| 0.0 : Aha... that smell of the morning wet mud on the ground. The sight of the wet grass which has just been watered. The sun shining high in the sky. And... red ball! Woohoo! Test cricket. After days and weeks and months of continuous white-ball cricket, the red-ball stuff comes into focus. Yes, the Ashes have already begun but from this day, we could see a plethora of red-ball games, something which this sport badly needs to avoid imbalance. It is Sri Lanka and New Zealand to kickstart the Test cham |
| The Black Caps enter this series on the back of 5 successive Test series wins and if we extend that to 7 in the last 8, it just showcases their dominance. However, only one of those 8 has come outside Kiwiland, hence, this will be a big test of Kane Williamson and his men's character. |
| As far as Sri Lanka are concerned, they have been struggling with the white ball but with the red ball, they have not been that bad. They beat South Africa at home, then the West Indies away and the Proteas away again. The last one was without that champion, Rangana Herath and that victory should certainly boost their spirits. Here they are, at their fortress, Galle. |
| WEATHER - It was raining the whole of Tuesday and even on match day but at the time of game start, bright sunshine appeared. But the forecast says rain for all the five days. |
| PITCH REPORT - Russell Arnold observing the track says that it seems a very good-looking one but very different from the usual Galle one, citing plenty of grass, which could assist seam bowling early on. But from Day 3, spinners should take control. |
| TOSS - Time for the spin of the coin. Kane Williamson calls Tails and Tails it is. NEW ZEALAND WILL BAT FIRST. That is half the battle won. |
| New Zealand skipper, Kane Williamson, says that it looks a good surface to bat, hence the reason. Admits that rain has robbed them of practice but backs his experienced guys to do well on a challenging surface. On Test cricket not being played since February for the Kiwis, Kane says that it is how the international calendar goes. Informs that Colin de Grandhomme misses out for this game. |
| Sri Lankan captain, Dimuth Karunaratne, says that he too, was looking to bat first as the track usually turns a lot but now, wants to bowl well first and take early wickets. On the new faces in the side, Dimuth says that they did well in South Africa and wants them to do their basics right and compete hard. Informs that Lakmal and Kumara are playing and the spin options are Akila, Dhananjaya and Embuldeniya. |
| New Zealand Playing XI - Jeet Raval, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson(c), Ross Taylor, Henry Nicholls, BJ Watling(wk), Mitchell Santner, Tim Southee, William Somerville, Trent Boult and Ajaz Patel. |
| Sri Lanka Playing XI - Dimuth Karunaratne(c), Lahiru Thirimanne, Kusal Mendis, Angelo Mathews, Kusal Perera, Niroshan Dickwella(wk), Dhananjaya de Silva, Akila Dananjaya, Lasith Embuldeniya, Suranga Lakmal and Lahiru Kumara. |
| Right. The players are out in the middle with some new clothing as the number and name gets printed on their white shirts. Something new, which was started in the Ashes a fortnight ago. Time for the national anthems. New Zealand's first, followed by Sri Lanka's. |
| That's 'Namo, Namo, Namo, Namo Matha' done and we are all set to begin. Nice breeze blowing across the ground and should assist the seamers. Tom Latham and Jeet Raval are the openers for the Kiwis, with the latter on strike. Suranga Lakmal will start off proceedings for this day, match, series and tour. Straightaway, a short leg in place, along with two slips. Here we go. Let's play, mates! |
| 0.1 : S Lakmal to Raval, On the money right away. Full and around off, swinging in, watchfully defended. |
| 0.2 : S Lakmal to Raval, Good running. Around off, Raval pushes this towards cover and sets off quickly. The fielders are caught off guard and a single is easily taken. The Test match scoreboard starts ticking. |
| 0.3 : S Lakmal to Latham, Full and outside off, no swing on this one, left alone. |
| 0.4 : S Lakmal to Latham, NOT FAR FROM SHORT LEG! Heart-in-mouth moment for Latham. Down the leg side, Tom tucks it aerially and just wide of short leg. A run taken to get both the openers off the mark. |
| 0.5 : S Lakmal to Raval, Bizarre from umpire Illingworth. Down the leg side, Jeet looked to tuck it away but missed and the ball went off his thighs behind. Niroshan Dickwella dived to his right and got a glove to it, parrying it towards fine leg and taking some pace off it. The batsmen took a single but the umpire signalled a dead ball! Probably he felt that Raval was not offering a shot but replays do not seem to indicate so. |
| 0.6 : S Lakmal to Raval, Full and around off, Suranga switching to around the wicket, watchfully defended. A good opening over from Lakmal. |
| Lahiru Kumara to share the new ball with Lakmal. |
| 1.1 : L Kumara to Latham, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 1.2 : L Kumara to Latham, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. |
| 1.3 : L Kumara to Latham, Outside off, punched towards cover. |
| 1.4 : L Kumara to Latham, On a length around middle and leg, angling away, Latham watchfully shoulders arms. |
| 1.5 : L Kumara to Latham, Full and straight, well blocked out. |
| 1.6 : L Kumara to Latham, A bouncer but down the leg side, calmly ducked under. |
| 2.1 : S Lakmal to Raval, Excellent delivery. On a length outside off, from around the stumps, coming in a long way off the deck, Raval looks to defend but is beaten by the movement. Gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. |
| 2.2 : S Lakmal to Raval, Outside off, a touch wide, coming in but not bothering the batsman, shouldered arms to. |
| 2.3 : S Lakmal to Raval, Full and outside off, wide again, let through once more. |
| 2.4 : S Lakmal to Raval, Another wide ball outside off, Jeet is not interested. |
| 2.5 : S Lakmal to Raval, On a length outside off, coming in, punched straight to cover. |
| 2.6 : S Lakmal to Raval, Outside off, Jeet taps it towards cover and sets off for a single but is sent back as three fielders come charging in. |
| 3.1 : L Kumara to Latham, Full and down the leg side, pitching outside leg, Latham looks to flick but misses. Is hit outside leg as well as the LBW cries of the Lankans die down pretty quickly. |
| 3.2 : L Kumara to Latham, Outside off, pushed towards cover. |
| 3.3 : L Kumara to Latham, Full and down the leg side, flicked through square leg for a single. |
| 3.4 : L Kumara to Raval, Outside off, Jeet guides it towards third man, with soft hands but Kusal Mendis at second slip dives to his left and makes a brilliant stop. |
| 3.5 : L Kumara to Raval, Very full, around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 3.6 : L Kumara to Raval, This is full again, almost a yorker, dug out back to Kumara once more. |
| 4.1 : S Lakmal to Latham, On a length outside off, left alone. |
| 4.2 : S Lakmal to Latham, A length ball outside off, but too wide. Calmly left alone. |
| 4.3 : S Lakmal to Latham, Another leave outside off. |
| 4.4 : S Lakmal to Latham, Yawn. Full. Wide. Does the area matter? Not to either of the batsmen. Anyways, just so that you can picture how the action happened, this was outside off. Left alone. |
| 4.5 : S Lakmal to Latham, Full and around middle, flicked towards mid-wicket. |
| 4.6 : S Lakmal to Latham, Outside off, left alone again. |
| 5.1 : L Kumara to Raval, FOUR! Nice shot. Full and around off, Raval leans and drives it through the covers for a boundary! |
| 5.2 : L Kumara to Raval, On middle and leg, tucked to the leg side. |
| 5.3 : L Kumara to Raval, On middle, helped past short leg for a single. |
| 5.4 : L Kumara to Latham, Around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 5.5 : L Kumara to Latham, Outside off, on a length, let through. |
| 5.6 : L Kumara to Latham, Very full, around off, pushed towards mid on. |
| 6.1 : S Lakmal to Raval, Some change of angle but the line is still poor. Down the leg side, left alone. |
| 6.2 : S Lakmal to Raval, Another one down the leg side. |
| 6.3 : S Lakmal to Raval, Outside off, pushed straight to cover. |
| 6.4 : S Lakmal to Raval, Better ball. Outside off, at an angle which can cause the batsman to play, from around the wicket, but Raval lets it go. |
| 6.5 : S Lakmal to Raval, Down the leg side, worked through square leg for a couple. |
| 6.6 : S Lakmal to Raval, Outside off, punched towards cover. |
| Aha! Here we go. Spin introduced within 35 minutes! Akila Dananjaya into the attack. |
| 7.1 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Full and around leg and middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 7.2 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Full and around leg, paddled through fine leg for a couple. |
| 7.3 : A Dananjaya to Latham, The batsman has been struck on the thigh pad. They pick up a single. Leg byes given by the umpire. |
| 7.4 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Full and just outside off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 7.5 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Tossed up, around off, Raval lunges and pushes this back to Akila. |
| 7.6 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Down the leg side, Jeet goes back and works it straight to short leg. |
| 8.1 : S Lakmal to Latham, On a length wide outside off, shouldered arms to. |
| 8.2 : S Lakmal to Latham, On a length, just outside off, coming in, watchfully pushed towards cover. |
| 8.3 : S Lakmal to Latham, Back of a length this time, well blocked out. |
| 8.4 : S Lakmal to Latham, Oohhh... saved by the bounce! On a good length outside off, Latham shoulders arms. But the ball swings in a long way and goes just over the stumps! Would have hit them, had it not been for the bounce. |
| 8.5 : S Lakmal to Latham, Full and around off, pushed towards cover. |
| 8.6 : S Lakmal to Latham, A length ball outside off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 9.1 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Tossed up around off, Latham comes forward and defends it in front of short leg. |
| 9.2 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Full and around off, paddled past short leg for a single. |
| 9.3 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Landed around off, a bit of loop, watchfully pushed towards point. |
| 9.4 : A Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Full and around off, Tom looks to paddle again but this time the ball takes the under edge and goes wide of short leg. TL looks for a single but leg slip quickly gets across and Raval sends his partner back. |
| 9.5 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Outside off, punched through the covers for a run. |
| 9.6 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Full and around off, watchfully blocked out. |
| 10.1 : S Lakmal to Latham, Good bowling but Lakmal oversteps. NO BALL. It was a decent nut, angling in from outside off, Latham looked to defend but was cut into half by the late movement. Ahh... replays show that Lakmal had something behind the line. Tough luck. |
| S Lakmal to Latham, Outside off, left alone. |
| 10.2 : S Lakmal to Latham, The batsman defends it from within the crease. |
| 10.3 : S Lakmal to Latham, Full and outside off, Tom takes his bat away from the line. |
| 10.4 : S Lakmal to Latham, Full and outside off, first mistake from TL as he looks to push at a wider one and is beaten. This is due to that inward movement on the no ball which was not a no ball earlier in the over... |
| 10.5 : S Lakmal to Latham, On a length outside off, coming in, watchfully defended. |
| 10.6 : S Lakmal to Latham, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover. |
| Lahiru Kumara gets a change of ends, replacing Akila Dananjaya. He will be bowling with the wind now. 3-1-6-0 so far. |
| 11.1 : L Kumara to Raval, Full and around middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 11.2 : L Kumara to Raval, Landed around middle, angling away, left alone. |
| 11.3 : L Kumara to Raval, A bouncer, dug in at halfway down the pitch, Raval watches it closely and sways away in time. |
| 11.4 : L Kumara to J Raval, Fuller in length, driven straight down the ground but without any timing. Mid on cuts it off. |
| 11.5 : L Kumara to Raval, Misfield from the skipper. Full and outside off, Jeet drives it down the ground. Dimuth Karunaratne at mid off quickly gets across to his left but while trying to field the ball, he misjudges it and the cherry goes off his body behind. He quickly gets up and chases it down, preventing a boundary but two runs are taken by then. |
| 11.6 : L Kumara to Raval, Outside off, punched to the off side. |
| No surprises. Akila Dananjaya swaps ends now. 2-0-4-0 so far. |
| 12.1 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Full and outside off, spinning away, left alone. |
| 12.2 : A Dananjaya to Latham, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 12.3 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Full and outside off, pushed towards cover. |
| 12.4 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Full and outside off, Latham looks to paddle but misses. It is a good thing that Niroshan Dickwella caught that. Because had he missed, Dhananjaya de Silva, at first slip, in his excitement to get to the ball in case Latham connected, had gone too far across and had to change track. Slipped. |
| 12.5 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Lovely bowling. Slower through the air, landing outside off, Tom looks to defend but the ball spins away and beats the outside edge. |
| 12.6 : A Dananjaya to Latham, A touch short, down the leg side, helped through square leg for a couple. |
| 13.1 : L Kumara to Raval, A short ball, around off, Raval sways away. |
| 13.2 : L Kumara to Raval, Another bouncer, ducked under this time. |
| 13.3 : L Kumara to Raval, Third bouncer on the trot, swayed away now. |
| 13.4 : L Kumara to Raval, Make that four bouncers in a row, Jeet sways away from the line. |
| 13.5 : L Kumara to Raval, Pitched outside leg, 145 kph, JR is beaten by pace as he looks to flick and is hit on the pads. |
| 13.6 : L Kumara to Raval, Full and around middle, flicked to deep mid-wicket for one. |
| DRINKS BREAK. |
| 14.1 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 14.2 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Landed around off, Jeet looks to defend but the ball spins past the outside edge. |
| 14.3 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Outside off, left alone. |
| 14.4 : A Dananjaya to Raval, One more leave outside off. |
| 14.5 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Landed outside off, guided through third man for a couple. |
| 14.6 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Landed outside off, punched towards cover. |
| 15.1 : L Kumara to Latham, FOUR! Fine shot. Just the second boundary of the morning. Outside off, Latham leans and punches it through the covers. |
| 15.2 : L Kumara to Latham, Down the leg side, Tom misses his flick and is hit on the pads. |
| 15.3 : L Kumara to Latham, Outside off, let through. |
| 15.4 : L Kumara to Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 15.5 : L Kumara to Latham, On a length around off, TL taps it wide of mid on and takes a quick single. |
| 15.6 : L Kumara to Raval, Outside off, left alone. |
| 16.1 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Full and outside off, Latham looks to defend but misses. |
| 16.2 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Outside off, Tom looks to push but misses. Extravagant turn. |
| 16.3 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Down the leg side, helped through mid-wicket. Mid on gets to the ball to stop when it has already stopped and parries it back to mid-wicket. Three runs taken. |
| 16.4 : A Dananjaya to Raval, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 16.5 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Full and outside off, Jeet lunges to defend but the ball spins away and beats the outside edge. |
| 16.6 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Full and outside off, pushed towards cover. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva to bowl now. |
| 17.1 : de Silva to Tom Latham, Short and outside off, cut straight to point. |
| 17.2 : de Silva to Latham, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 17.3 : de Silva to Latham, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single. |
| 17.4 : de Silva to Raval, Around off, watchfully defended. |
| 17.5 : de Silva to Raval, Full and down the leg side, Jeet gets down and paddles it past the keeper towards fine leg. Two runs taken. |
| 17.6 : de Silva to Raval, Around off, pushed towards cover. |
| 18.1 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Full and around middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 18.2 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Gets down, takes this on the full and paddles it fine down the leg side for a single. |
| 18.3 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Short and outside off, Raval cuts it through the covers where the fielder makes a good stop to his right. A run taken. |
| 18.4 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Full and around middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 18.5 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Outside off, punched through the covers where Karunaratne makes a good stop. |
| 18.6 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Full and around off, worked through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 19.1 : de Silva to J Raval, FOUR! LOVELY! Full and outside off, Raval leans and drives it wide of mid off for a boundary! |
| 19.2 : de Silva to Raval, Outside off, punched to the off side. |
| 19.3 : de Silva to Raval, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. |
| 19.4 : de Silva to Raval, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 19.5 : de Silva to Raval, FOUR! Interesting choice of a shot. Tossed up outside off, Raval leans and lofts this over wide mid off for as boundary! Are these signs of wanting to take the spinners on? |
| 19.6 : de Silva to Raval, On middle and leg, worked towards short mid-wicket. |
| 20.1 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Short and outside off, cut straight to point. |
| 20.2 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Full and around off, watchfully defended |
| 20.3 : A Dananjaya to Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 20.4 : A Dananjaya to Latham, FOUR! Nicely played. Full and around off, Latham gets down and sweeps it through square leg. |
| 20.5 : A Dananjaya to Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 20.6 : A Dananjaya to Latham, On middle and leg, helped through the leg side for a single. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya now. Bowls left-arm spin. |
| 21.1 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Full and down the leg side, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 21.2 : L Embuldeniya to Raval, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 21.3 : L Embuldeniya to Raval, Outside off, tapped to the off side for a quick run. |
| 21.4 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. |
| 21.5 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Around off, watchfully blocked out. |
| 21.6 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 22.1 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Very nicely played. Landed outside off, Raval goes back and plays it very late past first slip towards third man for a couple. |
| 22.2 : A Dananjaya to Raval, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. |
| 22.3 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Short and outside off, cut through point for a single. |
| 22.4 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Outside off, left alone. |
| 22.5 : A Dananjaya to Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| Direct hit! Is this the first breakthrough? Nope. The replays show that Raval is well in. |
| 22.6 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Safe as a house. Full and outside off, Latham lunges to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and goes to short third man. Latham is doubtful about the run but Raval always wanted it and calls him through. Kusal Mendis fires a direct hit at the striker's end and it is referred upstairs. But replays show that Raval is well in. |
| 23.1 : L Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, FOUR! Short and outside off, Latham goes back and cuts it behind point for a boundary! |
| 23.2 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Landed outside off, Latham looks to tuck it to the leg side but misses and wears it on his pads. |
| 23.3 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 23.4 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 23.5 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Goes back and blocks this one. |
| 23.6 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 24.1 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Full and around off, Raval lunges to defend. |
| 24.2 : A Dananjaya to Raval, THAT STAYS LOW. It is on a length, spinning away from off, Jeet adjusts well on the back foot to punch it through the covers for a single. |
| 24.3 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Thrown up outside off, Latham comes forward and pushes it towards short leg. |
| 24.4 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Tossed up around off, Tom comes forward and blocks it out to the off side this time. |
| 24.5 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Around leg and middle, spinning away, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 24.6 : A Dananjaya to Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 25.1 : L Embuldeniya to Raval, Around off, worked towards short leg. |
| 25.2 : L Embuldeniya to Raval, Full and around middle and leg, worked to the leg side. |
| 25.3 : L Embuldeniya to Raval, Around middle and leg, flicked wide of mid on for a single. |
| 25.4 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Full and around off, pushed towards the bowler. |
| 25.5 : L Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, Comes down the track and pushes it towards mid on. |
| 25.6 : L Embuldeniya to Tom Latham, Full and around off, pushed towards mid on. |
| 26.1 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Tossed up around leg stump, Raval looks to flick it to the leg side but the ball spins away and takes the leading edge towards cover. |
| 26.2 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Outside leg, this time Jeet plays it straighter, pushing it towards mid on for a quick single. |
| 26.3 : A Dananjaya to Latham, OUT! Caught behind! Akila Dananjaya has provided the first breakthrough of this Test. A bit of an indecision from Latham here. Landed around off, Tom goes back to defend but then looks to withdraw his bat as an afterthought. Is caught in no man's land as he does a bit of both and hangs his bat midway. The ball pitches, turns and takes a feather of an outside edge behind. Niroshan Dickwella collects and leaps in celebration. The umpire raises his finger and Latham doe |
| With around 15 minutes left for Lunch, Kane Williamson strides out to the middle, at number 3. |
| 26.4 : A Dananjaya to Williamson, Full and outside off, pushed towards mid off. |
| 26.5 : A Dananjaya to Williamson, Around middle and off, worked towards mid-wicket. |
| 26.6 : A Dananjaya to Williamson, OUT! Caught! Second wicket in the over and the Kiwi captain is gone for a duck. Big, big blow. The match has spun big time. From going nowhere, sending people into dreams with yawns, now, with a quarter of an hour to go to Lunch, everyone has been stirred awake. Landed outside off, Williamson comes forward initially, but then goes back, looking to work it into the leg side. He cannot keep it down and finds Dimuth Karunaratne at short mid-wicket who takes it easil |
| Ross Taylor walks in at number 4, replacing his skipper. |
| 27.1 : L Embuldeniya to Raval, Around off, punched off the back foot. |
| 27.2 : L Embuldeniya to Raval, Full and around off, Raval lunges and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 27.3 : L Embuldeniya to Raval, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 27.4 : L Embuldeniya to Raval, Outside off, punched towards cover. |
| 27.5 : L Embuldeniya to Raval, Outside off, Raval goes back and defends it from his crease. |
| 27.6 : L Embuldeniya to Raval, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 28.1 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Full and outside off, Taylor goes back to defend but the ball skids on after pitching and squared Rosco up, going off the outside edge towards cover. |
| 28.2 : A Dananjaya to R Taylor, The wrong 'un now, outside off, RT picks it and looks to drive but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. |
| 28.3 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Outside off, flicked straight to short leg where Kusal Mendis quickly flicks it back to the keeper. Dickwella takes the bails off but Taylor is in. |
| 28.4 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Landed outside off, spinning down, Rosco goes back and tucks it past leg slip for a single. |
| 28.5 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Full and around middle, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 28.6 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Full and outside off, pushed towards cover. |
| 29.1 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Landed outside off, Taylor goes back and plays it with the away spin towards cover. |
| 29.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and down the leg side, Rosco gets down and sweeps it fine. Akila Dananjaya gives it a good chase and flicks it back in, with a dive near the boundary. Three runs taken. |
| 29.3 : L Embuldeniya to Raval, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 29.4 : L Embuldeniya to Raval, Around off, spinning in, worked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 29.5 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. |
| 29.6 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and around off, Rosco flicks it through mid-wicket where Angelo Mathews dives and parries it wide of mid on. A run taken. |
| 30.1 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Short and outside off, Taylor cuts it through point where Lahiru Kumara dives to his left and makes a half-stop. A quick single taken. |
| 30.2 : A Dananjaya to J Raval, OUT! Edged and taken! Third wicket down in the span of 16 minutes! What a spur of life this mini-spell has brought about. Full and outside off, Raval lunges to defend but the ball hits the pitch and Jeet expects it to spin away. Hence, to miss it. But this is the doosra. It comes in, takes the outside edge and goes low to first slip where Dhananjaya de Silva takes it by coming forward. LUNCH ON DAY 1! |
| Wow. Wow-o-wow-o-w. After 105 minutes of snooze fest, where nothing much was going the bowling team's way, all of a sudden, in the span of 15 minutes, Akila Dananjaya has brought the game to life. Two set batsmen and one synonym to a glue which cannot be separated, have been sent back to the pavilion. Boy, this game is alive and kicking. |
| When Kane Williamson called it correctly this morning at the toss, it seemed like half the battle was won. And when the Black Caps added 64 without losing a wicket, it did look like a long day was in store for the Lankans, with nothing much on offer. But that is the beauty of Test cricket. For minutes and hours, it seems like nothing is happening and when it eventually starts to happen, you cannot believe it has happened. Something similar has occurred here. |
| Akila Dananjaya was bowling against the wind in his first spell and after 2 overs, he changed ends, which immediately bore fruit. He got the ball to land in the right areas and caused doubts in the minds of the batsmen. That indecision caused Latham to think twice before playing or not playing, while Williamson spooned one to the leg side and in the final over before Lunch, Raval edged one behind. Akila, along with the turn but more because of his variations, has eked out all the three wickets. |
| Hard to explain New Zealand's state of mind for now. They did all the hard part, seeing off the new ball and would have seen off the session as well but spin did them in. 71/3 looks so different from 64/0. In fact, it looks devastating. The Lankans will now be smiling because this is their territory. Spin it like a cobra and sting the opponents. They will hope to run through the middle order after the break. Join us back at 12.40 pm local (0710 GMT) for the second session. |
| ... DAY 1, SESSION 2 ... |
| Welcome back after the break. Boy, have we waited and waited for Lunch to end! Excited to see the ball spin and make heads turn. Do New Zealand have any fightback plan? Henry Nicholls to join Ross Taylor in the middle. |
| 30.3 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Full and around off, nice pace and flight, Nicholls pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 30.4 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, A touch short, Henry goes back and pushes it back to Akila once again. |
| 30.5 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Quicker outside off, the southpaw is solid in defense from his crease. |
| 30.6 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Full and around off, pushed back to AD. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya to continue from the other end. 5-1-12-0 so far. |
| 31.1 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 31.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Comes down the track and pushes it towards mid on. |
| 31.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and outside off, driven through the covers where the fielder makes a good stop to his left. |
| 31.4 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Excitement all around but nothing from the umpire. Full and outside leg, Taylor gets down to sweep but misses. The ball hits his pads and is taken by Kusal Mendis at short leg but there is not much of an appeal. |
| 31.5 : L Embuldeniya to R Taylor, Full and outside off, Rosco comes down the track and drives it towards cover. |
| 31.6 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, FOUR! HAMMERED! Full and around middle, Taylor gets down and mows a slog sweep over mid-wicket! |
| 32.1 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Full and outside off, Nicholls comes forward and shoulders arms to one spinning away. |
| 32.2 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Tossed up, outside off, pushed towards the bowler. |
| 32.3 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Landed outside off, Henry is squared up and pushes it awkwardly to the off side. |
| 32.4 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Around middle, HN thrusts his pads in front and blocks this with the bat to the leg side. |
