Sri Lanka-New Zealand Test, Sri Lanka all out for 305 runs in the first innings: Kamindu’s century, Kusal’s fifty; William O’Rourke took 5 wickets
Sri Lanka was all out for 305 runs in the first innings of the first Test against New Zealand on the second day. Sri Lanka resumed play on the second day at the Galle International Stadium on Thursday with a score of 302/7. The team lost 3 wickets in scoring 3 runs.
On the first day, Wednesday, Sri Lanka scored 302 runs for 7 wickets with the help of innings of Kamindu and Kusal. Kamindu Mendis played an innings of 114 runs. He scored the fourth century of his career. Apart from him, Kusal Mendis scored 50 runs.
William O’Rourke took 5 wickets for New Zealand. Glenn Phillips and Ejaz Patel took 2-2 wickets. This match is being played at Galle International Stadium. Host Sri Lanka won the toss and decided to bat.
Kamindu Mendis’ century Sri Lanka did not have a good start in the first session on Wednesday. Opener Pathum Nissanka was out after scoring 27 runs and Dimuth Karunaratne was out after scoring 2 runs. Both were sent to the pavilion by William O’Rourke. After this, Dinesh Chandimal scored 30 runs and Angelo Mathews scored 36 runs. Chandimal was dismissed by Southee and Mathews was dismissed by William O’Rourke. Captain Dhananjay de Silva was dismissed by Glenn Phillips for 11 runs.
Despite wickets falling from the other end, Kamindu Mendis continued his good performance for England and scored the fourth century of his career. He was dismissed by Ajaz Patel at 114 runs. Apart from him, wicketkeeper batsman Kusal Mendis scored a half-century. He scored 50 runs. From New Zealand, William O’Rourke took the highest 5 wickets and Glenn Phillips-Ajaz Patel took 2-2 wickets each. Tim Southee got 1 wicket.
Both teams have come with 2 pacers and 2 spinners on the Galle pitch. Tim Southee said that we also wanted to bat. Hopefully there will be a 5 day match on this pitch. We are also coming with 2 fast bowlers and 2 spinners. We also have some part time options.
Playing-11 of both teams Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper), Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Dhananjaya de Silva (captain), Kamindu Mendis, Ramesh Mendis, Prabath Jayasuriya, Lahiru Kumara and Asitha Fernando.
New Zealand: Tom Latham (vice-captain), Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Rachin Ravindra, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper), Glenn Phillips, Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee (captain), William O’Rourke and Ajaz Patel.
New Zealand is at the third place in the WTC points table. The Sri Lankan team won the third and final match of the Test series against England by 8 wickets. In such a situation, the team’s morale is high. On the other hand, New Zealand’s Test match against Afghanistan could not be held in India due to rain. Sri Lanka is at the fifth place and New Zealand at the third place in the World Test Championship points table.
Pitch Report: Wicket will be helpful for pacers Farveez Maharoof said on the pitch report that the pitch looks great. I have never seen so much grass here. I think the fast bowlers will get something in the beginning. If the team batting first scores 450-500 runs, it will be a huge lead.
The Galle Test will run for 6 days (18 to 23 September) as there will be a rest day on 21 September due to the presidential election in Sri Lanka. The second match of the series will be played from 26 to 30 September. Both matches will start at 10 am Indian time.
