealand’s total, Sri Lanka’s bowlers capitalized on the morning conditions to bring the game back into balance.
Morning Session Drama
The morning session was pivotal, with Jayasuriya making an immediate impact by dismissing Tom Blundell. The ball spun sharply off the surface, leaving Blundell no chance as it veered past his defenses. Soon after, the Sri Lankans experienced a significant breakthrough when Daryl Mitchell fell victim to an unfortunate run-out. Mitchell was looking solid at the crease, having scored 57 runs, and his dismissal sparked a mini-collapse in the New Zealand batting lineup.
Following Mitchell’s departure, Sri Lanka seized the momentum, particularly after taking the second new ball. The newer ball offered spinners increased grip and turn, which Jayasuriya exploited to devastating effect. He swiftly sent both Mitchell Santner and Tim Southee back to the pavilion, further rattling the New Zealand batting order. Not to be left out, Ramesh Mendis joined the party by bowling Ajaz Patel LBW, leaving New Zealand in a precarious position.
A Fightback from Glenn Phillips
Despite the initial collapse, Glenn Phillips stepped up for New Zealand, playing a crucial innings of 49 not out. Phillips showcased his aggression, launching a series of sixes that not only provided entertainment but also helped his team gain a vital 35-run lead. His ability to rotate the strike effectively allowed him to build a partnership with no. 11 batsman William O’Rourke, who ultimately fell victim to Ramesh Mendis’ bowling.
The approach taken by Sri Lanka in their tactics against Phillips raised eyebrows, as they allowed him to accumulate important runs that helped cushion the New Zealand total.
Sri Lanka’s Response
When Sri Lanka came out to bat in their second innings, O’Rourke continued his form from the previous day, dismissing Pathum Nissanka early on. However, Sri Lanka’s openers, Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal, showed determination and resilience, preventing New Zealand from gaining further ground. Together, they worked to erase the deficit, ensuring that Sri Lanka remained competitive in the match.
As the session progressed, Sri Lanka reached 32 for 1, trailing New Zealand’s total of 340 by just three runs. Dimuth Karunaratne played a patient innings, remaining unbeaten on 23 as the team aimed to build a solid foundation for the remainder of their innings.
Summary of the Match Situation
At this stage of the match, Sri Lanka had scored 305 runs in their first innings and were poised at 32/1 in their second innings. New Zealand’s first innings total of 340 was built on solid contributions from their top order, with Tom Latham leading with 70 runs, followed by Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson, who both added valuable runs to the scoreboard.
As the match continues, Sri Lanka’s bowlers have shown they can take wickets and apply pressure, while the batting lineup appears focused on recovering from early setbacks. With the game finely balanced, both teams will look to seize control as the day progresses.
With Sri Lanka’s resurgence led by Prabath Jayasuriya’s impressive bowling and a spirited fightback from their batsmen, the test match promises to be a thrilling contest. As the innings unfold, all eyes will be on how the Sri Lankan side capitalizes on their current momentum and whether New Zealand can respond effectively to maintain their edge. This encounter is shaping up to be a classic battle of skill and strategy in the heart of the cricketing arena.