| 32.5 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, FOUR! Very good shot. Tossed up, around middle, Nicholls gets his big reach out, gets down and sweeps it in front of square on the leg side. |
| 32.6 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Outside off, Nicholls punches it towards cover. Dimuth Karunaratne fields and has a needless shy at the bowler's end, despite Taylor being well in his crease. Misses and by the time Angelo Mathews can track it down from mid-wicket, two runs are taken. |
| 33.1 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 33.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Around off, watchfully pushed back. |
| 33.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and around middle, Taylor comes down the track and lofts it over mid on. The ball stops near the ropes and Lahiru Kumara gets to it with a valiant chase. Three runs taken. |
| 33.4 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Full and around off, watchfully blocked out. |
| 33.5 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 33.6 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, On middle and leg, turned towards square leg. |
| 34.1 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Slowly tossed up, outside off, watchfully defended. |
| 34.2 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Goes back and turns it through square leg for a single. |
| 34.3 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, That is a ripper. Akila lands this around middle, Nicholls goes back to defend but then the ball spins away past the outside edge. |
| 34.4 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Good fielding. Dananjaya drops this a bit short outside off and Henry goes back and punches it through the covers. Lasith Embuldeniya gives it a good chase from cover and slides to his left to keep the batsmen to a single. |
| 34.5 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Outside off, spinning in, worked towards deep mid-wicket for a run. |
| 34.6 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Full and down the leg side, HN looks to sweep but the ball hits his glove and goes off Niroshan Dickwella's boots towards first slip. |
| 35.1 : L Embuldeniya to R Taylor, Hmmm.... this is how Taylor plays. Tossed up outside off, Rosco looks to play the cover drive with hard hands but misses. Niroshan Dickwella behind fumbles but takes it in the second attempt. |
| 35.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and around middle, pushed towards short mid-wicket. |
| 35.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Outside off, eased towards the bowler on Taylor's off side. |
| 35.4 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, FOUR! IMPERIOUS! Taylor is at his best when he is looking to play such shots. Jumps down the track, gets to the pitch of this ball, which is flighted outside off on a fuller length and hammers it past the bowler to beat mid off. |
| 35.5 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, This is what happens when a batsman plays a shot similar to the one on the previous delivery. Mid off is pushed back. Why? Very bizarre. Rosco comes down the track and drives it towards long off for a comfortable single. |
| 35.6 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Now Nicholls comes down the track, takes this on the full and bunts this to long on for a run. |
| 36.1 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Full and around off, Nicholls lunges to defend. |
| 36.2 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Slowly bowled through the air, on a fuller length around off, Henry comes forward to defend but is beaten by the massive off spin. |
| 36.3 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Full and down the leg side, swept to deep square leg for a single. |
| 36.4 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Full and around off, pushed towards long on for a run. |
| 36.5 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Full and down the leg side, Nicholls gets down and sweeps it behind square leg. Lahiru Kumara chases it down from deep mid-wicket and dives to his left to stop the ball. Two runs taken. |
| 36.6 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 37.1 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Flighted outside off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 37.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Comes down the track and pushes it towards long on for a single. |
| 37.3 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Outside off, Nicholls goes back and defends. |
| 37.4 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Full and around middle, pushed towards long on for a run. |
| 37.5 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Slowly pushed through the air, around middle and leg, Taylor looks to defend but the ball takes the inside edge and goes on the bounce to short leg. |
| 37.6 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Uses his feet this time to drive this towards long off for one. 100 UP FOR NEW ZEALAND. |
| 38.1 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Doosra from Akila, landing outside off, short in length, Taylor picks it up in a trice and looks to cut but is beaten by pace. |
| 38.2 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Around off, worked towards short mid-wicket. |
| 38.3 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Full and around off, pushed towards cover. |
| 38.4 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Full and around off, flicked straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 38.5 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Tossed up with hardly any pace outside off, Rosco defends it watchfully. |
| 38.6 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 39.1 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, A short ball, around leg, worked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 39.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Tossed up outside off, Taylor comes down the track and drives it through the covers where Dimuth Karunaratne at short extra cover dives to his right to take some sting off the ball. Parries it to long off and a run is taken. |
| 39.3 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Around off, watchfully defended. |
| 39.4 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Comes down the track and flicks it off the inner half but it flies wide of short leg. |
| 39.5 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 39.6 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Pushes this to long on for a run. |
| 40.1 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Full and around middle, swept behind square leg for a single. |
| 40.2 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 40.3 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 40.4 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Short and outside off, punched down to long on for another easy run. Sri Lanka just seem to be giving away the advantage at the moment. |
| 40.5 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Full and around off, pushed to the leg side. |
| 40.6 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Plenty of loop outside off, Nicholls lunges to defend but ends up yorking himself. |
| 41.1 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Short and outside off, cut straight to point. |
| 41.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and around middle, Taylor gets down and sweeps it through square leg for a single. |
| 41.3 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Around middle and leg, helped through square leg for a run. |
| 41.4 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Comes down the track and pushes it through mid on for one more. |
| 41.5 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Around off, solidly defended. |
| 41.6 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Around middle, helped towards short leg. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva back on. 2-0-11-0 so far. |
| 42.1 : de Silva to Taylor, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 42.2 : de Silva to Taylor, Around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 42.3 : de Silva to Nicholls, Fired in around middle, Nicholls looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. |
| 42.4 : de Silva to Nicholls, Outside off, pushed towards cover. |
| 42.5 : de Silva to Nicholls, Landed outside off, punched towards cover. |
| 42.6 : de Silva to Nicholls, Outside off, pushed towards point. |
| 43.1 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 43.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Landed around off, driven straight to short extra cover. |
| 43.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, FOUR! MURDERED! Fractionally short and around off, Taylor goes back and pulls it over short mid-wicket for a boundary! |
| 43.4 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Rosco comes down the track but is not quite to the pitch of the ball. Looks to defend but gets a thick inside edge onto his pads. |
| 43.5 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Outside off, punched towards cover. |
| 43.6 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and around middle, flicked towards short mid-wicket. |
| 44.1 : de Silva to Nicholls, More runs on the off side. This is short and outside off, Nicholls goes back and cuts it behind point. Lasith Embuldeniya chases it down from backward point and pulls it back in. Two runs taken. |
| 44.2 : de Silva to Nicholls, Landed outside off, left alone. |
| 44.3 : de Silva to Nicholls, Outside off, punched through the covers for a single. |
| 44.4 : de Silva to Taylor, Fired in around off, punched towards mid on but short mid-wicket mops it up. |
| 44.5 : de Silva to Taylor, Full and around middle, pushed towards short mid-wicket. |
| 44.6 : de Silva to Taylor, Eases this down to long on for a run. |
| This was coming. With nothing happening after Lunch, Karunaratne has been forced to bring his pacers back on. Suranga Lakmal to bowl. 6-3-5-0 so far. |
| 45.1 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Full and outside off, Taylor leans and drives this through the covers for a couple. |
| 45.2 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 45.3 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Around off, worked wide of mid on for a single. |
| 45.4 : S Lakmal to Nicholls, Full and just around off, watchfully defended. |
| 45.5 : S Lakmal to H Nicholls, Full and outside off, Nicholls pushes it with soft hands and gets it through the slip cordon for a couple. 50-RUN STAND IS UP. Excellent recovery. |
| 45.6 : S Lakmal to Nicholls, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 46.1 : de Silva to Taylor, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 46.2 : de Silva to Taylor, Fired in on middle, pushed towards long on for a single. |
| 46.3 : de Silva to Nicholls, MISCOMMUNICATION, SAFE! Big miss by Karunaratne. Outside off, Nicholls pushes it towards cover and sets off for a single. But then, he stutters and stops. Taylor starts and stops too, looking at that. Eventually, they decide to go through and Rosco is gone for all money but Karunaratne returns a wild throw to Dickwella, which is very wide to his right and Taylor gets in. |
| 46.4 : de Silva to Taylor, Gets down, takes it on the full and paddles it through fine leg for a run. |
| 46.5 : de Silva to Nicholls, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 46.6 : de Silva to Nicholls, Around off, pushed back to Dhananjaya again. |
| 47.1 : S Lakmal to R Taylor, Outside off, Taylor looks to punch but gets a bottom edge to the off side. |
| 47.2 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 47.3 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Gets across his stumps and looks to tuck but misses. The ball hits his pads and goes towards fine leg and a leg bye is taken. |
| 47.4 : S Lakmal to Nicholls, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 47.5 : S Lakmal to Nicholls, Outside off, left alone. |
| 47.6 : S Lakmal to Nicholls, Full and around off, well kept out. |
| 48.1 : de Silva to Taylor, Tossed up outside leg, Taylor pads it away. |
| 48.2 : de Silva to Taylor, Short and around off, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 48.3 : de Silva to Nicholls, Full and outside off, Nicholls lunges and takes his bat away. |
| 48.4 : de Silva to Nicholls, Fired in on middle, pushed towards cover. |
| 48.5 : de Silva to Nicholls, Comes down the track and works it towards short mid-wicket. |
| 48.6 : de Silva to Nicholls, Full and around off, well defended. |
| DRINKS BREAK. |
| 49.1 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Full and around off, pushed towards mid on. |
| 49.2 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Outside off, pushed through the covers for a couple. |
| 49.3 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Full and outside off, solidly defended towards mid on. |
| 49.4 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Outside off, solidly defended. |
| 49.5 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Outside off, played through point for a single. |
| 49.6 : S Lakmal to Nicholls, On middle and leg, tucked through mid-wicket for a run. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is back on. 12-1-38-0 so far. |
| 50.1 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Full and around middle, Nicholls gets down and sweeps it through square leg for a single. |
| 50.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. |
| 50.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Comes down the track and bunts it through mid on for a run. |
| 50.4 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Full and around off, Henry gets down and sweeps this through mid-wicket. Very effective shot to the left-arm spinner. A single taken. |
| 50.5 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Short and outside off, cut behind point for a brace. |
| 50.6 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Excellent stop by Kusal Mendis. Full and outside off, Taylor sweeps this powerfully through square leg but Kusal Mendis at short leg brings out excellent reflexes to stick out his left leg. Cannot stop the ball cleanly but concedes only a single. |
| 51.1 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover. |
| 51.2 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Pushes this towards mid on. |
| 51.3 : S Lakmal to Taylor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 51.4 : S Lakmal to Taylor, Full and around off, pushed back towards the bowler. |
| 51.5 : S Lakmal to Taylor, This one jags back in, Rosco looks to defend but the ball goes off the inside edge towards square leg. |
| 51.6 : S Lakmal to Taylor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 52.1 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Massive, loud screeches for LBW. Nothing doing. Full and outside off, Nicholls gets well outside the line, looking to sweep. Misses but is hit on the shoulder miles outside off. |
| 52.2 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Full and around off, this is swept powerfully through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 52.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Around off, pushed towards cover. |
| 52.4 : L Embuldeniya to R Taylor, Outside off, eased through cover and point for a run. |
| 52.5 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Full and down the leg side, swept through mid-wicket for one. |
| 52.6 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and outside off, Taylor looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge behind point. Two runs taken. |
| Lahiru Kumara returns. 6-1-14-0 so far. |
| 53.1 : L Kumara to Nicholls, Down the leg side, helped through square leg for a couple. |
| 53.2 : L Kumara to Nicholls, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 53.3 : L Kumara to Nicholls, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 53.4 : L Kumara to Nicholls, Around middle and leg, tucked through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 53.5 : L Kumara to R Taylor, Full and around off, pushed towards mid on. |
| 53.6 : L Kumara to Taylor, A length ball, around off, tucked through square leg for a run. HALF CENTURY FOR TAYLOR. One of his best knocks under pressure. He will aim to convert this into a century now. |
| 54.1 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Outside off, punched off the back foot back to the bowler. |
| 54.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Outside off, punched through the covers for a single. |
| 54.3 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Outside off, Nicholls looks to push but misses. |
| 54.4 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Around off, worked towards short mid-wicket. |
| 54.5 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Around middle, pushed towards mid on for a single. |
| 54.6 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and outside off, driven straight back to the bowler. |
| 55.1 : L Kumara to H Nicholls, A short ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 55.2 : L Kumara to H Nicholls, Another long hop, pulled through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 55.3 : L Kumara to Taylor, A short ball, on middle, pulled through backward square leg for a run. |
| 55.4 : L Kumara to Nicholls, Outside off, pushed towards gully where Kusal Mendis fumbles and concedes a single. |
| 55.5 : L Kumara to Taylor, FOUR! That is a terrific shot. A half tracker, outside off, Taylor gets on top of the bounce and pulls it through mid-wicket. Akila Dananjaya tries to cut it off, puts in a despairing dive to his left but cannot even get to the ball. |
| 55.6 : L Kumara to R Taylor, Full and outside off, Taylor looks to drive but gets an outside edge to short third man. The fielder has a shy at the striker's end but misses. Replays show that had he hit, Taylor was a goner! |
| 56.1 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 56.2 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. |
| 56.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Outside off, punched through the covers for a single. |
| 56.4 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Tossed up outside off, Nicholls comes down the track and hits this back to the bowler. |
| 56.5 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Comes down the track again and bunts this towards long on for a run. |
| 56.6 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and outside off, Taylor gently laps this past the keeper towards fine leg for a couple. |
| 57.1 : L Kumara to Nicholls, Yorker around middle, swinging in, Nicholls looks to dig it out but ekes an inside edge towards square leg. |
| 57.2 : L Kumara to R Taylor, Dropped short, pulled through mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 57.3 : L Kumara to Taylor, Full and around middle, flicked towards short mid-wicket. |
| 57.4 : L Kumara to Taylor, Outside off, driven straight back to the bowler. |
| 57.5 : L Kumara to Taylor, Full and around off, flicked through mid-wicket for a brace. |
| 57.6 : L Kumara to Taylor, The batsman has punched that ball through the off side. |
| Akila Dananjaya is back on. 17-1-43-3 so far. |
| 58.1 : A Dananjaya to H Nicholls, FOUR! Fractionally short, Nicholls goes back and drags this through mid-wicket. Kusal Perera gives it a chase from deep backward square leg and dives but in vain. 100-RUN STAND IS UP! |
| Review time! Nicholls has been adjudged LBW. He has taken the review though. Nothing on the Ultra Edge. Here comes Hawk Eye. Hitting leg stump. Very good decision. It is Akila again... |
| 58.2 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, OUT! LBW! It is Akila again who has got a wicket. 4 out of 4! Full and around off, Nicholls looks to sweep but misses and is hit on the pads. Akila appeals and appeals and eventually umpire Illingworth raises his finger! Nicholls has a look at his partner and Taylor straightaway asks him to go for the review. Not of much use. No inside edge or glove, three reds and the 100-run stand is broken. Fantastic knock though. |
| BJ Watling walks in at number 6, replacing Nicholls. |
| 58.3 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 58.4 : A Dananjaya to Watling, A short ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a single. |
| 58.5 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, On middle and off, Taylor flicks it through square leg for a run. |
| 58.6 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Down the leg side, helped in front of leg slip. Played that with soft hands. |
| 59.1 : L Kumara to Taylor, Outside off, dabbed to third man for a couple. |
| 59.2 : L Kumara to Taylor, Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off. |
| 59.3 : L Kumara to Taylor, On middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket. |
| 59.4 : L Kumara to R Taylor, Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a couple. |
| 59.5 : L Kumara to Taylor, The batsman has pushed it to the cover region. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 59.6 : L Kumara to Watling, Around off, solidly blocked out. |
| 60.1 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Landed outside off, spinning in, pushed through mid on for a single. |
| 60.2 : A Dananjaya to Watling, OUT! LBW! Oh that is a dead duck. A short ball, outside off, Watling rocks back to pull but the ball stays low and hits him on the pads. Akila runs towards the keeper in celebration and then appeals. The umpire raises his finger after a thought. Watling has a look at his partner, has a chat but then Taylor indicates not to take a review. Fair call. Crashing into the stumps. Would have exhausted their reviews. 4th 5-fer for Akila in Test cricket. TEA ON DAY 1! |
| Identical session to the first! Nothing happening for more than three quarters of the session and then suddenly, bang bang. In the first, it was three wickets in the last 15 minutes before Lunch and in the second, it is two. Akila is single-handedly keeping the Lankans in the contest. |
| The session started poorly for the home side. They never looked like picking up a wicket and allowed the Taylor-Nicholls stand to flourish. And then, in the dying moments of the session, Akila sent back Nicholls and Watling in quick succession. |
| Less than 30 overs left in the day. This could be a make-or-break session for both teams. There is one hero on either side but both heroes need some support. It would be unfair on the Lankans to expect Akila to pick up all the 10 wickets while Rosco alone cannot be scoring runs for the Kiwis. If the Lankans can restrict the Black Caps under 250, they are very well within a shout. On the flip side, if the Kiwis cross 250 and get to 275 and above, boy, they can make the ball talk on this pitch as |
| ... DAY 1, SESSION 3 ... |
| Welcome back for what should have been the start of the third session. But unfortunately, we are in for some delay. The ground is covered, or most parts of it as the ground staff is expecting some rain. Dark clouds have enveloped the stadium. It is not raining though and strong breeze is blowing across the ground. Just as we say that, a drizzle starts. |
| 60.3 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 60.4 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Outside off, watchfully blocked out. |
| 60.5 : A Dananjaya to Santner, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 60.6 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Defends this from the crease. |
| 61.1 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and around off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| Conditions are bright and sunny at the ground. Who would have thought it was raining? |
| 61.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and outside off, Taylor comes down the track and drives it back to the bowler. |
| 61.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Pushes this through mid on for a single. |
| 61.4 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Outside off, left alone. |
| 61.5 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 61.6 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Outside off, blocked solidly. |
| 62.1 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 62.2 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Outside off, pushed back defensively. |
| 62.3 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Full and outside off, driven towards mid off. |
| 62.4 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Full and outside off, swept through square leg for a single. |
| 62.5 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Outside off, watchfully blocked out. |
| 62.6 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Full and outside off, Santner drives this down the ground for a run. |
| We are hearing that the official time for STUMPS is 5.18 pm (1148 GMT). If life permits, of course. |
| 63.1 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Outside off, short in length, punched through the covers for a single. |
| 63.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully pushed back to the bowler. |
| 63.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Tossed up outside off, Taylor comes down the track and drives it down the ground for a run. |
| 63.4 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Outside off, watchfully defended. |
| 63.5 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Around off, spinning in, Santner looks to tuck it to the leg side but misses and is hit on the pads. |
| 63.6 : L Embuldeniya to M Santner, FOUR! MAGNIFICENT! Full and outside off, Santner leans and drives this through the covers! |
| 64.1 : A Dananjaya to R Taylor, Full and outside off, Taylor looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge which flies behind point. Three runs taken. |
| 64.2 : A Dananjaya to Santner, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 64.3 : A Dananjaya to Santner, On middle, pushed towards long on for a single. |
| 64.4 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Outside off, punched off the back foot for a run. |
| 64.5 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Full and around off, driven back to the bowler. |
| 64.6 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Outside off, punched off the back foot. |
| 65.1 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, FOUR! Full and down the leg side, Taylor gets down and sweeps it behind square leg, beating the man at deep square leg to his right! |
| 65.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Outside off, punched off the back foot. |
| 65.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Full and down the leg side, swept through square leg for a single. |
| 65.4 : L Embuldeniya to M Santner, That ball has taken the inside edge of the batsman and thudded into his pads. |
| 65.5 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 65.6 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 66.1 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully defended. |
| 66.2 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Landed outside off, pushed back to the bowler. |
| 66.3 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Full and around off, Taylor looks to flick but misses and the ball goes off his pads to short leg. The Lankans appeal for a catch but there is no bat involved. |
| 66.4 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, The batsman works it down the leg side. |
| 66.5 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Around off, defended from the crease. |
| 66.6 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, This one is down the leg side and the batsman leaves it alone. |
| 67.1 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Tossed up delivery on off, Santner strokes it towards long off and gets a single. |
| 67.2 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Flatter around off, Taylor defends it towards cover-point. |
| 67.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Flighted delivery on middle, Taylor comes down the track and blocks it off the front foot. |
| 67.4 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Once again Taylor comes down the track but this time he drives it back to the right of the bowler. Embuldeniya collects and Taylor rushes back inside his crease. |
| 67.5 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, FOUR! Poor ball from Embuldeniya. He flights one down the leg side, Taylor gets down on one knee and sweeps it through the vacant backward square leg region for a boundary. 200 comes up for New Zealand with that. |
| 67.6 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Better this. Floated on off, RT defends it to get through the over. |
| Oh no! The heavens have opened up once again, the players are off and they are replaced by the groundstaff out in the middle with the covers. |
| Update 1555 Local (1025 GMT) - Bad news for all of us. It has started to rain a bit heavily now and it does not look too good. Seems like it is a wet day in the world of cricket. |
| 4.30 pm local (1100 GMT) - STUMPS IT IS! Given the storm that hit Galle, it was very difficult to see game resuming, that too, with the sun setting. The rain seems to have stopped but the whole ground is damp. |
| Right. Whose day was it? Akila Dananjaya's? For sure. Ross Taylor's? Ummm... actually a good shout too! It seemed like a good toss to win when Kane Williamson called correctly and the 64-run stand for the opening wicket set the right tone. But then, with 15 minutes remaining in the first session, Akila Dananjaya struck, reducing the Black Caps to 71/3. |
| Post Lunch, the Lankans seemed to be giving away the advantage through a 100-run stand between Taylor and Nicholls but like in the first session, Dananjaya struck with 15 minutes to Tea and got the Kiwis 5 down. After that, Rosco tried to counter-attack but rain had the final say. |
| AN EARLY START IS SCHEDULED AT 9.45 AM LOCAL (0415 GMT) come Thursday. This is of course, weather permitting. The forecast is very grim but hopefully, like it was proved wrong on Wednesday, it is proved incorrect again. New Zealand will look at Ross Taylor to do a Steve Smith and take them to 300. The Lankans on the other hand will look to wrap them up inside 250. Join us to see what happens. ADIOS! TAKE CARE! |
| ... Day 2, Session 1 ... |
| Gritty runs, spinning track, a 5-fer for a spinner and rain. Barring the last, it was a proper subcontinent Test match. New Zealand started off slowly but steadily but the introduction of Akila Dananjaya turned the tide in Sri Lanka's favour. Ross Taylor though is still out there in the middle and he holds the key here for the Kiwis. With good amount of spin on offer, the hosts, will be looking to bundle out New Zealand under 250. Welcome to the coverage of Day 2 of this 1st Test between Sri Lan |
| Pitch Report - Kyle Mills is down doing the pitch report. Mills says that it was consistent on Day 1 and he expects it to be the same. Looking at the surface, Mills says that there are patches and the pitch will crumble as the day progresses, meaning that the footmarks will come into play. |
| We are all set to begin. The Sri Lankan players are out in the huddle before they take their respective positions in the field. Overnight batsmen, Ross Taylor and Mitchell Santner stride out to the middle to resume their innings. Santner will be on strike. Akila Dananjaya to bowl the first over of the day. A slip and short leg in place. |
| 68.1 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Starts with a loopy delivery on off, Santner plants out his front foot and blocks it. Dickwella likes it as he shouts very well bowled to his colleague. |
| 68.2 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Floated on middle and leg. Santner defends it off the front foot. |
| 68.3 : A Dananjaya to M Santner, Flighted delivery on off and middle, Santner looks to defend but it comes off the inside edge of his bat onto the pads. |
| 68.4 : A Dananjaya to M Santner, First runs of the day. Short around off, Santner looks to cut but it goes off the thick outside edge of his bat, wide of slip. Due to heavy rains last night the outfield is relatively slow, So the ball does not get to the fence. Two taken by the batsmen. |
| 68.5 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Better line, tosses it up on the stumps, Santner blocks it. |
| 68.6 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Shorter on off, Santner punches it to mid off to get through the first over of the day unharmed. |
| Suranga Lakmal to partner Akila Dananjaya. |
| 69.1 : S Lakmal to Taylor, OUT! What a start this is for Sri Lanka! Lakmal steams in and bowls a loose ball outside off. Taylor, facing his first ball of the day goes for the cut shot but ends up getting a fat outside edge to the right of the keeper. Dickwella behind the stumps moves just a bit to his right and takes a simple catch. Dream start for the hosts, they wanted Taylor early and they have got just that. |
| 0.0 : Tim Southee is the new man in. |
| 69.2 : S Lakmal to Southee, Good length ball on the stumps, Southee does well to defend it off the front foot. |
| 69.3 : S Lakmal to Southee, Southee is off the mark. Length ball outside off, Southee manages to guide it towards third man and gets to the other end. |
| 69.4 : S Lakmal to Santner, Good length ball angling away. It is pitched outside off, Santner has no issues leaving it alone. |
| 69.5 : S Lakmal to Santner, Closer to the off pole but Santner is aware of his stumps and lets it carry to the keeper. |
| 69.6 : S Lakmal to Santner, Excellent delivery. Lakmal comes around the wicket and bowls it an away swinger pitching close to the off pole. Santner looks to defend but misses and luckily for him the ball does not kiss the outside edge. |
| 70.1 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Floated delivery on off, Southee looks to defend but gets an leading edge towards point which goes all along the ground.. |
| 70.2 : A Dananjaya to Southee, This has spun a lot. Off spinner pitching outside off, Southee gets on his back foot and looks to punch it to the off side but the ball spins in and hits him on the back leg wide away from the leg stump line. |
| 70.3 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Leg spinner now. Shorter around off, Southee punches it towards extra cover against the spin and gets a single. |
| 70.4 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Another beauty. Tossed up on off, the ball spins away from the southpaw. Santner looks to defend but misses. |
| 70.5 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Shorter on the stumps, MS defends it off the back foot. |
| 70.6 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Short and straight, Santner punches it straight back to the bowler. |
| 71.1 : S Lakmal to Southee, Off the inside edge. Good length ball which comes in to the right-hander. Southee looks to defend but gets an inside edge which goes towards square leg allowing him to get to the bowler's end. |
| 71.2 : S Lakmal to Santner, Good length ball outside off, Mitchell leaves it alone. |
| 71.3 : S Lakmal to Santner, Hits the deck hard outside off, it comes in but Santner is aware of his off stump and offers a good leave. |
| 71.4 : S Lakmal to Santner, Length ball on off, Santner defends it with a straight bat. |
| 71.5 : S Lakmal to Santner, Lakmal tempts Santner to drive by bowling it outside off, Mitchell though is not interested and shoulders arms to it. |
| 71.6 : S Lakmal to Santner, Outside off, Santner lets it carry to the keeper. |
| 72.1 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Tossed up on off and middle, Tim defends it off the front foot. |
| 72.2 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Floated on middle, Southee strokes it towards mid on for one. |
| 72.3 : A Dananjaya to Santner, That excited the Sri Lankan players. Dananjaya flights it very full on middle and leg, Santner looks to defend but gets a big inside edge which goes towards the fine leg region. Two runs taken as the fielder cleans it up. |
| 72.4 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Floated on the stumps, MS blocks it properly this time. |
| 72.5 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Tossed up on middle, Santner nudges it towards long on for one. |
| 72.6 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Tossed up outside off, Southee plays it with soft hands towards third man and keeps the strike with a single. |
| 73.1 : S Lakmal to Southee, Length ball on off, Southee stands tall and punches it through covers for a couple. |
| 73.2 : S Lakmal to Southee, Fuller on off, Southee tucks it towards mid-wicket, he looks for a quick single but Santner shouts a loud no. |
| 73.3 : S Lakmal to Southee, Length ball coming in with the angle, Southee defends it off the upper half of his bat with the angle. |
| 73.4 : S Lakmal to Southee, Direct hit but safely in. Full on off, Southee drives it wide of mid off and takes a single. The fielder hits bull's eye at the bowler's end but Tim is in. The ball deflects off the stumps but does not cost any extra runs. |
| 73.5 : Lakmal to Santner, OUT! LBW! Second wicket for Lakmal today. His consistent line and lengths are finally reaping his benefits. Good length ball pitching outside off, Santner leaves it assuming it to swing away but the ball comes in with the angle and hits him flush on the front pad. Sri Lankan players put in a huge appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Santner has a word with his partner, Southee and the opt against the review. Good decision as replays later on show that it would have b |
| The new man in is William Somerville. |
| 73.6 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Outside off on a length, Somerville leaves it alone. |
| 74.1 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Tossed up on off, Southee defends it off the front foot. |
| 74.2 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Flighted on the stumps, Tim blocks it off the front foot. |
| 74.3 : A Dananjaya to Southee, SIX! First six of the game and it has come off Southee's bat. Tossed up around middle, Southee says enough of the waiting game and he comes down the track. He gets to the pitch of the ball and smokes it over the bowler's head for a maximum. |
| 74.4 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Tossed up on the stumps, Southee follows the maximum with a solid defense. |
| 74.5 : A Dananjaya to Southee, On the pads, Southee flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 74.6 : A Dananjaya to Southee, OUT! Run out! What has happened here? Akila tosses one on leg, Southee looks to defend but the ball hits his front pad. Akila and the keeper go up in appeal but the umpire says nothing doing. But in the meantime, the ball goes towards gully and Tim had come halfway down looking for a single. Somerville, initially was calling for a run but then turns his back on his partner. Tim is in no man's land. Dhananjaya de Silva throws it at the keeper's end and Dickwella does |
| Trent Boult walks out at number 10. |
| 75.1 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Good length ball on off, Somerville pushes it wide of cover and gets a single. |
| 75.2 : S Lakmal to Boult, Length ball outside off, Boult looks to play it initially but then leaves it in the end in typical tailender's style. |
| 75.3 : Lakmal to Boult, DROPPED! Tough chance but still a chance. Good length ball on off, Boult looks to drive it on the up but does so uppishly. Lakmal gets his right hand on it in his follow up but cannot stick it in. The ball goes behind the stumps at the bowler's end and Boult rather than getting out ends up getting a single. |
| 75.4 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Bouncer! Somerville sways away from it. |
| 75.5 : S Lakmal to Somerville, On the stumps, Somerville defends it off the front foot. |
| 75.6 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Good length ball outside off, William looks to defend but misses. |
| 76.1 : A Dananjaya to Boult, Tossed up on off, TB defends it off the front foot. |
| 76.2 : A Dananjaya to Boult, Floated on the stumps, Boult defends it. |
| 76.3 : A Dananjaya to T Boult, Tossed up on off and middle, Boult looks to defend but gets a thick outside edge towards point. |
| 76.4 : A Dananjaya to Boult, Shorter on off, Boult defends it off his back foot this time. |
| 76.5 : A Dananjaya to Boult, Tossed up on middle, Boult comes down the track and strokes it back towards the bowler. |
| 76.6 : A Dananjaya to Boult, Floated on the stumps, Trent defends it to get through the over. |
| 77.1 : S Lakmal to Somerville, EDGED AND FOUR! Fuller ball outside off, Somerville looks to drive but ends up getting a fat outside edge. It flies wide of the diving gully fielder and to the fence at third man for a boundary. Bonus yet vital runs these for New Zealand. |
| 77.2 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Follows the edgy boundary with a solid front foot defense. |
| 77.3 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Length ball on off, WS punches it wide of cover for one. |
| 77.4 : S Lakmal to Boult, Fuller on middle, Boult strokes it wide of mid on for one. |
| 77.5 : S Lakmal to W Somerville, Length ball outside off, Somerville drives it wide of sweeper cover and gets a couple as the fielder cleans it up. |
| 77.6 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Good length ball around off, WS defends it towards cover to get through the over. |
| 78.1 : A Dananjaya to Boult, Tossed up around off, Boult comes down the track and milks it towards long on with the spin for a single. |
| 78.2 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Floated on off, Somerville bends his back and defends it. |
| 78.3 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Shorter on middle and leg, Somerville tucks it wide of short leg. |
| 78.4 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Shorter on off, WS defends it off the back foot. |
| New Zealand have taken their last review here. It is for caught. Somerville straightaway signaled the 'T' indicating that there might be no bat involved. |
| 78.5 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, NOT OUT! Brilliant review from Somerville. He survives to fight another day. Loopy off spinner pitching outside off, Somerville looks to defend. The ball lobs off his pad and goes straight into the hands of short leg. Sri Lanka players put in an appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Somerville takes the review. Snicko shows there was no bat or glove involved. Ball Tracker then rolls in and shows that though the impact was umpire's call, the ball was going on t |
| 78.6 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Floated on off, WS defends it off the front foot. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is into the attack. |
| 79.1 : L Embuldeniya to Boult, Starts with a flighted delivery on off, Boult strokes it towards cover for a single. |
| 79.2 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Tossed up on middle, Somerville blocks it off the front foot. |
| 79.3 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Flighted outside off, Somerville looks to drive but misses. |
| 79.4 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Tossed up on the stumps, WS keeps it out. |
| 79.5 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 79.6 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Slower through the air outside off, Somerville looks to drive but misses. |
| 80.1 : A Dananjaya to Boult, FOUR! Bonus runs for New Zealand, frustrating for Sri Lanka. Tossed up on off, Boult comes down the track and swivels it with the spin over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 80.2 : A Dananjaya to Boult, Tossed up on off, Boult blocks it off the front foot. |
| 80.3 : A Dananjaya to Boult, Floated on middle and leg, Boult defends it in a proper number 10 fashion. |
| 80.4 : A Dananjaya to Boult, Miscommunication but safe. Tossed up on off, Boult defends it with soft hands. The ball goes towards point, Somerville calls for a run, Boult says no but still goes with it. Luckily Somerville gets in. |
| 80.5 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Tossed up outside off, WS looks to defend inside the line but misses. |
| 80.6 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Tossed up outside off, Somerville comes down the track and looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. |
| New ball is taken now by Sri Lanka. |
| 81.1 : L Embuldeniya to Boult, This is comical. Tossed up outside off, Boult looks play the paddle but gets a leading edge on it. The ball goes through the grill and gets stuck in. Boult moves away from all the surrounding fielders. After a while, Boult let's the keeper take it off. Not out though as the ball was dead. |
| 81.2 : L Embuldeniya to Boult, Floated on the stumps, Boult defends it off the front foot. |
| 81.3 : L Embuldeniya to Boult, SIX! Boult is enjoying his time out in the middle. Tossed up on off, Boult comes down the track and lofts it over long off for a maximum. |
| 81.4 : L Embuldeniya to Boult, Floated on off, Boult comes down the track and nudges it towards cover for one. |
| 81.5 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Flighted on the stumps, WS keeps it out. |
| 81.6 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, On the stumps, blocked by Somerville. |
| 82.1 : A Dananjaya to Boult, Tossed up on off, Boult comes down the track and nudges it to long on for one. |
| 82.2 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, On the pads, Somerville flicks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 82.3 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Spinning away and it is wide of leg stump. William looks to flick but misses. |
| 82.4 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Floated on off, Somerville plays it towards point and once again there is yes and no between the batsmen but misfield at point allows them to take a single. |
| 82.5 : Dananjaya to Boult, Floated on middle and leg, Boult looks to defend but gets an inside edge towards the square leg region allowing them to take a single. |
| 82.6 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Shorter on off, Somerville defends it off the back foot to get through another over unharmed. |
| Drinks Break - Just when Suranga Lakmal was given the new ball, Boult had an issue with his helmet and looking at this opportunity the umpires have called for drinks. |
| Now Suranga Lakmal is back on. |
| 83.1 : S Lakmal to Boult, OUT! Caught! Lakmal strikes in his very first over of his new spell. His third of the day and New Zealand lose their 9th. Trent Boult's entertaining cameo comes to an end. Good length ball on off, Boult looks to loft it over mid on but does not get the elevation and he ends up hitting it straight to Kusal Perera at mid on. |
| Ajaz Patel is the last man in. |
| Ajaz Patel has taken the review for LBW. |
| 83.2 : S Lakmal to Patel, OUT! LBW! Unsuccessful review. Full ball outside off, Ajaz looks to play it across the line and gets hit on the pads. Huge appeal follows and the umpire raises his finger. Ajaz Patel takes the review, replay rolls in and shows that the ball was clipping the leg pole. NEW ZEALAND BOWLED OUT FOR 249. |
| A good day for Sri Lanka, especially Suranga Lakmal. 5 wickets fell and 4 of them fell to Lakmal. The hosts started the day in the best of fashion as Ross Taylor departed without scoring any runs today. The lower order did put up a fight and managed to take the score close to 250, thanks to small but vital contributions from Southee, Boult and unbeaten Somerville. |
| So in a pitch where there is spin on offer, it was the pacer who did the damage in the opening hour. That might excite the fast bowlers of New Zealand. Join us in a while for Sri Lanka's reply. |
| 0.1 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Wild swing first up. Good length ball on the fourth stump line, the ball swings away and goes towards the first slip. Watling does really well as he dives to his left to collect the ball. |
| 0.2 : T Boult to Karunaratne, No wild swing on this one. It is a good length ball around off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot. |
| 0.3 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Good length ball on off, Karunaratne pushes it to cover. |
| 0.4 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Fuller on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot. |
| 0.5 : T Boult to Karunaratne, On off, Karunaratne defends it with authority. |
| 0.6 : T Boult to Karunaratne, On the fourth stump, Dimuth leaves it alone to get through the first over without any damage. |
| Tim Southee to bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : Tim Southee to Thirimanne, Good length ball on the off stump, Thirimanne drives it down the ground and gets off the mark with a couple. |
| 1.2 : Tim Southee to Thirimanne, Shorter in length this time, Thirimanne defends it off the back foot. |
| 1.3 : Tim Southee to Thirimanne, Fuller in length this time but on the pads, Lahiru flicks it towards square leg and takes a single. |
| 1.4 : Tim Southee to D Karunaratne, Another full length delivery on the middle pole, Dimuth defends it towards the off side. |
| 1.5 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, FOUR! Excellent shot from Karunaratne! It was a full delivery on the pads. Dimuth flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for the first boundary of the innings. |
| 1.6 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Beaten! Shorter delivery outside the off stump, Karunaratne looks to defend but misses the ball. |
| 2.1 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Good length ball outside off, Thirimanne taps it towards gully. |
| 2.2 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Bouncer! Thirimanne ducks under it. |
| 2.3 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Back of a length ball on off, Thirimanne defends it off the back foot. |
| 2.4 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Length ball outside off, Thirimanne shoulders arms to it. |
| 2.5 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Good length ball close to off stump, Lahiru defends it off the front foot. |
| 2.6 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Length ball on off, Thirimanne tucks it to the on side. |
| 3.1 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Full delivery on the middle pole, Dimuth tries to flick it towards the leg side but gets a thick edge towards the off side. |
| 3.2 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Good length ball on the off pole, Karunaratne defends it to the off side. |
| 3.3 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Another one on a good length outside off stump, DK defends it again towards cover. |
| 3.4 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Fuller in length this time on the off stump, Karunaratne pushes it towards mid off. |
| 3.5 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Full delivery outside off stump, Dimuth prods forward and pushes it to mid off and takes off for a single. |
| 3.6 : Tim Southee to Thirimanne, BEATEN! Excellent delivery from Southee. It was on a good length on the off pole. Lahiru prods forward to defend but is not able to put any bat on it. |
| 4.1 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Good length ball outside off, Karunaratne leaves it alone. |
| 4.2 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Fuller on off, Dimuth defends it off the front foot. |
| 4.3 : T Boult to Karunaratne, OHH! Full outside off, Karunaratne looks to drive it on the up but misses. |
| 4.4 : T Boult to Karunaratne, On the pads, Karunaratne flicks it towards square leg for a single. |
| 4.5 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Boult misses his line and bowls one down the leg side. Thirimanne looks to flick but misses. |
| 4.6 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Good length ball outside off, Thirimanne leaves it alone. |
| 5.1 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Good length ball outside off stump, Thirimanne leaves it alone. |
| 5.2 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Another good length delivery on the off stump, Thirimanne defends it to the off side. The batter wants to take a single but it is not there as the fielder at point makes a diving stop. |
| 5.3 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Good length ball on middle pole, Thirimanne drives it back to the bowler. |
| 5.4 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Back of a length delivery outside the off stump, Lahiru lets it go to the keeper. |
| 5.5 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Good length ball on the middle pole angling in to the left hander, Thirimanne flicks it to square leg and takes a single. |
| 5.6 : Tim Southee to Thirimanne, Full delivery on the off pole, Dimuth pushes it towards mid off. |
| 6.1 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Boult steams in and hits the deck hard around off, it comes in slightly but Thirimanne offers a classical leave to it. |
| 6.2 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Good length ball on off, Thirimanne defends it towards cover-point. |
| 6.3 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Bouncer! It is on middle and leg, Lahiru sits under it and the ball goes just past him. |
| 6.4 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Full on off and middle, Lahiru nudges it to mid on. |
| 6.5 : T Boult to Thirimanne, FOUR! Excellent shot! First boundary of the day for Thirimanne. Good length ball around off, Lahiru leans back and cuts it through point for a boundary. |
| 6.6 : T Boult to Thirimanne, In the air but safe! Fuller on middle and leg, Thirimanne flicks it uppishly but luckily it falls well short of short mid-wicket. |
| Spinner into the attack now. William Somerville is on. |
| 7.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Starts with a loopy delivery outside off, Karunaratne leaves it alone. |
| 7.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot. |
| 7.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Floated on off, DK blocks it off his front foot. |
| 7.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Quicker and shorter on off, Karunaratne taps it towards gully. |
| 7.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Shorter on off, Karunaratne drives it through point for a couple. |
| 7.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, FOUR! No power just placement. Short and wide outside off, Karunaratne waits and then places it fine towards the third man region for a boundary. |
| 8.1 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Short ball on middle, Thirimanne rocks back and defends it towards mid on. |
| 8.2 : T Boult to Thirimanne, On a good length on the middle pole, Thirimanne pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 8.3 : T Boult to L Thirimanne, Full delivery outside the off stump, Thirimanne drives it towards cover. No run. |
| 8.4 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Good length ball on middle pole, Lahiru blocks it out to mid on. |
| 8.5 : T Boult to Thirimanne, On a good length delivery on the pads, Lahiru flicks it off his pads and crosses over for a single. |
| 8.6 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Short delivery outside the off stump, Dimuth cuts hard but straight to the point fielder. DK will feel that he missed out there as it was a ball to be hit. |
| 9.1 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Loopy delivery outside off, Thirimanne drives it but straight to cover. Lahiru will be gutted to miss out on that one. |
| 9.2 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Very full on the pads, LT defends it back to the bowler. |
| 9.3 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Sharp spin on this one. Floated on middle and leg, Thirimanne does well to read the spin and block it. |
| 9.4 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Tossed up on middle, Thirimanne strokes it to mid on. |
| 9.5 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Shorter on off, Lahiru blocks it off the back foot. |
| 9.6 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Maiden for Somerville. Better over this. The last ball is flighted on off, Lahiru blocks it. |
| Ajaz Patel is into the attack. |
| 10.1 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Starts with a short ball on top of off, Karunaratne punches it through point and gets three as the fielder cleans it before the ropes. |
| 10.2 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Flighted on middle, Thirimanne defends it off the front foot. |
| 10.3 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Short around off, Thirimanne looks to cut but the ball goes off the lower half of his bat towards point for one. |
| 10.4 : A Patel to Karunaratne, On the pads, Dimuth comes down the track and flicks it towards mid-wicket for one. |
| 10.5 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Floated outside off, Thirimanne leaves it alone. |
| 10.6 : A Patel to Thirimanne, OUT! Stumped! New Zealand needed a wicket before lunch and Ajaz Patel has given them just that in his first over. Not a smart choice from Thirimanne. Ajaz flights one outside off, it is slower through the air. Lahiru comes down the track and looks to play it on the leg side. He misreads the spin and it cuts the bat and body on its way to the keeper. Watling takes the bails off as Lahiru is too far in front. |
| Kusal Mendis walks out at number 3. |
| 11.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Shorter on off, Karunaratne runs it down towards third man and gets a couple. |
| 11.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, DROPPED! Taylor is the culprit! Somerville will feel hard done by this. William tosses it up outside off, Karunaratne goes for the drive but ends up getting a thick outside edge. The ball flies to the right of first slip. Taylor misreads and the ball hits his right hand and lobs behind for a couple. |
| 11.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Floated on the stumps, DK defends it off the front foot. |
| 11.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Tossed up on middle and off, Karunaratne blocks it off his front foot. |
| 11.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Ohh! Floated on the pads, Karunaratne flicks it uppishly just wide of short leg. |
| 11.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Tossed up on middle, Karunarate comes down the track and nudges it wide of mid on for one. |
| 12.1 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Tossed up around off, Karunaratne comes down the track and blocks it. |
| 12.2 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Short around off, Karunaratne looks to cut but misses. |
| 12.3 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Ajaz once again tries to bowl it on the rough which is developing outside off stump of the left-hander. Karunaratne looks to negate it by coming down the track. He misses his flick and the ball hits him on the pads. There is a stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire. |
| 12.4 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Shorter around off, DK runs it down to third man for one. |
| 12.5 : A Patel to Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis defends it by getting right behind the ball. |
| 12.6 : A Patel to Mendis, Short on off, Mendis punches it towards point and gets a single. LUNCH ON DAY 2! |
| LUNCH! After a solid display with the ball from Lakmal in the morning, Sri Lanka bowled out New Zealand for 249. The opening pair of Karunaratne and Thirimanne were putting up a good fight and it looked like the hosts would go into the break unharmed but just over 10 minutes before the Lunch break, Thirimanne decided to show aggression and in the process was out stumped. That is the only casualty for Sri Lanka as they head into the break with a trail of 215. |
| Tidy start from Boult and Southee followed by tight spells from Somerville and Ajaz Patel has seen New Zealand get one wicket before the break. There is a lot of spin on offer and with the rough outside the left-hander's off stump, the Kiwi spinners will be looking forward to exploiting that as the hosts do have a lot of left-handers. Can they succeed in their plans will be the real question. Join us after the break for the second session. |
| ... Day 2, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the 2nd session. Sri Lankan skipper, Dimuth Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis walk out to resume their innings. William Somerville to bowl the first over of this new session. |
| 13.1 : W Somerville to K Mendis, FOUR! What a glorious way to start the session. Tossed up outside off, Mendis gets on his front foot and drives it through mid off for a boundary! |
| 13.2 : W Somerville to Mendis, Now calmly leaves this one which is outside off. |
| 13.3 : W Somerville to Mendis, Floated outside off, Mendis leaves it alone. |
| 13.4 : W Somerville to Mendis, Short on off, Kusal plays the nataraja pull shot but straight to mid-wicket. |
| 13.5 : W Somerville to Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis blocks it. |
| 13.6 : W Somerville to Mendis, Tossed up on off, Kusal drives it straight to the bowler. |
| Ajaz Patal to continue. |
| 14.1 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Flighted on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot. |
| 14.2 : A Patel to Karunaratne, On the pads, Karunaratne flicks it towards mid-wicket for one. |
| 14.3 : A Patel to Mendis, Shorter on off and middle, Mendis defends it off the upper half of his bat. |
| 14.4 : A Patel to Mendis, Beauty! Tossed up on off, Mendis looks to defend but the ball spins away and squares Kusal all ends up. |
| 14.5 : A Patel to Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| 14.6 : A Patel to K Mendis, EDGED AND FOUR! Taylor once again is lethargic at slip. Short around off, Mendis looks to cut but gets a thick outside edge which goes just left of Taylor at first slip and to the fence for a boundary. |
| 15.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot. |
| 15.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, FOUR! Crisp! Flighted on off, Karunaratne lunges out and drives it with sweet timing straight down the ground for a boundary. |
| 15.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Follows it up with a gentle front foot defense. |
| 15.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Tossed up on the stumps, DK keeps it out. |
| 15.5 : W Somerville to D Karunaratne, Flights one on off, Dimuth strokes it to mid off. |
| 15.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Arm ball on off, Karunaratne taps it wide of gully and keeps the strike. |
| 16.1 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Flighted on off, Dimuth defends it with a straight bat. |
| 16.2 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Shorter on middle, Karunaratne flicks it against the spin towards the fine leg region. Santner gives it a chase and pulls it before the ropes. Two taken. |
| 16.3 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Floated on middle and off, Karunaratne strokes it to mid on and gets to the other end. |
| 16.4 : A Patel to Mendis, Flighted on off, Mendis blocks it off the front foot. |
| 16.5 : A Patel to K Mendis, FOUR! Easy pickings! Short on middle, Mendis gets on his back foot and pulls it over the vacant mid-wicket region for a boundary. |
| 16.6 : A Patel to Mendis, Short again but this is on off, Kusal defends it towards point. |
| 17.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted and spinning away from outside off, Dimuth guides it with the spin towards gully. |
| 17.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Short and wide outside off, Karunaratne punches it with the spin towards cover. |
| 17.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Very full on off, DK nudges it to mid on. |
| 17.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted outside off, Dimuth leaves it alone. |
| 17.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, UPPISH AND FOUR! Somerville tosses it up around off, Karunaratne drives it uppishly to the right of Somerville. The tall spinner puts in a good dive but can just get a finger tip to it. That is not enough to take the pace of the ball as it still goes to the long off fence. |
| 17.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Floated on middle, Karunaratne flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 18.1 : A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on off, KM defends it off the front foot. |
| 18.2 : A Patel to Mendis, Floated on the stumps, Mendis keeps it out. |
| 18.3 : A Patel to K Mendis, Flighted on off, Mendis drives it straight to cover. |
| 18.4 : A Patel to Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| 18.5 : A Patel to Mendis, Kusal has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 18.6 : A Patel to Mendis, Shorter on off, Mendis defends it off the back foot. |
| 19.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted around off, Karunaratne defends it towards point. |
| 19.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Edged but short! Flighted outside off, Karunaratne looks to drive but gets an outside edge. This time it does not carry to Rosco and he does well to stop it with a dive. |
| 19.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Shorter on off, Karunaratne plays it to point. |
| 19.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Loopy ball on middle, Karunaratne taps it back to the bowler. |
| 19.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted on off, Dimuth blocks it away. |
| 19.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Slower through the air on off, Karunaratne defends it to get through the over. |
| 20.1 : A Patel to K Mendis, Uppish but safe! Tossed up around middle, Mendis comes down the track and drives it uppishly towards extra cover. Luckily for him, it falls short of the fielder. |
| 20.2 : A Patel to Mendis, Floated on the stumps, Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| 20.3 : A Patel to Mendis, Flighted on the stumps, Mendis gets on his front foot and blocks it. |
| 20.4 : A Patel to Mendis, On off, Mendis keeps it out with a classical front foot defense. |
| 20.5 : A Patel to Mendis, FOUR! Swept and swept fine. Floated on the pads, Mendis gets down on one knee and sweeps it through square leg for a boundary. |
| 20.6 : A Patel to Mendis, Driven towards the mid-off by Mendis. |
| 21.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Tossed up on off, Karunaratne pushes it to cover. |
| 21.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Sharp turn! Floated around off, Karunaratne looks to defend but gets beaten. |
| 21.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flights one on the stumps, Karunaratne defends it with a straight bat. |
| 21.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Shorter on off, Karunaratne punches it to cover. |
| 21.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, On the pads, DK flicks it towards mid-wicket for one. |
| 21.6 : W Somerville to Mendis, On the stumps, Mendis keeps it out. |
| 22.1 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Tossed up on middle and off, Karunaratne comes down the track and flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 22.2 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Short and spinning in, Karunaratne plays it late and wide of slip and third man. Raval at third man mops it up before the ropes. Two taken. |
| 22.3 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Shorter on off, DK blocks it off the back foot. |
| 22.4 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Flatter on the pads, Karunaratne looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. |
| 22.5 : A Patel to Karunaratne, OUT! LBW! The Sri Lankan skipper is out of here. Ajaz bowls one quicker on middle and off, Dimuth looks to flick but misses. The Kiwis ask the question and the umpire gives Karunaratne his marching orders by raising his finger. Karunaratne and Mendis have a word and they opt against the review. Good decision as replay later on shows that the ball would have gone onto hit the leg pole. |
| Angelo Mathews replaces his skipper out in the middle. |
| 22.6 : A Patel to Mathews, Flighted outside off, Mathews starts his innings with a leave. |
| 23.1 : W Somerville to Mendis, Quick and spinning in. It is on the leg side, Mendis looks to play it to the on side but misses. |
| 23.2 : W Somerville to Mendis, FOUR! Hammered away. Somerville is guilty of bowling it too short, Mendis picks it early and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 23.3 : W Somerville to Mendis, On the pads, Mendis flicks it to the on side for one. |
| 23.4 : W Somerville to Mathews, Mathews is off the mark. Off spinner on the pads, Mathews glances it with the spin towards fine leg for a single. |
| 23.5 : W Somerville to Mendis, Quicker and shorter on middle and leg, Kusal tucks it down and wide of short leg. |
| 23.6 : W Somerville to Mendis, SIX! Mendis won't miss out on those hit me balls. Tossed up on middle and leg, it is overpitched by Somerville. Kusal gets down on one knee and sweeps it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. |
| 24.1 : A Patel to Mathews, Arm ball outside off, Mathews leaves it alone. |
| 24.2 : A Patel to A Mathews, In the air but short. Short outside off, Mathews looks to cut but does so uppishly but it falls short of Santner at backward point. |
| 24.3 : A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on off, Mathews keeps it out. |
| 24.4 : A Patel to A Mathews, FOUR! This time Mathews cuts it with authority! Short and wide outside off, Mathews gets on his back foot and cuts it right off the meat through point for a boundary. |
| 24.5 : A Patel to Mathews, Once again Ajaz bowls short, Mathews punches it to cover |
| 24.6 : A Patel to Mathews, On the pads, AM flicks it to square leg. |
| Third spinner into the attack now. Mitchell Santer is introduced. |
| 25.1 : M Santner to K Mendis, Starts right on the money. Flighted on off, there is late spin on this one. Mendis looks to defend but it goes off the outer half of his bat towards the third man region for a single. |
| 25.2 : M Santner to Mathews, Shorter on off and middle, Mathews gets right behind it and defends it back towards the bowler. |
| 25.3 : M Santner to Mathews, On middle and leg, Mathews tucks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 25.4 : M Santner to Mathews, Flatter on off, Mathews defends it towards cover. |
| 25.5 : M Santner to Mathews, Tossed up on off, Angelo blocks it. Though Santner has been right on the money he has not got too much spin here. |
| 25.6 : M Santner to A Mathews, Now he induces spin here. Floated on off, Mathews looks to defend with soft hands but gets a thick outside edge which goes towards the third man region for a single. |
| 26.1 : A Patel to Mathews, Shorter on top of middle, Mathews gets on his back foot and punches it to mid on. |
| 26.2 : A Patel to Mathews, Beauty! Slower through the air on off, Mathews looks to defend it off his back foot but gets beaten by the spin on that one. |
| 26.3 : A Patel to Mathews, Now a confident defense. Tossed up on off, Mathews keeps it out. |
| 26.4 : A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on middle, Angelo flicks it to square leg. |
| 26.5 : A Patel to Mathews, Short around off, Mathews cuts but cannot get it past the man at point. |
| 26.6 : A Patel to Mathews, Floated on the stumps, AM defends it off the front foot. |
| LBW appeal taken upstairs. Mendis is the man in question. It looked like there was bat involved, let's see what the replays have to say. |
| 27.1 : Santner to Mendis, Not Out! There was no bat involved but the impact was outside leg. New Zealand lose one of their two reviews. Tossed up on leg, Mendis looks to flick but misses. The ball hits him on the pads. There is a huge appeal but the umpire is unmoved. Williamson after a few consultation takes the review. Replay rolls in, Ultra Edge shows no involvement of bat but the Ball Tracker shows that the impact was outside leg. |
| 27.2 : M Santner to K Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis pushes it to mid off. |
| 27.3 : M Santner to Mendis, Tossed up on the stumps, KM blocks it. |
| 27.4 : M Santner to Mendis, FOUR! Short and punished. It is on middle, Kusal picks the length early and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 27.5 : M Santner to Mendis, Short again this is on off, KM punches it to cover. |
| 27.6 : M Santner to Mendis, On the pads, Mendis flicks it to the man at mid-wicket. |
| 28.1 : A Patel to Mathews, Floated on the stumps, Mathews defends it off the front foot. |
| 28.2 : A Patel to Mathews, On the stumps, Mathews keeps it out. |
| 28.3 : A Patel to Mathews, Short and around off, Angelo cuts it but finds point. |
| 28.4 : A Patel to Mathews, Once again cuts but finds point. |
| 28.5 : A Patel to Mathews, Floated on the stumps, Angelo defends it off the front foot. |
| 28.6 : A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on off, AM keeps it out. |
| 29.1 : M Santner to Mendis, Tossed up on middle, Kusal defends it off the front foot. |
| 29.2 : M Santner to Mendis, Short around off, Mendis punches it towards cover and gets a single. |
| 29.3 : M Santner to Mathews, Flighted on off, Angelo defends it off the front foot. |
| 29.4 : M Santner to A Mathews, Tossed up on off, Mathews strokes it to cover. |
| 29.5 : M Santner to Mathews, Floated on off, Mathews defends it with a straight bat. |
| 29.6 : M Santner to Mathews, On off, Mathews blocks it to get through the over. |
| 30.1 : A Patel to Mendis, Flatter on off, Kusal defends it off the front foot. |
| 30.2 : A Patel to K Mendis, Shorter around off, Mendis cuts it through point and gets a couple as Santner goes after it from point and pulls it before the ropes. |
| 30.3 : A Patel to Mendis, Short around off, Mendis runs it down to third man and gets a single. |
| 30.4 : A Patel to Mathews, Floated on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot. |
| 30.5 : A Patel to Mathews, Short on off, Mathews defends it off the back foot. |
| 30.6 : A Patel to Mathews, On the stumps, AM blocks it off the front foot. |
| 31.1 : M Santner to Mendis, Tossed up on off, Mendis defends it calmly. |
| 31.2 : M Santner to Mendis, Slightly shorter on middle, Mendis keeps his eyes on the ball and defends it. |
| 31.3 : M Santner to Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis blocks it off the front foot. |
| 31.4 : M Santner to Mendis, Tossed up on the stumps, Kusal blocks it off the front foot. |
| 31.5 : M Santner to Mendis, On the pads, KM turns it to the on side and gets a single. |
| 31.6 : M Santner to Mathews, Floated on off, AM keeps it out. |
| Drinks Break! Sri Lanka are cruising along nicely here. They have lost just two wickets and Kusal Mendis is still out in the middle and he is looking very good out in the middle. New Zealand need wickets here and need to break this stand. |
| Tim Southee is back. |
| 32.1 : Tim Southee to Mendis, Good length ball outside off, Mendis leaves it alone. |
| 32.2 : Tim Southee to Mendis, No swing on this one. It is outside off, KM shoulders arms to this. |
| 32.3 : Tim Southee to Mendis, Length ball on off, Kusal blocks it off. |
| 32.4 : Tim Southee to Mendis, On the fourth stump line, Mendis has no business with it. |
| 32.5 : Tim Southee to Mendis, Closer to off pole, Kusal defends it to cover. |
| 32.6 : Tim Southee to Mendis, Same line and this one is defended towards mid on. Maiden for Southee on his return. |
| 33.1 : M Santner to Mathews, Slower and shorter outside off, Mathews punches it towards cover for a single. |
| 33.2 : M Santner to Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| 33.3 : M Santner to Mendis, Shorter around off, Kusal taps it towards third man for a couple. |
| 33.4 : M Santner to Mendis, Floated on off, KM blocks it. |
| 33.5 : M Santner to Mendis, Slower through the air on off, Mendis defends it off the inner half of his bat. |
| 33.6 : M Santner to Mendis, Floated on the stumps, Mendis blocks it away. |
| 34.1 : Tim Southee to Mathews, Southee bowls the effort ball and bangs it in short. Mathews sways away from it. |
| 34.2 : Tim Southee to Mathews, Good length ball outside off, Mathews leaves it alone. |
| 34.3 : Tim Southee to Mathews, Almost chopped on! Good length ball around off, Mathews is late in getting his bat down. The ball hits the bottom half of his bat and onto the pads. It goes past the stumps and to the keeper. |
| 34.4 : Tim Southee to Mathews, Good length ball on off, Mathews defends it off the front foot. |
| 34.5 : Tim Southee to A Mathews, Fuller on middle, Angelo strokes it to mid on. |
| 34.6 : Tim Southee to Mathews, Fuller on middle, AM keeps it out. |
| 35.1 : M Santner to Mendis, Tossed up on middle, Mendis comes down the track and taps the ball onto the ground. |
| 35.2 : M Santner to Mendis, Shorter on off, Mendis punches it to cover. |
| 35.3 : M Santner to Mathews, Floated on the stumps, Mathews defends it off the front foot. |
| 35.4 : M Santner to Mathews, On the stumps, AM blocks it off the front foot. |
| 35.5 : M Santner to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 35.6 : M Santner to Mathews, Once again short, Mathews cannot get it past point. |
| 36.1 : Tim Southee to Mathews, Good length ball on off, Mathews blocks it off the front foot. |
| 36.2 : Tim Southee to Mathews, FOUR! 100 comes up for Sri Lanka in style. Good length ball around off, Mathews cuts it with venom through point for a boundary. Much needed as this has come after almost 9 overs. |
| 36.3 : Tim Southee to Mathews, On the pads, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 36.4 : Tim Southee to Mathews, FOUR! Poor bowling this from Southee. He strays one down the leg side, Angelo flicks it fine down the leg side to score the second boundary of the over. |
| 36.5 : Tim Southee to Mathews, Length ball on off, Mathews defends it calmly. |
| 36.6 : Tim Southee to Mathews, Fuller on off, Mathews drives it to mid on off the inner half of his bat. End of an expensive over, 8 from it. |
| 37.1 : M Santner to Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| 37.2 : M Santner to Mendis, On the pads, Mendis turns it towards mid-wicket for one. |
| 37.3 : Santner to Mathews, IN THE AIR AND SIX! Tossed up on off, Mathews frees his arms and lofts it over long off for a biggie. It looked like he did not connect well but he had got enough meat on it. |
| 37.4 : M Santner to Mathews, Floated on the stumps, Santner defends it off the front foot. |
| 37.5 : M Santner to Mathews, Tossed up on the stumps, AM keeps it out. |
| 37.6 : M Santner to Mathews, Angelo has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 38.1 : Tim Southee to Mendis, Fuller on off, Mendis keeps it out. |
| 38.2 : Tim Southee to Mendis, Outside off, asking the batsman to drive but Mendis says not now mate. |
| 38.3 : Tim Southee to Mendis, Full on off, Kusal pushes it to mid on. |
| 38.4 : Tim Southee to Mendis, Full ball outside off, Kusal defends it towards cover. |
| 38.5 : Tim Southee to Mendis, Once again bowls it full around off, Mendis keeps it out. |
| 38.6 : Tim Southee to Mendis, Good length ball outside off, Kusal shoulders arms to it. |
| 39.1 : M Santner to Mathews, On the pads, Mathews turns it to the on side. |
| 39.2 : M Santner to Mathews, Floated on middle and off, Mathews keeps it out. |
| 39.3 : M Santner to Mathews, FOUR! Runs starting to come quicker now. Shorter around off. Mathews cuts it through point for a boundary. |
| 39.4 : M Santner to Mathews, Floats it on off, Angelo defends it off the front foot. |
| 39.5 : M Santner to Mathews, Floated on the stumps, Mathews blocks it away. |
| 39.6 : M Santner to Mathews, On the pads, Angelo flicks it to the on side. |
| Trent Boult is back on. |
| 40.1 : T Boult to Mendis, Good length ball on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| 40.2 : T Boult to Mendis, Outside off, Kusal leaves it alone. |
| 40.3 : T Boult to Mendis, On the fourth stump line, Mendis leaves it alone. |
| 40.4 : T Boult to Mendis, On the body, Mendis glances it towards fine leg for one. |
| 40.5 : T Boult to Mathews, Inside edge to the rescue. Very full and inswinging ball on off, Mathews looks to defend but luckily the ball kisses the inside edge and goes onto the pads. |
| 40.6 : T Boult to Mathews, On the pads, Mathews flicks it but finds mid-wicket. |
| William Somerville is back on. |
| 41.1 : W Somerville to K Mendis, Short ball on middle and leg, Mendis pulls it towards deep square leg and gets a couple. |
| 41.2 : W Somerville to Mendis, On the pads, Kusal turns it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 41.3 : W Somerville to Mathews, Floated on middle and leg, Mathews turns it to the on side and gets a single. |
| 41.4 : W Somerville to Mendis, Tossed up on the pads, Mathews turns it to fine leg and rotates the strike. |
| 41.5 : W Somerville to Mathews, Loopy delivery on off, Angleo blocks it. |
| 41.6 : W Somerville to Mathews, FOUR! Mathews shows aggression once again. Tossed up on middle and off, Angelo comes down the track and squeezes it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 42.1 : T Boult to Mendis, Length ball on off, Mendis plays it to point. |
| 42.2 : T Boult to Mendis, This time gets it wide of the man at point for a single. |
| 42.3 : T Boult to Mathews, Good length ball on off, Angelo defends it off the front foot. |
| 42.4 : T Boult to Mathews, Gets behind this length ball and solidly blocks it. |
| 42.5 : T Boult to Mathews, On the pads, Angelo flicks it to the on side for a single. Trail now stands at 120. |
| 42.6 : T Boult to Mendis, Length ball on off, KM keeps it out. |
| 43.1 : W Somerville to Mathews, Quicker on middle and off, Mathews tucks it to short leg. |
| 43.2 : W Somerville to Mathews, On the pads, Angelo turns it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 43.3 : W Somerville to Mendis, On the pads, Mendis turns it to the on side. |
| 43.4 : W Somerville to Mendis, Shorter on off, Mendis pulls it towards deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 43.5 : W Somerville to Mathews, FOUR! This duo continue to trouble New Zealand. Tossed up on middle, Mathews comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary. |
| 43.6 : W Somerville to Mathews, On the pads, Mathews flicks it towards mid-wicket for one. |
| Ajaz Patel is back on! New Zealand in desperate need of wicket can Ajaz be the man? |
| 44.1 : A Patel to Mathews, Loopy ball on middle and leg, Mathews pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 44.2 : A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on off, Angelo blocks it off the front foot. |
| 44.3 : A Patel to Mathews, Shorter around off, Mathews punches it to point. |
| 44.4 : A Patel to Mathews, Floated on the stumps, Angelo defends it off the front foot. |
| 44.5 : A Patel to Mathews, Shorter on off, Mathews taps it towards third man and gets to the other end. |
| 44.6 : A Patel to Mendis, Flights one on off, Mendis defends it off the front foot. |
| Trent Boult is back again this time from the other end. |
| 45.1 : T Boult to Mathews, Good length ball on off, Mathews defends it towards mid off. |
| 45.2 : T Boult to Mathews, Length ball outside off, Angelo leaves it alone. |
| 45.3 : T Boult to Mathews, Once again outside Mathews offers no stroke to this one. |
| 45.4 : T Boult to Mathews, Length ball on the stumps, Mathews blocks it. |
| 45.5 : T Boult to Mathews, On the pads, Mathews nudges it towards mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 45.6 : T Boult to Mathews, Outside off and it is left alone once again by Angelo. |
| 46.1 : A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on the stumps, Mendis keeps it out. |
| 46.2 : A Patel to Mendis, Shorter on off, Angelo punches it to cover. |
| 46.3 : A Patel to Mendis, Short again on off, Mendis plays it to point. |
| 46.4 : A Patel to Mendis, FOUR! Fifty for Mendis. This has been a fine knock from the young man. He will now look to convert this into a big one. He gets a gift to get to his 10th Test fifty. A low full toss on the pads, Mendis flicks it fine down the leg side for a boundary. |
| 46.5 : A Patel to K Mendis, OUT! Caught! Fifty and out! Mendis will be gutted with himself. He was looking so good out in the middle but has thrown it away. This has been a trademark of his career. Tossed up on middle, Mendis looks to drive but gets a thick outside edge. The ball flies to the man at slip, and guess who takes the catch? Yes, it is Ross Taylor. The 77-run stand is broken and that will be Tea on Day 2. |
| Tea! A tiring session for New Zealand but the wicket they got in the end will definitely boost their confidence. The start and end belonged to New Zealand but the pair of Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis really started to take the game by the scruff of its neck. The duo added 77-run stand with Mendis even getting to his 50 but then soon departed. Ajaz Patel has been the only bowler in the wicket column and rightfully so as he has been the best of the lot. Though New Zealand kept it tight, the lac |
| ...Day 2, Session 3... |
| We are back for the third and final session of Day 2. Kusal Perera is the new man joining Angelo Mathews out in the middle. Ajaz Patel to finish off his incomplete over. |
| 46.6 : A Patel to Perera, Perera is off the mark straightaway! Tossed up on middle, Perera comes down the track and flicks it wide of mid on for a single. |
| Trent Boult to continue from the other end. |
| 47.1 : T Boult to Perera, Almost a calamity there. Good length ball on off, Perera strokes it wide of mid off and calls for a run. Mathews though was not interested and sends him back. Watling has a shy at the bowler's end but misses. |
| 47.2 : T Boult to K Perera, Good length delivery on the leg stump, Perera defends it off his back foot towards mid on. |
| 47.3 : T Boult to Perera, OUT! Caught! New Zealand wanted to attack the new man and they have done just that. Short ball around off, Perera was in two mind whether to leave it or play the shot. He goes for the latter but half-heartedly. He just ends up lobbing it straight to Mitchell Santner at cover-point. New Zealand once again get their noses just in front. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva is the new man in. |
| 47.4 : T Boult to Silva, Back of a length delivery on the middle stump, Dhananjay defends it off the back foot. |
| 47.5 : T Boult to Silva, Boult bowls a fuller length delivery outside off, de Silva pushes it to mid off. |
| 47.6 : T Boult to Silva, Another back of a length delivery, Dhananjay flicks it towards square leg. Excellent over from Boult. A wicket and no runs in it. |
| 48.1 : A Patel to Mathews, On the pads, Mathews flicks it towards square leg for one. |
| 48.2 : A Patel to Silva, Floated on off, de Silva blocks it off the front foot. |
| 48.3 : A Patel to Silva, Tossed up on off, Dhananjaya keeps it out. |
| 48.4 : A Patel to Silva, FOUR! But good effort in the field from Santner. Short and wide outside off, Dhananjaya cuts it through point. Santner chases it from point and looks to pull it back before the ropes but his hand ends up touching the ropes. |
| 48.5 : A Patel to Silva, Floated on the stumps, de Silva keeps it out. |
| 48.6 : A Patel to Silva, On the stumps, de Silva defends it. |
| 49.1 : T Boult to Mathews, Back of a length delivery aimed at the body, Mathews flicks it towards square leg and takes a single. The trail now is under 100. |
| 49.2 : T Boult to Silva, Good length delivery on the middle pole, Dhananjaya defends it towards cover. |
| 49.3 : T Boult to Silva, On a good length on middle, de Silva defends it off his back foot. |
| 49.4 : T Boult to Silva, Shorter in length this time, Dhananjaya rocks back and pushes it towards the point fielder. |
| 49.5 : T Boult to Silva, Good length delivery on the pads, de Silva flicks it towards square leg. |
| 49.6 : T Boult to Silva, Good length delivery on the middle stump, DdS blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 50.1 : A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 50.2 : A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up around off, Angelo defends it to cover. |
| 50.3 : A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on the stumps, AM keeps it out. |
| 50.4 : A Patel to Mathews, Short and quick outside off, Mathews looks to cut but misses. |
| 50.5 : A Patel to Mathews, FOUR! Mathews continues his good work. Tossed up on middle, Angelo comes down the track and lofts it over mid on for a boundary. |
| 50.6 : A Patel to A Mathews, Short around off, Mathews punches it to cover. |
| 51.1 : T Boult to Silva, Good length delivery on middle, Silva defends it back to the bowler. |
| 51.2 : T Boult to Silva, Back of a length delivery on middle stump, de Silva flicks it towards square leg. No run. |
| 51.3 : T Boult to Silva, Another back of a length delivery on the body, de Silva flicks it to mid-wicket. Another dot ball. |
| 51.4 : T Boult to Silva, Boult keeps on bowling back of a length. This time Dhananjaya flicks it square leg for a single. |
| 51.5 : T Boult to Mathews, Good length delivery outside off stump, de Silva defends it towards the cover fielder. |
| 51.6 : T Boult to Mathews, On a good length delivery outside off stump, Dhananjaya leaves it alone. |
| 52.1 : A Patel to Silva, Full and around off, Dhananjaya comes down the track and looks to swing but the ball goes off the inner half of the bat towards mid on. |
| 52.2 : Patel to Silva, OUT! Terrific return catch! Sri Lanka have now lost a wicket either side of Tea. Poor shot from de Silva. Tossed up outside off, Dhananjaya comes down the track and looks to go big but is not quite to the pitch of the ball. Hits it back to Ajaz Patel who reacts well to take a sharp catch. New Zealand still in shout for a decent first innings lead. Sri Lanka still behind by 94. |
| Niroshan Dickwella walks in at number 7, replacing Dhananjaya de Silva. |
| 52.3 : A Patel to Dickwella, Loopy delivery on the off stump, Dickwella defends it to cover. |
| 52.4 : A Patel to Dickwella, Another loopy delivery on the middle stump, Niroshan sweeps it fine but straight to the fine leg fielder. |
| 52.5 : A Patel to Dickwella, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Dickwella prods forward to defend but gets hit on the pads. There is a stifled appeal for LBW but the umpire is unmoved. |
| 52.6 : A Patel to Dickwella, Another flighted delivery on the off stump, Dickwella blocks it out towards cover. |
| William Somerville is back on! |
| 53.1 : W Somerville to Mathews, Shorter around off, Mathews defends it off the back foot. |
| 53.2 : W Somerville to Mathews, Shorter on off, Mathews looks to cut but gets a thick outside edge whcih flies wide of the man at slip towards third man. Two runs taken. |
| 53.3 : W Somerville to Mathews, Loopy delivery on the middle stump, Mathews flicks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 53.4 : W Somerville to Mathews, Fifty for Angelo Mathews! His 34th Test fifty for Mathews. This has been a fine knock from the experienced campaigner. He gets to his fifty with a flick towards mid-wicket for a single. He raises his bat in appreciation. He will look to convert this into a big one. |
| 53.5 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Dickwella looks to sweep but misses and gets hit on the pads. There is a loud LBW appeal but not given by the umpire. |
| 53.6 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Loopy delivery outside the off stump, Dickwella lets it go to the keeper. |
| 54.1 : A Patel to Mathews, OUT! Caught! Another Sri Lankan batsman who does not hang around a lot after getting to his half ton. 5-wicket haul for Ajaz Patel. Quicker on off, Mathews looks to defend but gets a thick outside edge. The ball lobs off the keeper's glove to Taylor at first slip. Sri Lanka in trouble now as they still trail by 91. |
| 0.0 : Akila Dananjaya is the new man in. |
| 54.2 : A Patel to Dananjaya, Flighted on off, Akila starts his innings with a front foot defense. |
| 54.3 : A Patel to Dananjaya, Floated on the stumps, AD blocks it away. |
| 54.4 : A Patel to Dananjaya, Floated on off, Akila taps it back to the bowler. |
| 54.5 : A Patel to Dananjaya, On the pads, AK flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 54.6 : A Patel to Dananjaya, Floated on off, Akila pushes it to cover. |
| 55.1 : W Somerville to Dickwella, full delivery on the middle stump, Dickwella paddles sweeps it to fine leg for a brace. |
| 55.2 : W Somerville to N Dickwella, Loopy delivery on the off stump, Dickwella plays it towards mid off for a quick single. |
| 55.3 : W Somerville to Dananjaya, Beaten! Flighted delivery outside off stump, Dananjaya tries to defend it but gets deceived in the air. |
| 55.4 : W Somerville to Dananjaya, Another brilliant delivery from Somerville, Akila in another attempt to defend it misses the ball completely. |
| 55.5 : W Somerville to Dananjaya, OUT! Caught! Another one bites the dust! First wicket for Somerville in this game. The consistent line and length he has bowled in this over has bore its fruit. Floated outside off, Akila goes for a big drive but gets a thick outside edge which goes straight into the hands of Ross Taylor at first slip. From 144/3 they are now reeling at 161/7. |
| The new man in is Suranga Lakmal. |
| 55.6 : Somerville to Lakmal, Loopy delivery on the pads, Lakmal tries to defend but gets hit on the pads and goes to short leg fielder. The Kiwi fielders appeal for a possible bat and pad decision but the umpire is unmoved. |
| 56.1 : A Patel to N Dickwella, Tossed up around off, Niroshan defends it off the front foot. The ball goes towards point and they take a single. |
| 56.2 : A Patel to Lakmal, On middle, Lakmal pushes it to mid on. |
| 56.3 : A Patel to Lakmal, Appeal but nothing from the umpire. Floated on leg, Lakmal looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. There is a huge appeal but nothing from the umpire as the ball seemed to be going down leg side. |
| 56.4 : A Patel to Lakmal, SIX! This one is out of here. Tossed up on off, Lakmal gets down on one knee and hammers his slog sweep over the mid-wicket fence for a maximum. |
| 56.5 : A Patel to Lakmal, Follows it up with a calm defense. |
| 56.6 : A Patel to Lakmal, Shorter on off, Lakmal punches it to cover. |
| 57.1 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Tossed up on the stumps, Dickwella defends it with straight bat. |
| 57.2 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Flighted delivery on the pads, Niroshan plays another paddle sweep towards fine leg but this time it is only a single. |
| 57.3 : W Somerville to S Lakmal, Loopy delivery on the off pole, Suranga prods forward and flicks it towards long on for a single. |
| 57.4 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Flatter delivery on the off stump, Dickwella defends it to poin and takes of for a single but is sent back by Lakmal. |
| 57.5 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Another flat delivery on the off pole, Dickwella blocks it out towards the off side. |
| 57.6 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Loopy delivery on the middle stump, ND looks to defend but gets hit on the pads and the bolwers make a stifled appeal for LBW but is turned down. |
| 58.1 : A Patel to Lakmal, Tossed up on middle, Lakmal pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 58.2 : A Patel to Lakmal, Floated on off, the ball keeps low but Lakmal does well to keep it out. |
| 58.3 : A Patel to Lakmal, Flighted on the stumps, SL defends it off the front foot. |
| 58.4 : A Patel to Lakmal, On the pads, Lakmal flicks it wide of mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 58.5 : A Patel to Lakmal, Outside off, Lakmal leaves it alone. |
| 58.6 : A Patel to Lakmal, Flighted outside off, Lakmal looks to defend but gets beaten by the spin. |
| 59.1 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, Dickwella goes for an ambitious reverse sweep but does not connect. |
| 59.2 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Floated on off and middle, Niroshan keeps it out. |
| 59.3 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Loopy delivery outside the off stump, Dickwella sweeps from off stump towards deep mid-wicket and calls Lakmal for a single. |
| Suranga Lakmal has taken a review for caught. He was not too confident let us see what the replays have to say though. |
| 59.4 : W Somerville to Lakmal, NOT OUT! Very good review from Lakmal. There is no bat and the ball is going on to miss the leg pole. Flighted on off, Lakmal looks to defend but the ball goes through and lobs off his pad towards first slip. The Kiwi players ask the question and the umpire raises his finger. Lakmal after a few thoughts takes the review. Replays roll in, first up, the Ultra Edge shows no involvement of either bat or glove. Ball Tracker then follows and shows that the ball was going |
| 59.5 : W Somerville to Lakmal, Flighted delivery bowled at middle stump, Lakmal flicks it towards fine leg and the batters take a single. |
| 59.6 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Loopy delivery on the off pole, Niroshan pushes it towards mid off and takes a single. Dickwella will keep strike for the next over. |
| 60.1 : A Patel to Dickwella, Floated outside off, Dickwella reverse sweeps it towards backward point for a single. |
| 60.2 : A Patel to S Lakmal, Tossed up on middle, Lakmal pushes it to mid on for a run. |
| 60.3 : A Patel to Dickwella, Tossed up on middle and leg, Dickwella comes down the track and looks to defend but the ball hits him on his pad. There is a stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire. |
| 60.4 : A Patel to Dickwella, Loopy ball outside off, Dickwella looks to sweep but gets hit on the pad. Appeal follows but the umpire is unmoved and rightfully so as the impact was outside off. |
| 60.5 : A Patel to Dickwella, First extra of the game. On the pads, Dickwella looks to flick but the ball goes off his thigh pad down the leg side for a single. |
| 60.6 : A Patel to Lakmal, On the stumps, Suranga blocks it out. |
| Drinks Break. It has been all New Zealand since Tea and have picked up three wickets. For the hosts, Dickwella is going strong at one end with only Embuldeniya and Lahiru Kumara to follow. Sri Lanka trail by 71 runs and will look to get the lead by the end of day 2. |
| 61.1 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, Dickwella looks to drive but misses. |
| 61.2 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Flighted on off, Dickwella sweeps it to deep mid-wicket for one. |
| 61.3 : W Somerville to Lakmal, On the stumps, Lakmal blocks it off the front foot. |
| 61.4 : W Somerville to Lakmal, Off spinner outside off, Lakmal looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad. |
| 61.5 : W Somerville to Lakmal, Short around off, Lakmal cuts it towards point for a single. |
| 61.6 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Flighted on off, Dickwella reverse sweeps it to point. |
| 62.1 : A Patel to Lakmal, Flighted on the stumps, Lakmal blocks it off the front foot. |
| 62.2 : A Patel to Lakmal, On the pads, Lakmal flicks it to the on side for a single. |
| 62.3 : A Patel to Dickwella, Flighted on off, Dickwella comes down the track and taps it back to the bowler. |
| 62.4 : A Patel to Dickwella, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 62.5 : A Patel to Dickwella, On the stumps, ND keeps it out. |
| 62.6 : A Patel to Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Dickwella taps it back to Ajaz. |
| 63.1 : W Somerville to Lakmal, Looped up ball on off, Lakmal defends it with calmness. |
| 63.2 : W Somerville to Lakmal, Flighted on middle, Lakmal pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 63.3 : W Somerville to Lakmal, FOUR! Lakmal is going after selected ones here. Tossed up on off, Suranga comes down the track and lofts it over covers for a boundary. |
| 63.4 : W Somerville to Lakmal, Follows it up with a sensible front foot defense. |
| 63.5 : W Somerville to Lakmal, On the pads, Lakmal keeps it out. |
| 63.6 : W Somerville to Lakmal, FOUR! Excellent shot this time from Lakmal. It was another loopy delivery from Somerville. Lakmal like a proper top order batsman prods forward and drives it straight past the bowler for a boundary. |
| 64.1 : A Patel to Dickwella, Sweeps it away wide of square leg for a couple. |
| 64.2 : A Patel to Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Lakmal nudges it wide of mid off for one. |
| 64.3 : A Patel to Lakmal, On the stumps, Lakmal defends it off the front foot. |
| 64.4 : A Patel to Lakmal, Tossed up outside off, Lakmal looks to drive but misses. |
| 64.5 : A Patel to Lakmal, On off, Suranga pushes it to cover. |
| 64.6 : A Patel to Lakmal, Short around off, Lakmal cuts it to point. |
| 65.1 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Loopy delivery on the middle pole, Dickwella sweeps but straight to fine leg. |
| 65.2 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Flighted delivery on middle, Niroshan flicks it to square leg and takes a single. |
| 65.3 : W Somerville to Lakmal, Another loopy delivery on middle, Lakmal blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 65.4 : W Somerville to Lakmal, DROPPED! Latham is the culprit here. It was a shorter delivery on the leg stump, Lakmal tries to flick it away but goes to Latham at short leg who is unable to hold on to it. It was a difficult chance. |
| 65.5 : W Somerville to Lakmal, Loopy delivery on off stump, Lakmal defends it back to the bowler. |
| 65.6 : W Somerville to Lakmal, Short delivery outside off stump, Lakmal rocks back and punches it towards cover. |
| 66.1 : A Patel to Dickwella, Flighted on the stumps, Dickwella keeps it out. |
| 66.2 : A Patel to Dickwella, Shorter on off, Niroshan taps it towards third man and gets a couple. |
| 66.3 : A Patel to Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, ND lunges out and defends it off the front foot. |
| 66.4 : A Patel to Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, Dickwella drags it towards backward square leg for one. |
| 66.5 : A Patel to S Lakmal, Tossed up on off, Lakmal nudges it to mid off. |
| 66.6 : A Patel to Lakmal, On the stumps, Lakmal blocks it out to get through the over. |
| 67.1 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Floated outside off, Dickwella looks to drive but misses. |
| 67.2 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Shorter on off and middle, Niroshan punches it towards mid on for a single. |
| 67.3 : W Somerville to Lakmal, On the pads, Lakmal looks to defend but gets hit on thigh pad. |
| 67.4 : W Somerville to Lakmal, On middle, Lakmal strokes it wide of mid on for one. |
| 67.5 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Comical fielding from Ajaz! Tossed up on off, Dickwella plays the reverse sweep to wrads the left of backward point. Ajaz Patel thinks the ball will come to him but then he sees that the ball will go past him so he puts a very funny looking dive. In the end, he saves a run. |
| 67.6 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Outside off, Niroshan leaves it alone. |
| 68.1 : A Patel to Lakmal, Flighted on off, Lakmal defends it off the front foot. |
| 68.2 : A Patel to Lakmal, Tossed up outside off, Lakmal leaves it alone. |
| 68.3 : A Patel to Lakmal, Floated outside off, Suranga looks to drive but gets square up. |
| 68.4 : A Patel to Lakmal, Lakmal goes hard at this tossed up delivery outside off. It finds the outside edge and goes wide of slip. They take a couple but hang on Lakmal keeps his bat on the line meaning it is a run short. So just a single. |
| 68.5 : A Patel to Lakmal, Floated on the stumps, SL blocks it out. |
| 68.6 : A Patel to Lakmal, On the stumps, Niroshan defends it to get through the over. |
| 69.1 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Dickwella sweeps it to backward square leg and looks for a single but Lakmal says no. |
| 69.2 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Floated on the stumps, ND defends it sensibly. |
| 69.3 : W Somerville to Dickwella, On the pads, Dickwella turns it to the on side and gets a single. Brings up the 200 for Sri Lanka. The deficit now is 49. |
| 69.4 : W Somerville to Lakmal, On the pads, Lakmal looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. |
| 69.5 : W Somerville to Lakmal, On off, Lakmal keeps it out. |
| 69.6 : W Somerville to Lakmal, Defends it calmly to get through the over. |
| 70.1 : A Patel to Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, Dickwella reverse sweeps it towards backward point and gets a single. |
| 70.2 : A Patel to Lakmal, Arm ball outside off, Lakmal leaves it alone. |
| 70.3 : A Patel to Lakmal, Floated outside off, Suranga looks to drive but gets beaten. |
| 70.4 : A Patel to Lakmal, Outside off, Suranga shoulders arms to it. |
| 70.5 : A Patel to Lakmal, On the stumps, Lakmal keeps it out. |
| 70.6 : A Patel to Lakmal, Outside off and Lakmal does not tease that one. |
| Trent Boult is back on. |
| 71.1 : T Boult to Dickwella, Good length delivery outside off stump, Dickwella drives it through point region for a brace. The fielder at third man runs in and makes a diving stop. |
| 71.2 : T Boult to Dickwella, Back of a length delivery on the middle stump, Dickwella flicks it to the on side. |
| 71.3 : T Boult to N Dickwella, On a good length on off stump, Dickwella drives it towards cover for another brace. |
| 71.4 : T Boult to Dickwella, This time a short delivery which goes over the head of Dickwella. The batsman tries to play the uppercut but misses. |
| 71.5 : T Boult to N Dickwella, Good length delivery outside off stump, Dickwella guides it uppishly towards third man and takes a single. |
| 71.6 : T Boult to Lakmal, On a good length delivery, Lakmal defends it back to the bowler. |
| 72.1 : A Patel to Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, Dickwella once again brings out the reverse sweep and hits it to third man for one. |
| 72.2 : A Patel to Lakmal, Outside off, Lakmal leaves it alone. |
| 72.3 : A Patel to Lakmal, On off, Lakmal strokes it to mid off for a single. |
| 72.4 : A Patel to Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Dickwella comes down the track and blocks it. |
| 72.5 : A Patel to Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Dickwella sweeps it to square leg for a single to take the partnership to 48. |
| 72.6 : A Patel to Lakmal, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 73.1 : T Boult to Dickwella, Good length delivery on the middle stump, Dickwella defends it towards the mid-wicket. |
| 73.2 : T Boult to Dickwella, Back of a length delivery outside the off stump, Dickwella rocks back and blocks it out. |
| 73.3 : T Boult to Dickwella, On a good length this time on middle stump, Dickwella pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 73.4 : T Boult to Dickwella, FOUR! Excellent batting from Dickwella. It was a short delivery from Boult whichwas going over ND's head but Dickwella had other ideas. The batter just uppercuts the ball over the keeper's head for a boundary. With that boundary, the fifty run partnership comes up between the two. |
| 73.5 : T Boult to N Dickwella, WIDE! Another short delivery from Boult but this time it is way over the batsman's head and it has been wided. |
| T Boult to Dickwella, Full toss on middle, Dickwella strokes it to mid on. |
| 73.6 : Boult to Dickwella, Short ball, Dickwella looks to pull but misses. |
| 74.1 : A Patel to Lakmal, Slower through the air outside off, Lakmal looks to defend but gets beaten. |
| 74.2 : A Patel to Lakmal, Floated on the stumps, SL defends it with confidence. |
| 74.3 : A Patel to Lakmal, Floats one on off, Lakmal defends it with calmness. |
| 74.4 : A Patel to Lakmal, Outside off, Lakmal does not tease that one. |
| 74.5 : A Patel to Lakmal, Once again Lakmal has nothing to do with the ball outside off. |
| 74.6 : A Patel to Lakmal, Tossed up on off, Lakmal bends forward and blocks it to get through the over. |
| Santer is back on. |
| 75.1 : M Santner to Dickwella, Floated on off, Dickwella drives it but straight to cover. |
| 75.2 : M Santner to Dickwella, Tossed up around off, Dickwella sweeps it through mid-wicket. Santner gives it a chase and cleans it up before the ropes. Two taken. |
| 75.3 : M Santner to Dickwella, Flighted on off, ND blocks it. |
| 75.4 : M Santner to Dickwella, On off, Dickwella drags his sweep to square leg for one. |
| 75.5 : M Santner to Lakmal, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 75.6 : M Santner to Lakmal, On the stumps, Lakmal blocks it off the front foot. |
| 76.1 : A Patel to Dickwella, Swept away for a single. |
| 76.2 : A Patel to Lakmal, Loopy delivery on middle, Lakmal comes down the track and pushes it towards mid on for a single. |
| 76.3 : A Patel to Dickwella, Another loopy delivery on the middle, Dickwella comes down the track and flicks it mid-wicket. |
| 76.4 : A Patel to Dickwella, Flighted delivery on the middle pole, Niroshan goes for another sweep but this time towards fine leg and take another single. |
| 76.5 : A Patel to Lakmal, Outside off, Lakmal leaves it alone. |
| 76.6 : A Patel to Lakmal, Looped up ball on the off stump, Lakmal defends it back to the bowler. |
| 77.1 : M Santner to Dickwella, Shorter on off, Dickwella reverse sweeps it to third man for a single. |
| 77.2 : M Santner to Lakmal, Floated outside off, Lakmal leaves it alone. |
| 77.3 : M Santner to Lakmal, Tossed up on off, Lakmal nudges it twards cover with soft hands and gets a single. |
| 77.4 : M Santner to Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Dickwella plays a classic front foot defense. |
| 77.5 : M Santner to Dickwella, Slowly loops it up on middle, Dickwella milks it to long on for a single. |
| 77.6 : M Santner to Lakmal, Floated on off, SL defends it off the front foot. |
| 78.1 : A Patel to Dickwella, Tossed up on off, Dickwella comes down the track and strokes it to long on for one. |
| 78.2 : A Patel to Lakmal, Flights one on off, Lakmal keeps it out. |
| 78.3 : A Patel to Lakmal, Tossed up on off, Lakmal defends it off the front foot. |
| 78.4 : A Patel to Lakmal, Suranga has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 78.5 : A Patel to Lakmal, In the air but safe! Tossed up on off, Lakmal throws his bat at it. He gets a top edge on it. It flies right over the bowler's head. Raval runs in from mid on and Santner comes running in from mid off. Santner shouts mine, he puts a good dive but the ball falls agonisingly wide of Santner. Brilliant effort from the left-arm spinner. |
| 78.6 : A Patel to Lakmal, Tossed up outside off, Lakmal leaves it alone. |
| 79.1 : M Santner to Dickwella, Tossed up outside off, Dickwella leaves it alone. |
| 79.2 : M Santner to Dickwella, On the pads, Niroshan flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 79.3 : M Santner to Dickwella, Floated on off, Dickwella blocks it towards cover. |
| 79.4 : M Santner to Dickwella, Tossed up on middle, Dickwella strokes it towards mid on for one. |
| 79.5 : M Santner to Lakmal, On the stumps, Lakmal defends it off the front foot. |
| 79.6 : M Santner to Lakmal, Lakmal sees the day off. Looped up delivery on off, Suranga keeps it out to get through the day with no more further damage. STUMPS ON DAY 2. |
| What a fight from Lakmal and Dickwella! An even day of Test cricket. After bundling out New Zealand for 249 earlier in the day courtesy of Lakmal, who scalped 4 wickets today. Sri Lanka started off steadily. They lost two wickets for 66 runs but Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews then steadied the ship and stitched together a 77-run stand, with Mendis registering his 10th Test fifty. He though did not last long after that and departed soon after registering his milestone. Perera too vanished quick |
| From 143/2 Sri Lanka found themselves at 161/7. It looked like it was all done and they would struggle to get to even 200. But Lakmal and Dickwella had other ideas. They joined hands and decided that they will not go down without a fight. The two have added 66-runs and have reduced the deficit to just 22 now and will now look to overtake the deficit now. |
| As for New Zealand's bowling, Ajaz Patel was the star, picking up 5 out of the 7 to have fallen in this innings. Boult and Somerville were the other two who got into the wickets column. Williamson though will be disappointed that his bowlers could not break the Dickwella-Lakmal stand. |
| So we are done with Day 2 of this first Test and we still do not know who is on top of this game. A very crucial Day 3 awaits us as we might get a clear favorite. Join us on Friday, i.e., 16th August, 2019 at 0945 Local (0415 GMT) for the coverage of Day 3. The weather forecast looks dodgy but let us hope we have a full day's play as we had on Day 2. Join us for the coverage of Day 3, till then cheers! |
| ... DAY 3, SESSION 1 ... |
| A warm welcome to Day 3 of the first Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at Galle. The game is evenly poised at the moment with the hosts trailing by another 22 runs with three wickets in hand. The current pair batting out there are amidst a decent stand and Sri Lanka would hope for them to continue and also the batters to come in to contribute and help them take any sort of a lead. On the other hand, New Zealand would look to bundle out the Sri Lankan innings as quickly as possible. The weat |
| Pitch report - Kyle Mills is out there for the Pitch report and he says that there is a little bit of grass on the wicket which is unusual in Galle. He further states that there will be help for the faster bowlers as the new ball is due. |
| We are all set to begin Day 3. The New Zealand players are out in the middle. Niroshan Dickwella and Suranga Lakmal will resume their innings. Trent Boult will start the proceedings for Day 3. Also, the new ball has been taken. |
| 80.1 : T Boult to Dickwella, A chance of a run but Dickwella does not take it. This is on a length and around off, the ball shapes away a touch. Dickwella looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards deep point. Lakmal wants a run and he is halfway down the track but Dickwella sends him back. |
| 0.0 : Boult has some issue with the landing area. Some saw dust being sprayed on that area. |
| 80.2 : T Boult to Dickwella, Back of a length delivery on the off stump, Dickwella defends it off the back foot towards cover. |
| 80.3 : T Boult to Dickwella, Beaten! Good length delivery outside off stump, Dickwella attempts to fend at it but misses it completely. |
| 80.4 : T Boult to Dickwella, Loses his line this time does Boult. This one is bowled down the leg side and Niroshan attempts to flick but does not get any bat on it. |
| 80.5 : T Boult to Dickwella, Good length ball on the middle pole, ND plays it back to the bowler. |
| 80.6 : T Boult to N Dickwella, A good nut to end! A maiden to begin with by Boult. This is on a length again and around off, shapes away once again. Dickwella looks to defend but it goes off the outer half to gully. |
| Ajaz Patel to bowl from the other end. |
| 81.1 : A Patel to Lakmal, Loopy delivery on the middle, Lakmal blocks it out. |
| 81.2 : A Patel to Lakmal, Shorter in length this time, Lakmal rocks back and cuts it straight to the cover fielder. |
| 81.3 : A Patel to Lakmal, Beautiful delivery! Flighted delivery on off stump and it spins away from Suranga. The batsman tries to defend but gets beaten due to the spin. |
| 81.4 : A Patel to Lakmal, FOUR! First boundary of the day for the hosts. Shorter in length this time outside the off pole. Lakmal rocks back and slaps it hard and this time it goes past the cover fielder for a boundary. The trail is now below 20. |
| 81.5 : A Patel to Lakmal, A single now as that fielder has been pushed back! Floats it up on off, Lakmal pushes it through covers for one. |
| 81.6 : A Patel to Dickwella, Loopy delivery on middle stump, Dickwella goes for his trademark sweep and the ball goes towards fine leg. Lakmal will be on strike for the next over. |
| 82.1 : T Boult to Lakmal, On a good length on middle, Lakmal flicks it to square leg. |
| 82.2 : T Boult to Lakmal, Good length delivery outside off, Lakmal shoulders his arms to this one. |
| 82.3 : T Boult to Lakmal, BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Lakmal looks to cut but misses it due to the seam movement on this one. |
| 82.4 : T Boult to Lakmal, Good length delivery on the off pole, Lakmal attempts to drive but gets a thick outside edge towards mid on. |
| 82.5 : T Boult to Lakmal, SIX! What a shot from Lakmal. It was bowled short from Boult but Suranga rocks back and top-edges it over the fine leg fielder. The fielder seemed interested for a while but the ball flew over his head. |
| 82.6 : T Boult to Lakmal, Boult bowls it down the leg side, Lakmal looks to flick but misses it. It goes towards the keeper who fails to collect the ball and it goes past him. The batsmen take a run. The umprie gives it as a bye. |
| 83.1 : A Patel to Lakmal, Another very good shot by Lakmal! This is shorter and outside off, Lakmal slaps it through covers for one. The deficit is below 10 now. |
| 83.2 : A Patel to Dickwella, Dickwella works this one with the turn through square leg for one. |
| 83.3 : A Patel to Lakmal, On the middle pole, Lakmal defends it out. |
| 83.4 : A Patel to Lakmal, Flatter and on off, it comes off slow of the surface and also turns away. Lakmal looks to defend but the ball hits the higher part of the bat but lands safe on the off side. |
| 83.5 : A Patel to Lakmal, BEATEN! This lands on off and then turns away. Lakmal plays the original trajectory but is beaten. |
| 83.6 : A Patel to Lakmal, Beaten again! Patel gives it a lot of air this time and lands it outside off, Lakmal goes hard after it but the ball spins away and beats the outside edge. |
| 84.1 : T Boult to Dickwella, Short delivery outside the off stump, Dickwella guides it to third man for a single |
| 84.2 : T Boult to Lakmal, OUCH! Banged in by Boult, aimed at the body. Lakmal attempts to flick it but misses and gets hit flush on the elbow. Suranga is in pain while the ball goes towards point. |
| The physio is out in the middle to have a look. The spray is out. |
| 84.3 : T Boult to Lakmal, Another short delivery from Trent, Lakmal plays this comfortably towards cover. |
| 84.4 : T Boult to Lakmal, OUT! Chops it on! Suranga Lakmal's handy, handy innings comes to an end. He has really done a fine job with the bat. He was probably shaken up after being hit on the elbow. Coming to the ball now, it is a back of a length delivery on the off stump, Lakmal goes for a wild hoick but gets an inside edge back to the off stump. An excellent partnership of 81 runs comes to an end. Sri Lanka trail by 7. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is the new batsman in. |
| 84.5 : T Boult to Embuldeniya, Beautiful delivery from Boult. It was a full delivery outside the off stump. Embuldeniya attempts to defend but misses due to the swing on it. |
| 84.6 : T Boult to Embuldeniya, another beauty to end! This is on off and it shapes away. Embuldeniya looks to defend but is beaten by the movement. |
| 85.1 : A Patel to Dickwella, FOUR! Very good shot from Niroshan Dickwella. Flighted delivery on middle, Dickwella comes down the track and flicks it over mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 85.2 : A Patel to Dickwella, Tossed up on middle, Dickwella blocks it off the front foot. |
| 85.3 : A Patel to Dickwella, Flighted delivery on off, Dickwella looks to play the reverse sweep but misses it and gets hit on the glove. |
| A run out appeal has been taken upstairs but the batter seems to be in. |
| 85.4 : A Patel to Dickwella, NOT OUT! Indeed Dickwella is in. Flighted delivery on middle, Dickwella flicks it towards mid-wicket and goes for a quick single. Kane Williamson at mid-wicket throws the ball to the keeper and he whips the bails off in a flash. It is referred upstairs. The replays show that Dickwella was comfortably in. A direct hit would have got Dickwella in trouble. |
| 85.5 : A Patel to Embuldeniya, Tossed up on middle, Embuldeniya looks to defend but gets hit on the thigh pad. |
| 85.6 : A Patel to Embuldeniya, Flighted delivery on middle, Embuldeniya looks to defend but again gets hit on the thigh pad. |
| 86.1 : T Boult to Dickwella, Good length delivery on the middle stump, Dickwella flicks it towards mid-wicket and calls Embuldeniya for a quick double. Scores level |
| 86.2 : T Boult to Dickwella, On a good length ball on the pads, Dickwella guides it to fine leg but refuses the single. |
| 86.3 : T Boult to Dickwella, This is way too short outside off, Dickwella lets it be. |
| 86.4 : T Boult to Dickwella, Good length delivery on the off pole, Dickwella pushes it towards mid-wicket and this time takes a single. 250 up for the hosts. |
| 86.5 : T Boult to Embuldeniya, Good length delivery on the middle stump, Embuldeniya gets an inside edge towards fine leg. A single is not taken. |
| 86.6 : T Boult to Embuldeniya, Excellent delivery from Boult. It was a short delivery on the off pole. Embuldeniya looks uncomfortable fending at it and the ball just whizzes past the bat. The bowler and the keeper think that it was out and put in a huge appeal but the umpire is unmoved. The Kiwis think about a review but opt against it and rightly so, as the replays show that the ball had hit the shoulder rather than the bat. |
| 87.1 : A Patel to N Dickwella, Floats it up on off, Dickwella looks to defend but it goes off the inner half on the leg side. |
| 87.2 : A Patel to Dickwella, Another tossed up ball on middle, it is kept out. |
| 87.3 : A Patel to Dickwella, Outside off, Dickwella pads it away. |
| 87.4 : A Patel to Dickwella, A single now as this is worked with the turn through square leg. Fifty for him, an excellent comeback into the side. 12th in this format. He came out to bat when Sri Lanka were in trouble and now has taken them into a good position. He is still not done though. |
| 87.5 : A Patel to Embuldeniya, Very full on off, the batter pushes it to mid off. |
| 87.6 : A Patel to Embuldeniya, Plays the two balls out nicely! On off and it is flatter. Embuldeniya keeps it out. |
| 88.1 : T Boult to Dickwella, Good length delivery on the pads, Dickwella flicks it towards quare leg and refuses the single. |
| 88.2 : T Boult to Dickwella, On a good length ball on the middle stump, Dickwella defends it off the back foot towards the leg side. |
| 88.3 : T Boult to Dickwella, Shorter in length this time, Dickwella leaves it alone to the keeper. |
| 88.4 : T Boult to Dickwella, Back of a length delivery on the off pole, Dickwella pushes it to cover and takes a single. Embuldeniya now has to face two balls to survive. |
| An LBW shout has been turned down and New Zealand review. It seems to be going down with the angle. |
| 88.5 : Boult to Embuldeniya, A loud shout for LBW! It was a full delivery on the leg stump and hits Embuldeniya on the pads. There is a loud appeal for LBW but the umpire is unmoved. The Kiwis think for a review and opt for it at the last moment. It looked like it was going down the angle. The replays roll in and the ball is going down to miss the leg stump. New Zealand have lost both their reviews now. |
| 88.6 : T Boult to Embuldeniya, Good length delivery on the off stump, Embuldeniya defends it towards the off side. Embuldeniya has managed to survive the two balls. |
| William Somerville is on now! |
| 89.1 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Floats it up on off, Dickwella keeps it out. |
| 89.2 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Nicely played! Dickwella comes down the track and also stays leg side of the delivery, he hits it wide of long off for two. |
| 89.3 : W Somerville to N Dickwella, Gives it a lot of air outside off, Dickwella looks to sweep but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 89.4 : W Somerville to Dickwella, Gives it a lot of air outside off, Dickwella looks to sweep but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 89.5 : W Somerville to N Dickwella, Takes the single which means Embuldeniya has one ball to play out. This is tossed up on off, Dickwella pushes it through covers for one. |
| 89.6 : W Somerville to Embuldeniya, A waste of a delivery! This is fired outside off, the batter lets it be. |
| 90.1 : T Boult to Dickwella, Good length delivery on the middle pole, Dickwella pushes it towards mid off and refuses to take a single. |
| 90.2 : T Boult to Dickwella, Back of a length delivery on the off stump, Dickwella flicks it towards the leg side and once again does not take a single. |
| 90.3 : T Boult to Dickwella, FOUR! Good shot from Niroshan. He is going on his merry way here. It was as short delivery on the body, Dickwella rocks back and pulls it towards the fine leg fielder for a boundary. Excellent batting from Dickwella. The lead is above 10 now. |
| 90.4 : T Boult to Dickwella, Good length delivery this time on the off pole, Dickwella pushes it to wide mid off and takes a single. Embuldeniya has to face two balls in the over. |
| 90.5 : T Boult to Embuldeniya, NASTY! Short ball aimed at the body. Embuldeniya uncomfortably fends at it but gets hit flush on the gloves. Embuldeniya looks in serious pain here and has removed his gloves off. |
| Now Embuldeniya is in pain. The good thing for Sri Lanka is it is not his bowling arm which he is struggling with at the moment. The physio is out once again with the spray. |
| DRINKS BREAK! |
| 90.6 : T Boult to Embuldeniya, Very full delivery aimed at the middle stump, Lasith does well to keep it out and gets through another over. |
| 91.1 : W Somerville to Dickwella, OUT! Straight to the man! The last recognized batter for Sri Lanka is making his way back. He has done a fine, fine job though. Clever bowling this by Somerville. He sees Dickwella come down the track and floats it wide outside off. Dickwella has to reach for it, he does so, hits it nicely but does not keep it down and straight to Williamson at short cover who takes a good catch. With Dickwella gone now, one would believe the lead won't be a very threatening one. |
| 0.0 : Lahiru Kumara is the last man in. |
| 91.2 : W Somerville to Kumara, Loopy delivery on the middle pole, Lahiru blocks it out. |
| 91.3 : W Somerville to Kumara, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Lahiru lets it go. |
| 91.4 : W Somerville to Kumara, Shorter in length this time, LK defends it to the off side. |
| 91.5 : W Somerville to Kumara, Flatter delivery on the off stump, Lahiru defends it towards the cover fielder. |
| 91.6 : W Somerville to Kumara, Loopy delivery outside the off stump, Lahiru blocks it out off the front foot towards the off side. Good over from Somerville. A wicket and no runs from it. |
| 92.1 : Boult to L Embuldeniya, FOUR! Very handy runs for Sri Lanka. Boult bowls a short delivery, Embuldeniya looks to pull but it goes off the helmet towards fine leg for a boundary. |
| 92.2 : T Boult to L Embuldeniya, On a good length and outside off, Embuldeniya looks to go big but gets a top edge. It goes towards third man where the fielder collects the ball in one bounce. The batsmen cross ends. Lasith Embuldeniya looks in pain as he got hit on the helmet in the previous ball. |
| Out comes the physio. Time for the concussion test and also the helmets will be changed. Good thing is Embuldeniya seems fine. |
| 92.3 : T Boult to Kumara, Good length delivery on off, Kumara blocks it off the back foot. |
| 92.4 : T Boult to Kumara, Bowls a bouncer, Kumara does well to duck under it. |
| 92.5 : T Boult to Kumara, Bowls a yorker on off, Kumara does well to dig it out. |
| 92.6 : Boult to Kumara, Bowls a yorker on middle, Kumara manages to dig it out. |
| 93.1 : W Somerville to Embuldeniya, Loopy delivery outside the off stump, Embuldeniya pushes it to cover. |
| Embuldeniya is a goner! He has reviewed though but don't think it would make a difference. |
| 93.2 : W Somerville to Embuldeniya, OUT! Three reds and there is the last wicket! Somerville gets it. It was a review in hope by the batter as it always looked out. A loopy delivery on the middle stump, Lasith Embuldeniya attempts to sweep but misses the ball and gets hit on the pads. The Kiwis go in for a loud appeal and the umpire has no hesitation in giving it out. Embuldeniya goes for the review in desperation. The replays roll in and the Hawk Eye shows that it was hitting the stumps. SRI LA |
| After a decent finish for Sri Lanka yesterday evening, they have managed to have a decent morning today as well. They have managed to add 40 runs which means they have taken a lead. It is a slender one but any kind of lead could be handy. |
| At one stage, it never looked like they would go into the lead when they were 161 for 7 after Ajaz Patel, who was easily the pick of the bowlers ran through the Sri Lankan batting line up but then came the fight back from Dickwella and Lakmal. The two added an 81-run stand and took the hosts close to New Zealand's total. Lakmal was dismissed in the 40s but Dickwella continued. He got to a half ton but could not score a lot after that as Somerville got him and the last wicket. |
| It is now probably a one innings showdown! If New Zealand bat well and get somewhere close to 250, they will be favourites but it will not be easy to do so. Sri Lanka on the other hand, will not want to chase a lot in the 4th innings for which they will need to keep picking wickets at regular intervals. For now, there is around 50 minutes for Lunch and the hosts will hope to take a couple before that. Another interesting passage awaits ahead. Stay tuned. |
| 0.1 : S Lakmal to Raval, Starts with a good length delivery on the pads, Raval gets hit on the pads while defending it. There is a stifled appeal for LBW but the umpire is unmoved. |
| 0.2 : S Lakmal to Raval, On a good length on the leg stump, Raval defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 0.3 : S Lakmal to J Raval, Good length delivery on the off stump, Raval defends it towards gully. |
| 0.4 : S Lakmal to Raval, Back of a length delivery, Jeet blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 0.5 : S Lakmal to Raval, Another back of a length delivery on the off stump, Raval pushes it back towards the bowler. |
| 0.6 : S Lakmal to Raval, On a good length this time from Lakmal, Jeet defends it again. Good start from Suranga Lakmal as it is a maiden. |
| Spin from the other end. Akila Dananjaya comes to bowl. |
| 1.1 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Floats it up on off, it pitches and turns away. Latham lets it be. |
| 1.2 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Slows it up and lands it on off, it pitches and once again spins away. Latham looks to defend but it goes off the outer half towards point. |
| 1.3 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Flatter and quicker and on off, Latham works it to mid-wicket. |
| 1.4 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Shorter and quicker again on off, Tom defends it. |
| 1.5 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Outside off and spinning away further. Latham lets it be. |
| 1.6 : A Dananjaya to Latham, On middle, Latham goes back and defends it onto the ground. Two maidens in a row! |
| 2.1 : S Lakmal to Raval, Good length ball on the pads, Raval flicks it towards square leg and takes a single. Raval and New Zealand are off the mark. |
| 2.2 : S Lakmal to Latham, OHH! Good delivery from Lakmal. It was a good length delivery around the off stump. Latham leaves it alone but the ball just whizzed past the off stump. It is a good leave in the end from Latham. |
| 2.3 : S Lakmal to Latham, On a good length on the off stump, Latham gets an inside edge attempting to push it towards the off side, onto his boots and rolls towards the off side. |
| 2.4 : S Lakmal to Latham, Back of a length delivery outside the off stump, Latham lets it go back to the keeper. |
| 2.5 : S Lakmal to Latham, On a good length outside the off stump, Latham has no business with it and lets it go back to the keeper. |
| 2.6 : S Lakmal to Latham, Good length delivery on the off stump, Latham defends it off the back foot back to the bowler. |
| 3.1 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Flatter and on off, this is defended. |
| 3.2 : A Dananjaya to Raval, A couple! This is outside off and flatter, Raval plays it late and down towards third man for two. |
| 3.3 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Shorter and on off, Raval pushes it to covers. |
| 3.4 : A Dananjaya to Raval, On the stumps again but the length is shorter, Raval goes back and pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 3.5 : A Dananjaya to Raval, A little fuller this time, Raval lunges and keeps it out. |
| 3.6 : A Dananjaya to Raval, Outside off, it is left alone. |
| 4.1 : S Lakmal to Latham, NO BALL! Lakmal oversteps here. It is a good length delivery outside the off stump. Latham lets it go back to the keeper. |
| S Lakmal to Latham, On a good length on the off pole, Latham defends it back to the bowler. |
| 4.2 : S Lakmal to Latham, Another good length delivery on the middle pole, Latham flicks it towards mid-wicket for a quick single. The fielder has a shy at the stump but Raval is well in. |
| 4.3 : S Lakmal to Raval, BOUNCER! A good one from Lakmal. Raval does not play at it and ducks under it. The umpire does not give it a wide as he thinks it is fine. |
| 4.4 : S Lakmal to Raval, Loses the line does Lakmal, It was a short ball on the pads and Raval lets it go back to the keeper. |
| 4.5 : S Lakmal to Raval, Not out! Fuller in length this time on the pads, Raval gets hit on the pads while trying to flick it. The Sri Lankans put in a hufe appel for LBW but the umpire does not give it out. They think for a review but opt against it. |
| 4.6 : S Lakmal to Raval, No run. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva is into the attack. |
| 5.1 : de Silva to Latham, Flighted delivery on off, Latham defends it off the back foot. |
| 5.2 : de Silva to Latham, Tossed up outside off, Latham lets it go. |
| 5.3 : de Silva to Latham, Floated delivery on off, Latham punches it to point. |
| 5.4 : de Silva to Latham, Outside off, Latham leaves it alone. |
| 5.5 : de Silva to Latham, Flighted delivery on middle, Latham keeps it out. |
| 5.6 : de Silva to Latham, Tossed up outside off, Latham does not bother to play at that. |
| 6.1 : S Lakmal to Raval, Lakmal bowls a short delivery, Raval pulls it through square leg for a run. |
| 6.2 : S Lakmal to Latham, On a good length and outside off, Latham shoulders his arms to this one. |
| 6.3 : S Lakmal to Latham, BEATEN! On a good length and outside off, Latham looks to defend but misses it due to the away movement on this one. Dickwella appeals for a caught behind but the umpire shakes his head. |
| 6.4 : S Lakmal to Latham, Good length delivery on off, Latham blocks it off the back foot. |
| 6.5 : S Lakmal to Latham, On a good length on off, Latham drives it straight back towards the bowler. |
| 6.6 : S Lakmal to Latham, Length delivery on middle, Latham flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| 7.1 : de Silva to Latham, Loopy delivery on the middle pole, Latham defends it back to the bowler. |
| 7.2 : de Silva to Tom Latham, Flighted delivery outside the off stump, Latham prods forward and pushes it towards mid on for a single. |
| 7.3 : de Silva to Raval, Another flighted delivery on the middle pole, Raval defends it back to the bowler. |
| 7.4 : de Silva to J Raval, OUT! CAUGHT! New Zealand lose their first wicket even before they cut their deficit. Dhananjaya de Silva is the man who draws first blood for Sri Lanka. A soft dismissal this. De Silva bowls this on off, the ball comes slow off the surface. Raval looks to push at it but is already into the shot. The ball ends up chipping it to the fielder at cover where Karunaratne makes no mistake. Early wicket for Sri Lanka, just what they would have wanted. They would be eager for an |
| Kane Williamson is the new batsman in. |
| 7.5 : de Silva to Williamson, OVERTHROWS! Loopy delivery on the off stump, Williamson defends it to the off side and takes a single. The fielder throws it at the stumps but misses. It is a wayward throw and the ball goes past the keeper allowing the batsman to take another run. Unnecessary from Sri Lanka this. |
| 7.6 : de Silva to Williamson, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Williamson pushes it towards cover. |
| 8.1 : S Lakmal to Latham, This is on the pads, Latham works it down to fine leg for one. |
| 8.2 : S Lakmal to Williamson, Good length delivery on the off stump, Kane plays it late towards the gully fielder. |
| 8.3 : S Lakmal to Williamson, NO BALL! Lakmal oversteps once again. It was a back of a length delivery on the middle stump, Williamson defends it back to the bowler. |
| S Lakmal to Williamson, Fuller in length this time on the middle pole, Kane plays it back to the bowler. |
| 8.4 : S Lakmal to Williamson, Full in length on the off stump, Williamson guides it to the mid on fielder. No run. |
| 8.5 : S Lakmal to Williamson, On a good length on the off stump, Kane guides it towards third man and takes a single. |
| 8.6 : S Lakmal to Latham, Good length ball on the middle pole, Latham flicks it to fine leg and crosses over for a single. |
| 9.1 : de Silva to Latham, Floats it up outside off, it has been left alone. |
| 9.2 : de Silva to Latham, Shorter in length outside the off stump, Latham cuts it past cover for a single. |
| 9.3 : de Silva to Williamson, Loopy delivery on the middle stump, Kane defends it back to the bowler. |
| 9.4 : de Silva to Williamson, Shorter in length this time on the middle stump, Williamson plays it back to the bowler. |
| 9.5 : de Silva to Williamson, Flighted delivery on the middle pole, Kane plays it towards short leg. |
| 9.6 : de Silva to Williamson, Short delivery on the middle stump, Williamson flicks it to the leg side. No run. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is on now! |
| 10.1 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Flatter and on off, Latham goes back and keeps it out. |
| 10.2 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Loopy delivery on the off stump, Latham comes down the track and flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 10.3 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Shorter delivery outside the off stump, Latham cuts it to cover and takes a single. |
| 10.4 : L Embuldeniya to Williamson, Flighted delivery on the off pole, Williamson prods forward and pushes it towards cover. |
| 10.5 : L Embuldeniya to Williamson, Looped up ball on middle stump, Kane defends it off his front foot back to the bowler. |
| 10.6 : L Embuldeniya to Williamson, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Williamson has blocked it back to the bowler. |
| Akila Dananjaya is back into the attack. |
| 11.1 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Flatter and on middle, this is worked through square leg for a couple. |
| 11.2 : A Dananjaya to Latham, On off, Latham pushes it to covers. |
| 11.3 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Flighted ball on middle, this is defended. |
| 11.4 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Another loopy ball on off, blocked. |
| 11.5 : A Dananjaya to Latham, On stumps, this is defended. |
| 11.6 : A Dananjaya to Tom Latham, This is angled into the pads, it is worked to mid-wicket. |
| 12.1 : L Embuldeniya to Williamson, Loopy delivery on the pads, Kane flicks it towards short leg. |
| 12.2 : L Embuldeniya to Williamson, Flighted delivery on the middle stump, Kane defends but the ball almost rolls on back to the stumps. It hits the pad of Williamson and it rolls to first slip. |
| 12.3 : L Embuldeniya to Williamson, Loopy delivery on the off stump, Kane defends it off the front foot back to the bowler. |
| 12.4 : L Embuldeniya to Williamson, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Kane guides it to third man. No Run. |
| 12.5 : L Embuldeniya to Williamson, Loopy delivery on the off stump, Kane flicks it to mid on. |
| 12.6 : L Embuldeniya to Williamson, Just, just! That missed the off pole by a whisker. This is floated up on off, Williamson defends outside the line. It hits the inside edge and rolls agonizingly close past the off pole. THAT WILL BE LUNCH ON DAY 3! |
| Sri Lanka's session easily! First they took the lead, yes a slender one but still it could prove vital and then they have managed to pick a wicket too. New Zealand at present are effectively 0 for 1. They now though have Kane Williamson and Tom Latham out there and they would hope the two can bat for long. A lot will be expected from the New Zealand skipper in this innings and he needs to step up if New Zealand are to get into a strong position. |
| For Sri Lanka, it was once again the spinners who did the majority of the bowling. They did get some purchase but the wicket still seems a decent one to bat on. One would believe it is going to be hard work for the bowlers if the Kiwi batters play with determination. An important passage of play awaits after the break. Do join us in a while. |
| ... Day 3, Session 2 ... |
| We are back for the afternoon session on Day 3. Tom Latham walks out with his skipper, Kane Williamson to resume their innings. Sri Lanka continue with spin as Akila Dananjaya starts the new session. |
| 13.1 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Flighted delivery on off, Latham defends it off the front foot. |
| 13.2 : A Dananjaya to Latham, BEATEN! Tossed up outside off, Latham looks to defend but misses it due to the spin on this one. |
| 13.3 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Floated delivery on middle, Latham flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. New Zealand get into the lead now. |
| 13.4 : A Dananjaya to Williamson, Flighted delivery on middle, Williamson comes down the track and flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends. |
| 13.5 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Outside off, Latham leaves it alone. |
| 13.6 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Tossed up on middle, Latham defends it out. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya to partner Akila Dananjaya. |
| 14.1 : L Embuldeniya to Williamson, Full toss on off, Williamson drives it to covers. |
| 14.2 : L Embuldeniya to Williamson, Tossed up on middle, Williamson comes down the track and keeps it out. |
| 14.3 : L Embuldeniya to Williamson, Floated delivery on off, the skipper drives it to mid off. |
| 14.4 : L Embuldeniya to Williamson, OUT! In the air... Kusal Perera seems to have misjudged it but he hangs on in the end. Falls on his back. A huge, huge wicket for Sri Lanka. They have got New Zealand's best batter with the lead at 2. Body blow this for New Zealand as they needed a big effort from their skipper but it is not to be. Williamson was getting bogged down and he looks to break free here. He steps down the track to this flighted delivery on middle. He does not get to the pitch of the |
| Ross Taylor is the new man in. The top scorer of the first innings for New Zealand. Something similar is needed from him. |
| 14.5 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Latham works it with the angle towards mid-wicket for one. |
| 14.6 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. They pick up a single. |
| 15.1 : A Dananjaya to Taylor, Akila floats one down the leg side, Taylor looks to flick but luckily he does not get any feather on it. |
| 15.2 : A Dananjaya to R Taylor, Dananjaya gives this one a lot of air and bowls it on middle, Taylor milks it to long on and eases to the other end. |
| 15.3 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Tossed up on off, Latham calmly defends it off his front foot. |
| 15.4 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Akila goes short around off, Latham gets on his back foot and punches it to cover. |
| 15.5 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Arm ball outside off, Latham reads it well and leaves it alone. |
| 15.6 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Flighted on off and middle, Latham bends his back and defends it to get through the over. |
| 16.1 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, Loopy delivery on the middle stump, Taylor comes down the track and plays it to mid on for a single. |
| 16.2 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Flatter delivery on the leg stump, Latham rocks back and flicks it to square leg for a single. |
| 16.3 : L Embuldeniya to Taylor, OUT! Caught! It is getting bad to worse here for New Zealand. Don't know what Taylor was thinking here. His side are already two down and yet he goes for a counter-attacking approach which is not needed at all at this stage. Embuldeniya bowls a flighted ball outside off, Taylor comes down the track and goes for a big smash on the off side. The ball spins away and takes the outside edge of the bat. It goes straight to Dhananjaya de Silva at first slip, one of the be |
| The new man in is Henry Nicholls. He was good in the 1st innings but needs to better that effort here. |
| 16.4 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Flighted on leg, Nicholls guides it to short fine leg. |
| 16.5 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Another flighted delivery, Nicholls flicks to square leg and gets off the mark with a single.. |
| 16.6 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Shorter in length this time, Latham tries to flick it on the leg but it falls just short of the short fine leg fielder. Excellent over from Embuldeniya. |
| 17.1 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Slower and shorter on middle and leg, Nicholls defends it. |
| 17.2 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Tossed up on middle, Henry keeps it out. |
| 17.3 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Flighted delivery on the middle pole, Nicholls defends it off the front foot back to the bowler. |
| 17.4 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Flighted delivery on the middle stump, Nicholls defends it to the off side. |
| 17.5 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Nicholls blocks it out. |
| 17.6 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Bowls a flighted delivery on the off stump, Nicholls attempts to defend it but gets an outside edge towards the slip region. |
| Run Out appeal taken upstairs. Latham is the man in question, the Sri Lankan players do not look too confident. |
| 18.1 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, NOT OUT! Latham is safely home! Tossed up on middle and leg, Latham comes down the track and tucks it towards mid on and calls for a quick single. Mathews gets to the ball and scores a direct hit at the bowler's end. The ball deflects behind and they take a second run. The umpire goes to the T.V umpire and replay shows Latham is safely in. |
| 18.2 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, FOUR BYES! Floated on the pads, it spins away from the batsman. Latham looks to flick but misses. Dickwella too misses to collect and the ball goes behind to the fine leg fence. |
| 18.3 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, SIX! If you hit it then hit it clean and that is exactly what Latham has done here. Tossed up delivery on middle and leg, Tom comes down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and heaves it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie. No one in the deep so once he got any sort of decent connection he was going to be safe. |
| 18.4 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, On the pads, Latham turns it to leg gully. |
| 18.5 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Shorter on off, TL strokes it to point for a single. |
| 18.6 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Tossed up on the pads, Henry glances it to the on side and keeps the strike. |
| 19.1 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Loopy delivery outside the off stump, Nicholls lets it go. |
| 19.2 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, FOUR! First Boundary for Nicholls. It was a short delivery on the pads and Nicholls just flicks it towards the deep mid-wicket boundary. |
| 19.3 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Loopy delivery on the off stump, Nicholls defends it back to the bowler |
| 19.4 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Flighted delivery outside the off stump, Henry blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 19.5 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Looped up ball on middle, Nicholls defends it off the front foot. |
| 19.6 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Henry blocks it out. |
| 20.1 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Floated on the pads, Latham glances it to the on side. |
| 20.2 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Tossed up on middle, Latham keeps it out. |
| 20.3 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, FOUR! Swept and swept with authority! Flighted on middle and off, Latham gets down on one knee and sweeps it through square leg for a boundary. He is set now and holds the key here for New Zealand. |
| 20.4 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Shorter on leg, Latham flat-bats it against the spin towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 20.5 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Tossed up on middle, Nicholls defends it off the front foot. |
| 20.6 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Flighted on the pads, Nicholls flicks it to the on side and keeps the strike. |
| 21.1 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Loopy delivery on the off stump, Henry blocks it towards the off side. |
| 21.2 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Shorter in length, Nicholls rocks back and pushes it to cover for a single. |
| 21.3 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Flighted delivery outside the off stump, Latham lets it go. |
| 21.4 : A Dananjaya to Tom Latham, Flatter delivery on the middle pole, Latham flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 21.5 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Shorter delivery on off stump, Latham rocks back and cuts it to point. |
| 21.6 : A Dananjaya to Latham, FOUR! Flighted delivery on the middle pole, Tom sweeps it nicely towards the fine leg fence for a boundary. Latham is looking really good here and has continue the good the good in order for the the Kiwis to get a substantial lead. |
| 22.1 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Shorter on the pads, Nicholls glances it towards mid-wicket for one. |
| 22.2 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Tossed up on middle and leg, Latham comes down the track and defends it off the front foot. |
| 22.3 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Tossed up on middle, Latham sweeps it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 22.4 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Flighted on the stumps, Nicholls blocks it off the front foot. |
| 22.5 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, On the pads, Nicholls flicks it without any fuss towards the leg side for a single. |
| 22.6 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Shorter on the pads, Latham turns it with the spin wide of the man at leg slip. The fielder from slip cleans it up before the ropes saving a run. |
| 23.1 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Loopy delivery outside the off stump, Latham pushes it towards cover for a single. |
| 23.2 : A Dananjaya to H Nicholls, Flighted delivery on the off pole, Nicholls gets a thick outside edge towards first slip where the ball falls short. |
| 23.3 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Looped up ball on off, Nicholls defends it back to the bowler. |
| 23.4 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Flighted delivery on the middle pole, Henry Nicholls flicks it away to square leg for a single. |
| 23.5 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Full delivery on the middle pole, Latham goes for the slog sweep towards the square leg where the fielder from deep mid-wicket runs in and makes an excellent diving stop. 2 runs taken. |
| 23.6 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Shorter delivery on the off stump, Latham defends it off the back foot. |
| 24.1 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Floated on off, Nicholls defends it off the inner half of his bat. |
| 24.2 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Tossed up on middle, Nicholls strokes it to mid on. |
| 24.3 : L Embuldeniya to H Nicholls, Shorter around off, Nicholls looks to cut but gets a thick outside edge wide of first slip for one. |
| 24.4 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Floated on off, Latham sweeps it to the on side for one. |
| 24.5 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 24.6 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Latham comes down the track and tucks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 25.1 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Flighted delivery on middle, Latham defends it back to the bowler. |
| 25.2 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Flighted runs on the middle stump, Latham blocks it out. 2 |
| 25.3 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Loopy delivery on the off stump, Nicholls gets an inside edge towards third man and takes a single. The lead is now 50 with that single. |
| 25.4 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, BEATEN! Loopy delivery on the middle. Nicholls misses the ball completely due to the turn on it. |
| 25.5 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Shorter delivery outside the off stump, Nicholls rocks back and cuts it towards the cover region for a single. |
| 25.6 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Tossed up on middle and leg, Latham drags it to fine leg and gets a single to take the partnership to 45. |
| 26.1 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Slower through the air on off and middle, Latham comes down the track and nudges it to long on for a single. |
| 26.2 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Flatter on off and middle, Nicholls comes down the track and blocks it. |
| 26.3 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Nicholls is not letting the ball turn here as he once again charges down and blocks it on the full. |
| 26.4 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Loopy ball on the stumps, Henry stays in his crease this time and defends it. |
| 26.5 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Tossed up on the pads, Henry charges and glances it to mid-wicket for a run. |
| 26.6 : L Embuldeniya to Latham, Short and straight outside off, Latham defends it off the upper half of his bat. The ball pitches on the crease and hits the pads of Dickwella. |
| 27.1 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, NOT OUT! Flighted delivery on the off stump, Nicholls goes for the slog sweep but gets hit on the thigh pad. There is a big appeal for LBW but they are turned down. The hosts think of a review but opt against it. In the process, the ball goes towards the third man region and the batsman take a couple. |
| 27.2 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Shorter delivery outside the off stump, Nicholls rocks back and pushes it towards the cover region for a single. |
| 27.3 : A Dananjaya to Tom Latham, FOUR! Too short and it is the leg spinner on off, Latham picks it, he goes back and pulls it past mid on for a boundary. Up comes the 50-run stand, very vital one. They need to keep going though. The lead is only 61 at the moment. |
| 27.4 : A Dananjaya to Latham, Another appeal but not given! This is outside off, Latham looks to paddle sweep but misses. It hits the pads and goes towards third man for two. |
| 27.5 : A Dananjaya to Tom Latham, OUT! EDGED AND GONE! Akila Dhananjaya gets the breakthrough. A much-needed one as this partnership was going along really nicely. Latham walks back after getting a start and Sri Lanka continue to control the game. Akila pitches this on middle, it turns away square. Latham defends inside the line. The ball goes off the outside edge towards second slip. Thirimanne there takes a good low catch. New Zealand are effectively 63 for 4. |
| BJ Watling walks out to bat now. |
| 27.6 : A Dananjaya to Watling, On off, this is guided to point. End of a successful over by Akila. |
| 28.1 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, On the pads, Nicholls defends it off the front foot. |
| 28.2 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Floated on the pads, Henry glances it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 28.3 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Watling is off the mark with a good looking drive. Tossed up on off, BJ drives it towards cover for one. |
| 28.4 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Tossed up on off, Nicholls milks it to long off for another single. |
| 28.5 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, On the stumps, Watling defends it off the front foot. |
| 28.6 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Floated outside off, Watling leaves it alone. |
| 29.1 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Looped up ball on off, Nicholls blocks it out. |
| 29.2 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Flighted delivery on the middle stump, Nicholls gets an inside edge towards square leg and takes a single. |
| 29.3 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Flighted delivery on the middle pole, Watling defends it back to the bowler. |
| 29.4 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Flatter delivery on middle, Watling blocks it out. |
| 29.5 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Loopy delivery on the middle stump, BJ defends it back to the bowler. |
| 29.6 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Bowls a flighted delivery on middle, Watling pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 30.1 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Flighted delivery on off, Nicholls plays a sweep through square leg for a single. |
| 0.0 : Appeal for LBW taken upstairs. Watling is the man in question, he signalled the 'T' straightaway indicating there is bat involved. The man at short leg too indicated that there was bat involved. |
| 30.2 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, NOT OUT! Excellent review and there was bat involved. Quicker and spinning away from the batsman. Watling looks to play it across the line but misses. There is a huge appeal and the umpire raises his finger. BJ takes the review straightaway, the man at short leg too indicates there is bat involved. Replays roll in and the Ultra Edge confirms that the ball kissed the leading edge of his bat. |
| 30.3 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Tossed up on the stumps, BJ blocks it. |
| 30.4 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, On the stumps, Watling sweeps it to leg gully. |
| 30.5 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Tossed up on the stumps, Watling defends it off the front foot. |
| 30.6 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Drifted outside off, Watling shoulders arms to it to get through the over unscathed. |
| 31.1 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, The batsman rocks onto the backfoot and punches the ball. |
| 31.2 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Loopy delivery on the middle stump, Nicholls defends it back to the bowler. |
| 31.3 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Flighted delivery on off, Nicholls defends it towards the off side. |
| 31.4 : A Dananjaya to H Nicholls, FOUR! Excellent shot from Nicholls. It was a loopy delivery and on the middle stump, Nicholls flicks it past the mid-wicket fielder for a boundary. |
| 31.5 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Loopy delivery on the off stump, Nicholls blocks it out. |
| 31.6 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, On off, this is blocked. |
| 32.1 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Floated on off, Watling defends it off the front foot. |
| 32.2 : L Embuldeniya to BJ Watling, Tossed up on off, BJ keeps it out. |
| 32.3 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Quicker on off, BJ strokes it to the keft of the bowler. Embuldeniya cannot stop it cleanly allowing the batter to take a single. |
| 32.4 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Floated on middle, HN nudges it to long on and gets to the other end. |
| 32.5 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, On the pads, Watling turns it to mid-wicket. |
| 32.6 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Floated on off, BJ blocks it. |
| 33.1 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Flighted delivery outside the off stump, Nicholls lets it go. 2 |
| 33.2 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Loopy delivery on middle, Nicholls blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 33.3 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Flatter delivery on the middle, Nicholls flicks it towardsmid-wicket and takes a single. |
| 33.4 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Shorter delivery, spinning into the batsman. Watling cuts towards the cover region and crosses over for a single. |
| 33.5 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Flighted delivery on off, Nicholls defends it off the front foot. |
| 33.6 : A Dananjaya to Nicholls, Looped up ball on off, Nicholls defends it off the front foot back to the bowler. |
| 34.1 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Floated on off, Watling defends it off the front foot. |
| 34.2 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Full toss on middle, Watling turns it towards fine leg and gets a couple. |
| 34.3 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Floated on off, BJ defends it off the front foot. |
| 34.4 : A Dananjaya to Watling, On the stumps, Watling bends his back and taps the ball down onto the ground. |
| 34.5 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Floated on off, Watling lunges forward and defends it. |
| 34.6 : Dananjaya to Watling, Very full on the stumps, Watling does well to get down. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva is back on |
| 35.1 : de Silva to Nicholls, Looped up ball on middle, Nicholls blocks it out. |
| 35.2 : de Silva to Nicholls, Flatter delivery on the middle stump, Henry pushes it towards mid on. |
| 35.3 : de Silva to Nicholls, Flighted delivery on middle, Nicholls defends it back to the bowler. |
| 35.4 : de Silva to Nicholls, Loopy delivery on middle, Nicholls blocks it out. |
| 35.5 : de Silva to Nicholls, OHH! Flighted delivery on off stump, HN looks to drive but gets an outside edge towards point. |
| 35.6 : de Silva to Nicholls, Loopy delivery on off stump, Nicholls defends it towards the bowler. |
| 36.1 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Tossed up on off, BJ keeps it out. |
| 36.2 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Floated on off, Watling blocks it. |
| 36.3 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, On middle, Watling turns it towards square leg. |
| 36.4 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Loopy delivery on middle, BJ defends it classically. |
| 36.5 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, On the stumps, Watling keeps it out. |
| 36.6 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Comes down the track and taps it back to the bowler. |
| 37.1 : de Silva to Nicholls, Full delivery on middle, Nicholls plays it back to the bowler. |
| 37.2 : de Silva to Nicholls, Loopy delivery outside the off stump, Nicholls lets it go. |
| 37.3 : de Silva to Nicholls, Flighted delivery on middle, Henry blocks it out towards the leg side. |
| 37.4 : de Silva to Nicholls, Looped up ball on off, HN defends it to the off side. |
| 37.5 : de Silva to Nicholls, DROPPED! Excellent delivery from de Silva. It was a loopy delivery on the off stump, Nicholls tries to defend but to due to the spin gets a thick outside edge. Dickwella drops a regulation catch. Lucky break this for Henry Nicholls. |
| 37.6 : de Silva to Nicholls, Flighted delivery outside the off pole, Nicholls lets it go. |
| 38.1 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Floated on off, Watling blocks it. |
| 38.2 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Tossed up on off, Watling drags his sweep towards backward square leg for one. |
| 38.3 : L Embuldeniya to Nicholls, Floated around off, Nicholls now drags his sweep to square leg and rotates the strike. |
| 38.4 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Flighted on off, BJ gets on his front foot and defends it. |
| 38.5 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Drifter outside off, Watling leaves it alone. |
| 38.6 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, On the stumps, Watling blocks it off the front foot. |
| 39.1 : de Silva to Nicholls, Tossed up on off, Nicholls gets on his front foot and blocks it. |
| 39.2 : de Silva to H Nicholls, OUT! Caught! Dickwella will be a relieved man as he had dropped Nicholls not too long ago. Dhananjaya was unlucky on that occassion but Kusal Mendis has not made the same error. De Silva bowls this slower through the air on off, it grips away off the surface. Nicholls looks to defend but the ball takes the outside edge and it goes to the left of first slip. Mendis there shows good reflexes and takes a sharp catch. Big wicket in the context of the game for Sri Lanka |
| Mitchell Santner is the next batsman in. |
| 39.3 : de Silva to Santner, Floated on off, Santner starts his innings off the front foot. |
| 39.4 : de Silva to Santner, Shorter on off, Santner punches it towards cover and gets off the mark with a single. |
| 39.5 : de Silva to Watling, Flighted on off, BJ keeps it out. |
| 39.6 : de Silva to Watling, On the stumps, Watling defends it off the front foot to get through the over. Good over from Dhananjaya de Silva. |
| 40.1 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Loopy delivery on the off pole, Santner tries to drive it towards the off side but gets an inside edge and takes a single. |
| 40.2 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Flighted delivery on off stump, Watling defends it back to the bowler. |
| 40.3 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, FOUR! Creamed away! Excellent shot from Watling. It was a loopy delivery outside off, Watling dances down the track and drives it towards mid off region. The fielder at mid off dives to make a stop but lets it go to the boundary. First boundary for Watling. |
| 40.4 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Floated on off, Watling strokes it to cover. |
| 40.5 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Flighted delivery on off stump, Watling plays it back to the bowler. |
| 40.6 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Looped up ball on off stump, BJ defends it off his front foot towards the off side. |
| 41.1 : de Silva to Santner, Ohh! Play and just misses. Flighted outside off, Santner looks to drive it on the up but the ball turns away and just misses the outside edge of his bat. Luckily Santner had his feet inside the crease as Dickwella was quick to whip the bails off. |
| 41.2 : de Silva to Santner, Tossed up on the stumps, Santner defends it off the front foot. |
| 41.3 : de Silva to Santner, Shorter on off, Santner defends it to cover. |
| 41.4 : de Silva to Santner, Floated on off, Mitchell strokes it towards cover for a single. |
| 41.5 : de Silva to Watling, On the pads, Watling flicks it wide of leg gully for a run. |
| 41.6 : de Silva to Santner, On the stumps, Santner keeps it out. |
| 42.1 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Loopy delivery on off stump, Watling defends it towards cover. |
| 42.2 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Flighted delivery on off, Watling defends it off the front foot. |
| 42.3 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Full delivery on the off pole, Watling gets out his sweep and plays it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 42.4 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Loopy delivery on off stump, Santner while trying to defend gets an inside edge towards short leg. |
| 42.5 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Looped up ball on off, Santner defends it into ground. |
| 42.6 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Shorter delivery outside the off stump, Santner rocks back and slaps it through the cover region for a brace. |
| 43.1 : de Silva to Watling, Floated on the pads, Watling turns it to square leg. |
| 43.2 : de Silva to Watling, FOUR! Bad ball and rightfully punished. Dhananjaya is guilty of bowling too short on this occassion, it is on the pads too. BJ picks it early, gets on his back foot and swivels it through mid-wicket for a boundary. |
| 43.3 : de Silva to Watling, Follows it up with a calm front foot defense. |
| 43.4 : de Silva to Watling, Floated on off, Watling keeps it out. |
| 43.5 : de Silva to Watling, Tossed up on the stumps, Watling comes down the track and strokes it to long on for a run. |
| 43.6 : de Silva to Santner, Short on off, Santner punches it towards cover for one. |
| 44.1 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Loopy delivery on middle, Santner plays it back to the bowler. |
| 44.2 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Flighted delivery on middle, Santner blocks it out. |
| 44.3 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Looped up ball on the off stump, Santner defends it towards the off side. |
| 44.4 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Flatter delivery spinning into Santner, Mitchell plays it towards long off for a single. |
| 44.5 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Loopy delivery which is taken on the full by Watling and he plays it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 44.6 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Flatter delivery on middle, Santner pushes it off the back foot, back towards mid off and takes a single. The lead has moved to 100 with this single. |
| 45.1 : de Silva to Santner, Tossed up on middle, Santner defends it nicely off the meat. |
| 45.2 : de Silva to Santner, Floated on off, MS defends it off his front foot. |
| 45.3 : de Silva to Santner, Slightly shorter on off, Santner defends it off the back foot. |
| 45.4 : de Silva to Santner, Shorter on off, Santner punches it to cover. |
| 45.5 : de Silva to Santner, On the stumps, Santner gets down and blocks. |
| 45.6 : de Silva to Santner, Flights one on off, Santner milks it to long off for a single. |
| Akila Dananjaya is back. |
| 46.1 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Shorter on off, Santner punches it towards cover for one. |
| 46.2 : A Dananjaya to Watling, On the pads, Watling tucks it to the on side. |
| 46.3 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Once again turns it to square leg. |
| 46.4 : A Dananjaya to Watling, On middle and leg, Watling flicks it towards mid-wicket for one. |
| 46.5 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Defended off the back foot by Santner. |
| 46.6 : A Dananjaya to Santner, EDGED AND DROPPED! Tough chance but still a chance. Slightly short on off, it is not short enough to cut. Santner still goes for the cut but gets a thick outside edge. The ball goes quickly to the left of first slip. Mendis there gets wrong footed and misses fails to gather it as the ball hits him on his body. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is back into the attack. |
| 47.1 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Shorter on off, Watling punches it to cover. |
| 47.2 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, On the stumps, Watling blocks it off the front foot. |
| 47.3 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Short on off, Watling punches it to cover. |
| 47.4 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Tossed up on off, Watling comes down the track and milks it to long on for a single. |
| 47.5 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 47.6 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Almost a disastrous run out. Shorter on off, Santner punches it wide of cover and takes a single. He wants the second but Nicholls says no and rightfully so as the fielder quickly gets to the ball. |
| 48.1 : A Dananjaya to Santner, Beauty! Flighted delivery outside off, it grips away off the surface. Santner looks to drive but misses. |
| 48.2 : A Dananjaya to Santner, On middle, this is kept out. |
| 48.3 : A Dananjaya to Santner, On middle, this is defended. |
| 48.4 : A Dananjaya to Santner, The batsman rocks onto the back foot and punches the ball. One run added to the total. |
| 48.5 : A Dananjaya to Watling, On the stumps again, Watling lunges and keeps it out. |
| 48.6 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Another one on the stumps, Watling prods forward and blocks it. |
| 49.1 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Loopy delivery on off, Santner defends it off the back foot. |
| 49.2 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, Flighted delivery on middle, Mitchell defends it off the front foot towards the bowler. |
| 49.3 : L Embuldeniya to Santner, OUT! CAUGHT! Santner throws his wicket away at the stroke of Tea. Yes, it was a bad ball but he could have resisted playing that shot. It is a short ball, a nothing ball down the leg side from Embuldeniya which comes slow off the surface. Santner wanted to play the pull shot but is early into it as it sticks in the surface. A top edge is induced and it goes towards the deep mid-wicket fielder. Lakmal runs forward and across and takes a simple catch. Another batter |
| Another session that belonged to the hosts. They have scalped 5 wickets and are now into the bowlers with New Zealand's lead just 106. It has been the spinners who have spun the web and done the damage with Embuldeniya, the star with three wickets. Apart from a 56-run stand between Latham and Nicholls, nothing else has been substantial from the visitors. With BJ Watling, the only recognized batsman out in the middle will hold the key. Sri Lanka will look to restrict them under 150 and New Zealan |
| ... Day 3, Session 3 ... |
| We are back for the final session of Day 3. Tim Southee will join BJ Watling in the middle. Lasith Embuldeniya will continue his over after Tea. |
| 49.4 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Loopy delivery on the off pole, Southee defends it to the off side. |
| 49.5 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Flighted delivery on middle, Southee defends it back to the bowler. |
| 49.6 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Shorter in length on off, Southee cuts it towards point for a single. Southee gets off the mark with that single. |
| Akila Dananjaya to bowl from the other end. |
| 50.1 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Flighted delivery on middle, Southee flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| 50.2 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Very full and on off, Southee pushes it to mid off for one. |
| 50.3 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Flighted delivery on the off pole, Watling defends it to the off side. |
| 50.4 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Watling defends it to the off side. |
| 50.5 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Shorter delivery on the off stump which spun into the batsman a bit, Watling rocks back and cuts it towards point for a single. |
| 50.6 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Loopy delivery on the middle pole, Southee defends it off the front foot. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva is on! |
| 51.1 : de Silva to BJ Watling, Flatter and on off, Watling goes back and pushes it through covers for one. |
| 51.2 : de Silva to Southee, Flatter delivery on the middle stump, Southee defends it off the back foot. |
| 51.3 : de Silva to Southee, Flighted delivery on middle, Southee pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 51.4 : de Silva to Southee, Looped up ball on middle, Southee blocks it out. |
| 51.5 : de Silva to Southee, Flatter delivery on the off stump, Southee defends it towards the off side. |
| 51.6 : de Silva to Tim Southee, Loopy delivery on the middle pole, Southee pushes it to mid on for a single. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is back into the attack. |
| 52.1 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, On off, blocked. |
| 52.2 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Flatter and on the pads, Southee works it to short leg. |
| 52.3 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Short ball outside off stump, Southee cuts off the back foot towards cover but the fielder makes an excellent diving stop. |
| 52.4 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Short ball on off, Southee pushes it to mid on for a single. |
| 52.5 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, SAFE! Loopy ball on middle, Watling gets an outside edge which was up in the air for a while towards cover. |
| 52.6 : L Embuldeniya to BJ Watling, Flighted delivery on middle, Watling pushes it to mid off for a single. |
| Akila Dananjaya is back into the attack. |
| 53.1 : A Dananjaya to Watling, On middle, this is worked to mid-wicket. |
| 53.2 : A Dananjaya to Watling, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. |
| 53.3 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Shorter and on middle, Southee pushes it to mid on. |
| 53.4 : A Dananjaya to Southee, FOUR! Poor ball and put away! Short and on middle, easy pickings. Southee goes back and pulls it through square leg for a boundary. |
| 53.5 : A Dananjaya to Southee, On the pads, Southee looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads. |
| 53.6 : A Dananjaya to Southee, On the pads again, it is worked to mid-wicket. |
| 54.1 : L Embuldeniya to BJ Watling, Loopy delivery on the middle stump, Watling, in an attempt, to defend it edges it to first slip but it falls short of the fielder. |
| 54.2 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Watling defends to silly point. |
| 54.3 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Flighted delivery on the middle stump, Watling dances down the track and plays it back to the bowler. |
| 54.4 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Short delivery on the off stump, Watling pushes it to cover for a single. |
| 54.5 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Loopy delivery on the middle, Southee blocks it out. |
| 54.6 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Flighted delivery on off, Southee defends it back to the bowler. |
| 55.1 : A Dananjaya to Watling, This is on middle, it is worked through square leg for one. |
| 55.2 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Flatter and outside off, this one turns back in. Southee pushes it through covers for one. |
| 55.3 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Shorter and outside off, Watling cuts it through point for one. |
| 55.4 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Loopy delivery on middle, Southee pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 55.5 : A Dananjaya to Tim Southee, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Southee pushes it to third man for a single. |
| 55.6 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Looped up ball on off, Watling comes down the track and plays it towards mid on and takes a quick single. |
| 56.1 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Flighted delivery on middle, Watling blocks it out. |
| 56.2 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Shorter ball on off, Watling cuts towards point and takes a single. |
| 56.3 : L Embuldeniya to Tim Southee, DROPPED! Kusal Mendis is the culprit. It was a loopy delivery on off, Southee gets an outside edge while trying to defend it and the ball goes towards gully. The fielder was standing very close to the batsman and ball was moving quickly. It was a tough chance ut should have been taken at this level.Dropped by Kusal Mendis. |
| 56.4 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, No run. Loopy delivery on the off stump, Southee blocks it out. |
| 56.5 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Loopy ball on off, Southee pushes it to covers. |
| 56.6 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 57.1 : A Dananjaya to Watling, On off, Watling defends it. |
| 57.2 : A Dananjaya to Watling, This is bowled outside off and it is turning back in. Watling looks to work it on the leg side but misses to get hit on the pads. |
| 57.3 : A Dananjaya to Watling, The batsman has driven it through mid off. They pick up a single. |
| 57.4 : A Dananjaya to Southee, On off, Southee defends it back to the bowler. |
| 57.5 : A Dananjaya to Southee, On off again, Southee lunges and keeps it out. |
| 57.6 : A Dananjaya to Southee, A huge shout by the bowler but the impact is outside off. Dananjaya floats it up outside off, Southee gets his front pad outside the line of off and tries to defend. The ball turns back in and hits the pad. Akila appeals but the umpire shakes his head. Sri Lanka think about the review but then do not take it. Good they did not as it never looked out. |
| 58.1 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Flighted delivery on middle, Watling keeps it out. |
| 58.2 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Short on off, Watling makes room and slaps it through covers. The batsmen take a single. |
| 58.3 : L Embuldeniya to Tim Southee, Tossed up on leg, Southee looks to defend off the back foot but gets an inside edge onto the pads. |
| 58.4 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Floated delivery on middle, Southee defends it off the front foot. |
| 58.5 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Loopy delivery on middle, Southee flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a single. |
| 58.6 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Flighted delivery on off, Watling comes forward and drives it through covers for a run. |
| 59.1 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Fuller delivery on the off stump, Watling flicks it mid-wicket. |
| 59.2 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Flighted delivery on off which spun into the batsman. Watling flicks it towards short leg. |
| 59.3 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Looped up delivery outside off stump, Watling moves towards the off side and flicks it to short leg. |
| 59.4 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Loopy delivery on the off stump, Watling blocks it out. |
| 59.5 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Flighted delivery on middle, Watling defends it back to the bowler. |
| 59.6 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Looped up ball on off, Watling blocks it out. |
| Suranga Lakmal is on! |
| 60.1 : S Lakmal to Southee, Good length and on off, Southee defends it out. |
| 60.2 : S Lakmal to Southee, BEATEN! In the corridor of uncertainty. Southee pokes at it and gets beaten. |
| 60.3 : S Lakmal to Southee, Good length ball on off, Southee pushes it towards cover and takes a single. |
| 60.4 : S Lakmal to Watling, Good length ball on off, Watling rocks back and pushes it towards cover for a single. |
| 60.5 : S Lakmal to Southee, Back of a length delivery on middle, Southee flicks it to mid-wicket. No run. |
| 60.6 : S Lakmal to Southee, Good length delivery on the off pole, Southee pushes it to point. |
| 61.1 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Loopy delivery on middle, Watling flicks it to short leg. |
| 61.2 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Flighted delivery on middle, Watling pushes it to short leg. |
| 61.3 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Fuller delivery which is converted to a low full toss by Watling as he dances down the track and pushes it to mid off. |
| 61.4 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Loopy delivery on middle, Watling defends it to short leg. |
| 61.5 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Short ball on off stump, Watling rocks back and slaps it towards the cover region and takes a brace. |
| Review time! An appeal for an LBW has been turned down. Sri Lanka review. Looks high and also there seems to bat involved. |
| 61.6 : Dananjaya to Watling, NOT OUT! There is bat involved. It was a loopy delivery on middle stump, Watling looks to flick but gets hit on the pads. There is a big appeal for LBW but the umpire is unmoved. The Sri Lankan players, after a chat, opt for the review. The replays roll in and Ultra Edge shows that it is off the inside edge. Sri Lanka have lost their first review. |
| 62.1 : S Lakmal to Southee, On a good length and outside off, Southee plays it to covers. |
| 62.2 : S Lakmal to Southee, Good length delivery on off, Southee defends it off the back foot. |
| 62.3 : S Lakmal to Southee, On a length on middle, Southee flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple. |
| 62.4 : S Lakmal to Southee, Lakmal bowls a short of a length delivery, Southee pulls it over mid-wicket. Dhananjaya de Silva in the deep does well to stop it with a dive and saves two runs for the team. |
| 62.5 : S Lakmal to Southee, On a length on middle, Southee flicks it towards square leg for a run. |
| OH NO! Not a good sign this. The groundstaff are out and the dark clouds over look like a threat. It looks like rain is ready to spoil the fun here. |
| 62.6 : S Lakmal to Watling, Short of a length delivery, Watling pulls it towards fine leg for a run. |
| 63.1 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Loopy delivery on the middle stump, Watling plays it back to the bowler. |
| 63.2 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Shorter in length on off, Watling pushes it to cover. |
| 63.3 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Short ball on off stump, which spun into the batsman, Watling rocks back and flicks it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 63.4 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Loopy delivery on the middle stump, Southee tries to pull but the ball goes in between the legs as Southee misreads the spin. |
| 63.5 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Flighted delivery on the middle pole, Southee prods forward to defend but the ball gets hit on the pad and goes to short leg. There is a stifled appeal for a catch at short leg but the umpire is unmoved. |
| 63.6 : A Dananjaya to Southee, Loopy delivery on middle, Southee blocks it out. |
| 64.1 : S Lakmal to Watling, Slightly fuller around off, Watling plays it late and down towards third man for two. |
| 64.2 : S Lakmal to BJ Watling, EDGY FOUR! New Zealand won't mind how they come as long as they come. This is on a length and around off, Watling looks to defend but it goes off the outside edge. He does so with soft hands though so it goes all along the ground, past the first slip fielder and into the third man fence. |
| 64.3 : S Lakmal to Watling, Peach! Unplayable! This lands on off and then straightens. The batter defends inside the line and gets beaten. |
| 64.4 : S Lakmal to Watling, On off again and lands it on a length. Watling keeps it out. |
| 64.5 : S Lakmal to Watling, Back of a length around off, Watling pushes it through covers and takes one. |
| 64.6 : S Lakmal to Southee, Direct hit but Southee is in! Good length and on middle, Southee pushes it towards mid on for a quick run. |
| 65.1 : A Dananjaya to Tim Southee, Loopy delivery outside the off pole, Southee defends it to the off side and takes a single. |
| 65.2 : A Dananjaya to BJ Watling, Flighted delivery on middle, Watling bends and plays it short leg. |
| 65.3 : A Dananjaya to BJ Watling, Shorter in length which spun away from the batsman, Watling defends it to the off side. |
| 65.4 : A Dananjaya to BJ Watling, Loopy delivery on middle, Watling pushes it to mid off and takes a single. The lead is now 150. |
| 65.5 : A Dananjaya to Tim Southee, Flighted delivery on off, Southee blocks it out. |
| 65.6 : A Dananjaya to Tim Southee, Looped up ball on off, Southee defends it back to the bowler. |
| Drinks Break! Just like Lakmal and Dickwella troubled New Zealand, Southee and Watling are returning the favour. The duo have added 44 runs and have quietly taken the lead to 150. Sri Lanka will need to find a way to get rid of this partnership. |
| Lahiru Kumara is on! |
| 66.1 : L Kumara to Watling, Back of a length on off, Watling defends it. |
| 66.2 : L Kumara to Watling, Fuller and on off, Watling once again keeps it out. |
| 66.3 : L Kumara to Watling, A little too straight this time, Watling works it through mid-wicket and bags a brace. |
| 66.4 : L Kumara to Watling, Very full this time and on middle, this is hit back to the bowler. |
| 66.5 : L Kumara to Watling, Shortens his length and lands it on off, defended. |
| 66.6 : L Kumara to Watling, Another one on a length and outside off, Watling plays it late towards point. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is back into the attack. |
| 67.1 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Loopy delivery on middle, Southee punches it to long on for a single. |
| 67.2 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Flighted delivery on the middle stump, BJ blocks it out. |
| 67.3 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. The batsmen have run through for a single. |
| 67.4 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, It was a flighted delivery on the middle pole, Southee flicks it towards leg side for a single. It hit the short leg fielder on the way towards mid-wicket. |
| 67.5 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Full delivery on middle, Watling flicks it to square leg for a single. |
| 67.6 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Flighted delivery on the middle stump, Southee defends it off the front foot. |
| 68.1 : L Kumara to Watling, Fifty for Watling, 17th in Tests. He generally performs during tough times and he has done exactly that here. Almost single-handedly taken New Zealand to safer shores. Needs to go on though. He gets there by cutting this short ball outside off to deep point for one. |
| 68.2 : L Kumara to Southee, Back of a length on off, Southee pushes it to covers for one. |
| 68.3 : L Kumara to Watling, Another single as Watling guides it to deep point. |
| 68.4 : L Kumara to Southee, BOUNCER! A good one from Lahiru. It was bowled at a perfect bouncer length and Southee tries to hook it but misses the ball completely. |
| 68.5 : L Kumara to Tim Southee, DROPPED! That went right in between first slip and the keeper, both went for it, it hits the glove of the keeper and then deflects onto the first slip fielder and goes towards fine leg for one. Dickwella's positioning could be blamed. Kumara goes wide of the crease and angles it short and into the batter. Dickwella now moves leg side with the delivery. Southee looks to cut but the ball is too close to play that shot. It goes off the outside edge to the right of Dic |
| 68.6 : L Kumara to Watling, A bumper on middle, Watling ducks under it. |
| 69.1 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Tossed up on middle, Southee defends it out. |
| 69.2 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Flighted delivery on middle, Southee plays a sweep towards the keeper where he fumbles. |
| 69.3 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Floated delivery on off, Southee defends it off the front foot. |
| 69.4 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, Tossed up on middle, Southee defends it out. |
| 69.5 : L Embuldeniya to Southee, OUT! STUMPED! The dropped catch does not cost Sri Lanka a lot. Finally they manage to get the breakthrough. A very, very good partnership for the Kiwis though. Southee walks back after playing a handy innings. New Zealand are effectively 160 for 7 now. Embuldeniya gets his fourth. He tosses it up above the eye line. Seeing that, Southee comes down the track. He though is beaten by the dip and the turn away as he looks to drive. The keeper collects and whips the ba |
| William Somerville is the new batsman in. |
| 69.6 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, A dot to end a successful over for Embuldeniya. On off, Somerville keeps it out. |
| 70.1 : L Kumara to Watling, NOT OUT! A big LBW shout. It was a back of a length delivery on middle, Watling tries to flick but gets hit flush on the pads. There is a strong appeal for LBW but are turned down. The Sri Lankan players think of a review but opt against it. |
| 70.2 : L Kumara to Watling, Another back of a length delivery outside off stump, Watling cuts it towards cover for a single. |
| 70.3 : L Kumara to Somerville, BOUNCER! Not a good one at that. It was bowled way outside off and Somerville does not feel the need to play at it. He lets it go back to the keeper. |
| 70.4 : L Kumara to Somerville, Good length delivery on off, Somerville pushes it to cover for a single. |
| 70.5 : L Kumara to Watling, FOUR! Brilliant shot from Watling. It was a full delivery on middle, Watling drives it straight past the mid on fielder for a boundary. Watling is playing an amazing innings here. |
| 70.6 : L Kumara to Watling, FOUR! Back to back boundaries for Watling. This one is bowled short and outside off stump. Watling just rocks back and guides it over gully for a boundary. Excellent batting this from BJ. He moves on to 60 with that shot. |
| 71.1 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Flighted delivery on middle, Somerville defends it off the front foot. |
| 71.2 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Tossed up on off, Somerville blocks it off the back foot. |
| 71.3 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Floated delivery on middle, Somerville flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. |
| 71.4 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Flighted delivery on off, Watling blocks it off the back foot. |
| 71.5 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Tossed up on off, Watling defends it off the back foot. |
| 71.6 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Loopy delivery on off, Watling plays it to covers. |
| 72.1 : L Kumara to Somerville, Good length ball around off, Somerville stands tall and punches it through cover for a couple. |
| 72.2 : L Kumara to Somerville, Back of a length delivery on off, Somerville defends it off the back foot. |
| 72.3 : L Kumara to Somerville, Another back of a length delivery, William blocks it out of the back foot. |
| 72.4 : L Kumara to Somerville, Good length delivery outside off, Somerville leaves it alone. |
| 72.5 : L Kumara to Somerville, BOUNCER! A good one at that. It was aimed at the body. Somerville does well to duck under it. |
| 72.6 : L Kumara to Somerville, Good length ball on the off stump, Somerville defends it off the front foot. Good over from Lahiru. |
| 73.1 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Flighted delivery on middle, Watling blocks it out. |
| 73.2 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Another flighted delivery on middle, Watling comes down the track and pushes it to mid on. |
| 73.3 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Loopy delivery on middle, Watling defends it off the front foot. |
| 73.4 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Short delivery on off stump, Watling cuts towards cover and takes a single. |
| 73.5 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Flighted delivery on middle, Somerville defends it back to the bowler. |
| 73.6 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Looped up delivery on the middle stump, William blocks it out. |
| 74.1 : L Kumara to Watling, Lovely fielding! This is fuller and around off, Watling creams it towards cover where the fielder dives to his left and stops it. Saves at least two. |
| 74.2 : L Kumara to Somerville, A short one but it is down the leg side. Somerville evades it. |
| 74.3 : L Kumara to Somerville, Another short one on the body, Somerville ducks under it. |
| 74.4 : L Kumara to Somerville, Short ball on the pads, Somerville looks to flick but gets an inside edge to the thigh pad and the ball rolls on towards fine leg. |
| 74.5 : L Kumara to Somerville, A bumper, WS ducks under it. |
| 74.6 : L Kumara to Somerville, On off, this is pushed to covers. |
| 75.1 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, On off, Watling defends it. |
| 75.2 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Loopy ball on off, Watling lunges and keeps it out. |
| 75.3 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Floats it up on the middle stump, Watling comes down the track and works it to mid-wicket. |
| 75.4 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Floats it up outside off, Watling strokes it through covers for one. |
| 75.5 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, From over the wicket, he lands it outside leg, Somerville lunges and keeps it out. |
| 75.6 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, On the pads again, this is worked through square leg for one. |
| Well, the umpires have offered light to the batters, they have taken it and off go the players. That should probably be it for the day too. No official word yet. It has gotten quite dark out there and difficult to see it brightening up now. A round of applause for Watling as he makes his way back into the dressing room and it is well deserved. He has been the hero for New Zealand. |
| IT IS STUMPS ON DAY 3! This was expected, once they went off, chances of them coming back and resuming play was very bleak. |
| End of another excellent day of cricket. Still, it is difficult to decide on which way this game is heading too. However, it is New Zealand who will be the happier side at the moment but it was Sri Lanka who dominated majority of the day. The Lankans started by adding handy runs with the bat early on and taking a lead of 18. They then got rid of the top order quickly. Embuldeniya was the tormentor-in-chief. It seemed like they would run through the Kiwi batting line-up but that was not to be. |
| First it was Latham and Nicholls who steadied the ship with a 50-run stand but then both were dismissed in quick succession. Sri Lanka were still on top at that time but then, the stand which probably could prove to be the game-changing one, the partnership between Southee and Watling which accounted for 54 took the Kiwis to safer shores. The former was dismissed but then Somerville hung in there with Watling who has surpassed his half ton. |
| New Zealand lead by 177 runs at the moment and they would be eager to add as many more runs as possible. They would hope Watling could bat till the end and the others just stay there with him. Sri Lanka on the other hand, need to get the last three wickets quickly as the lead the Kiwis have now, is already going to be a tricky total to chase. Also, if Sri Lanka chase the target given to them, it is going to be the highest chase on this ground. They will have to bat really well to do so but for n |
| ... DAY 4, FIRST SESSION ... |
| Hello lovely people! Unfortunately, we are starting the day on a wet note. It's drizzling in Galle and it looks unlikely that we will be having a prompt start. The inclement weather has become a norm and we are seeing so many interrupted/abandoned games. But that's nature and just like you can't fight change, you can't fight gravity, you certainly can't fight nature. Let's make peace with that and hope the conditions improve soon so that we go ahead with this riveting Test match. |
| We can't fight nature but we can switch our focus on this match which is on a knife-edge at the moment. In spite of Sri Lanka dominating the majority of Day 3, New Zealand somehow fought back through BJ Watling's unbeaten knock and his crucial partnerships to gain the upper hand. The lead is currently 23 runs short of the 200-run mark and believe me, on this surface, it's going to be really tough to chase. As and when the weather permits, the first target of the home team will be to bundle out N |
| Update 0933 local - The drizzle isn't there any more and the groundsmen are doing their best to get the field ready for play. They are drying all the water on the covers at the moment. The pitch can be seen now. Best part of playing cricket in Sri Lanka is that they have huge covers so there should not be much delay. Stay tuned for more... |
| Update 0950 local - Good news! In 45 minutes from now, Day 4 will be getting underway, weather permitting. |
| Pitch report - Kyle Mills is down there to inspect the fourth day surface. He tells that from the Fort End, the spinners have bowled the most and there are a lot of footmarks present there. Not going to be easy to bat on this pitch. |
| Right then, the waiting period is over and the players are making their way out to the middle. Akila Dananjaya to kickoff proceedings. A slip, leg slip and short leg in place. Here we go, Somerville is on strike. |
| 76.1 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Turn straightaway! Flighted and full on off, William is on the front foot to play that out but it turns in to take the inside edge. It rolls wide of short leg. |
| 76.2 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Flatter through the air, around off, Somerville goes back inside the crease and defends. |
| 76.3 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Uses the spin this time. Somerville works it past short leg and gets off strike. First run of the day for the Kiwis! |
| 76.4 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Tossed up ball on middle, Watling flicks it past the left side of the leg slip fielder for a single. |
| 76.5 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Turning back in from around off, Somerville defends it comfortably in front of short leg. |
| 76.6 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Nicely defended. Slow spin back into the batsman from outside off, William sticks back and blocks it with soft hands. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya to bowl from the other end. He was impressive on Day 3, bagging 4 wickets so far. A slip and short leg in place. |
| 77.1 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Floated delivery, full and on middle, Watling lunges and defends it to the off side. |
| 77.2 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Arm ball this time, around off and skidding back in, BJ is on the back foot in defense. |
| 77.3 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Fires one in on middle, Watling covers the line, there isn't much spin and hence he defends it easily to the leg side. |
| 77.4 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Embuldeniya gives this one a good toss. Lands it full and on off, Watling leans forward in defense. |
| 77.5 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Watling has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 77.6 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Flatter one, full and on middle, Watling defends it off the front foot to the on side. Maiden! |
| So, just one over of spin from this end and Dimuth Karunaratne goes to Suranga Lakmal. A slip and gully in place. |
| 78.1 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Starts with a nice and full delivery on off, Somerville solidly defends it back to the bowler. |
| 78.2 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Good length delivery on middle, Somerville defends it towards the off side. |
| 78.3 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Fuller in length on middle, William flicks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 78.4 : S Lakmal to Somerville, This time, Suranga bowls a short delivery outside the off stump, Somerville lets it go. |
| 78.5 : S Lakmal to Somerville, BEATEN! Good length delivery outside the off stump, Somerville goes for a drive but misses it completely. |
| 78.6 : S Lakmal to Somerville, BOUNCER! A good one at that. It is aimed at the body and Somerville does well to duck under it. With a leg gully in place, the idea was to hurry up the batsman but William did well to hold his composure. |
| 79.1 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Loopy delivery on the pads, BJ defends it to the off side. |
| 79.2 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, FOUR! Good shot from Watling. It was a full delivery from Embuldeniya and BJ sweeps it fine towards the fine leg region for a boundary. 200 up with that shot. |
| 79.3 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Shorter in length this time, Watling rocks back and slaps it to cover for a single. |
| 79.4 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Loopy delivery on middle, Somerville defends it off the front foot. |
| 79.5 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Flighted delivery on middle, Somerville sweeps it behind square leg for a run. |
| 79.6 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Looped up ball on middle, BJ defends it back to the bowler. |
| SECOND NEW BALL IS TAKEN! Crucial period of play coming up. Suranga Lakmal to continue from this end. Let's see if there is some extra zip and bounce from the surface. Two slips in place. |
| 80.1 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Full delivery on middle, William defends it towards mid on. |
| 80.2 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Good length delivery outside off stump, Somerville pokes at it but misses. |
| BJ Watling walks up to his partner and has a quiet word. Just reminding him that there is no need to do anything fancy. |
| 80.3 : S Lakmal to Somerville, On a good length outside the off stump, Somerville leaves it alone. |
| 80.4 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Good length ball on the pads, William flicks it behind square leg and takes a single. |
| 80.5 : S Lakmal to Watling, Back of a length delivery outside the off stump, Watling plays a cracking cut shot towards the cover-point region and takes a brace. The fielder (Thirimanne) runs in from third man and makes an excellent diving stop. |
| 80.6 : S Lakmal to Watling, On a good length shaping away from the batsman, Watling lets it go to the keeper. |
| 81.1 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Flighted delivery around off, good drift and it spins away a bit, Somerville covers the line and makes a brave leave. |
| 81.2 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, BEATEN! Flighted delivery from Embuldeniya on the off stump, William looks to defend but misses due to the away spin. That was a peach and would have put even the best batsman in a spot. |
| 81.3 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Shorter delivery on the off stump, Somerville attempts to cut but is unable to put bat on it. |
| 81.4 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Flatter delivery on middle, William flicks it towards mid-wicket and takes a single as the bowler himself runs to the ball. |
| 81.5 : L Embuldeniya to Watling, Loopy delivery on off, Watling pushes it to covers and takes a single. |
| 81.6 : L Embuldeniya to W Somerville, Flighted delivery around the off stump, William lunges forward and drives it wide of cover and towards mid off for another run. Sensible. |
| 82.1 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Play and a miss! Back of a length delivery outside off, Somerville spots the chance to exercise his arms and throws his bat at it. Fails to make any connection. |
| 82.2 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Good length delivery outside the off stump swinging away from the batsman, Somerville leaves it alone. |
| 82.3 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Another outswinger outside off stump, William leaves it alone. |
| 82.4 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Lakmal keeps it bowling outside the off pole, Somerville has no problems in leaving it alone. |
| 82.5 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Good length delivery outside the off stump, Somerville shoulders arms to this one. |
| 82.6 : S Lakmal to Somerville, On a good length on the off pole, William defends it towards the point region and takes the single. |
| 83.1 : L Embuldeniya to W Somerville, Flighted delivery on off, William pushes it to cover. |
| 83.2 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Looped up ball on middle, Somerville flicks it to short leg. |
| 83.3 : L Embuldeniya to W Somerville, Flighted delivery on middle, Somerville blocks it out. |
| 83.4 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Shorter in length on off, WS pushes it off the back foot towards point. |
| 83.5 : L Embuldeniya to W Somerville, FOUR! Edgy but effective! It is an arm ball from Embuldeniya which is close to the off stump. William still goes for the cut and it goes off the outside edge between the first slip and the second slip fielders towards the third man fence for a boundary. |
| 83.6 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Slower through the air, full and around off, Somerville is on the front foot as he gently pushes it to covers. Very solid. The lead is closing in on 200! |
| 84.1 : S Lakmal to Watling, Good length delivery in the channel outside off, Watling has a good look at it before making a leave. |
| 84.2 : S Lakmal to Watling, Another delivery on a length outside off, going straight on after landing, Watling covers his stumps and shoulders arms. |
| 84.3 : S Lakmal to Watling, Good length delivery on middle, Watling plays it back to the bowler. |
| 84.4 : S Lakmal to Watling, On a good length on off, Watling defends it to the off side and takes a single. |
| 84.5 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Another good length delivery on the middle pole, William blocks it towards mid off. |
| 84.6 : S Lakmal to W Somerville, Lakmal bowls a good length delivery on the off pole, Somerville gets a thick outside edge towards the point region and takes the single. The lead moves on to 198. |
| Akila Dananjaya is back into the attack. Three close-in fielders around and there is a long on in place. |
| 85.1 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Fullish and on off, it's defended back off the front foot. |
| 85.2 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Tossed up ball on off, turning in sharply, William gets his bat down in time to keep it towards square leg. |
| 85.3 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. |
| 85.4 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Loopy and outside off, turning back in, Somerville strides forward to defend it back but it spins back in to beat the inside edge. |
| 85.5 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Floated delivery, full and close to off, William defends it close to his front pad. |
| 85.6 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Beaten! Off spinner landing outside off, William tries to defend but it spins past his bat. Maiden from Dananjaya, lead remains two short of 200! |
| 86.1 : S Lakmal to Watling, Good length delivery in the zone outside off, Watling pushes it out with an angled bat towards gully. |
| 86.2 : Lakmal to Watling, Shout for an lbw! Not given. It is on a good length which jagged back in and it hit Watling on the pads. There is a loud appeal for LBW but it's turned down. The Sri Lankans think of a review but opt against it. The replays show that the ball was just clipping leg stump. It would have been umpire's call had they taken the review. |
| 86.3 : S Lakmal to Watling, On a good length delivery on middle, Watling pushes it off the back foot towards the leg side. |
| 86.4 : S Lakmal to Watling, Fractionally short and close to off, Watling plays late and eases it past the diving gully fielder for a run. 199 is the lead! |
| 86.5 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Stifled appeal for an lbw! Again not entertained by the umpire. Easily going down. An inswinger by Lakmal, landing on a length around middle, Somerville fails to flick and is pinged on the pads. Lakmal appeals but soon realized his fate. |
| 86.6 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Angles in a length ball close to off, Somerville defends it from the back foot. |
| 87.1 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Shorter delivery on middle, turning into the batsman, Watling flicks it to the leg side for a single. The lead is now 200. |
| 87.2 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Flighted delivery on middle, Somerville defends it back to the bowler. |
| 87.3 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Shorter delivery which was bowled slower through the air. Somerville pushes it easily towards the cover region and takes a single. |
| 87.4 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Quicker and fuller on middle, helped on the leg side towards mid-wicket. |
| 87.5 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Pulls his length back and bowls it short on middle, Watling gets on the back foot and taps it down to mid-wicket again. |
| 87.6 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Watling uses his feet this time to come out of the crease. He, then, drives it through covers for a couple of runs. |
| 88.1 : S Lakmal to W Somerville, Back of a length delivery outside the off stump, Somerville goes for the cut towards short third man but it falls short of the fielder. |
| 88.2 : S Lakmal to Somerville, On a good length on the off pole, William pushes it to point and takes a single. |
| 88.3 : S Lakmal to Watling, On a length and outside off, Watling lets it go to the keeper. |
| 88.4 : S Lakmal to Watling, Loses his line here does Lakmal. It is bowled way down the leg side. Watling looks to flick but misses. |
| 88.5 : S Lakmal to Watling, On a good length on middle, Watling plays it back to the bowler. |
| 88.6 : S Lakmal to Watling, Fuller in length on the off pole, Watling blocks it towards the off side. Good over from Lakmal. |
| 89.1 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Flighted delivery on middle, Somerville lunges forward and defends it towards the leg side. |
| 89.2 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Looped up ball on off, William dances down the track and pushes it to mid off and goes for a quick single. The fielder has a direct hit at the bowler's end but the batsman is well in. |
| 89.3 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Flighted delivery on middle, Watling flicks it to short leg. |
| 89.4 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Looped up ball on off, Watling blocks it out. |
| 89.5 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Shorter on top of middle, Watling goes back and punches it to short mid-wicket. |
| 89.6 : A Dananjaya to Watling, Floated on off, Watling lunges forward and blocks. |
| Lahiru Kumara is on for the first time today. |
| 90.1 : L Kumara to Somerville, Back of a length delivery on off, William pushes it to cover. |
| 90.2 : L Kumara to Somerville, On a good length on the off stump, WS plays it towards the cover-point region and takes a single. |
| 90.3 : L Kumara to Watling, OUT! Caught! Lahiru strikes! He has been waiting for his chance to bowl and has delivered as soon as he got hold of the ball. Lahiru hits the deck hard around off, it is in the corridor of uncertainty. Watling looks to defend but the extra pace and a hint of away movement get the better of him as he ends up getting a thick outside edge to the keeper. Dickwella takes an easy catch. Dimuth might have missed a trick here not getting Kumara earlier on but as the saying goe |
| The new man in is Trent Boult. |
| 90.4 : L Kumara to Boult, On a good length on the off pole, Trent defends it off the back foot towards mid off. |
| 90.5 : L Kumara to Boult, BOUNCER! Good bowling from Lahiru. Bowled at the body. Boult uncomfortably tries to fend at it but misses it. |
| 90.6 : L Kumara to Boult, Full delivery on middle, Boult does well to block it out. Excellent first over by Trent! |
| 91.1 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, BEATEN! Flighted delivery outside the off stump, William goes for the drive but gets beaten in air. |
| 91.2 : A Dananjaya to W Somerville, Looped up delivery on off, Somerville drives this towards the cover fielder and takes a single. |
| 91.3 : A Dananjaya to Boult, FOUR! First boundary for Boult. It is a full toss and Boult lunges forward and hits it straight down the ground for a boundary. Valuable runs these for the Kiwis. The lead moves to 211 with that shot. |
| 91.4 : Dananjaya to Boult, Flighted delivery outside off, Boult comes across and looks to defend but misses. The ball hits him on his pad and there is an appeal for LBW but the umpire says no. Boult seemed to be a bit nervous as for some reason in a funny manner he points to the ball and lunges forward making it look like he was going to pick it up for a moment. |
| 91.5 : A Dananjaya to Boult, Tossed up around off, Boult gets his front foot ahead and flicks it wide of short leg towards mid on. |
| 91.6 : A Dananjaya to Boult, Off spinner on off, Boult tucks it with the spin wide of mid-wicket for a couple. |
| Drinks Break! The day has so far belonged to New Zealand. They have got a lead of over 200 and are in the driver's seat. It has took Sri Lanka more than an hour to get their first wicket of the day but it was the big wicket of BJ Watling who has single-handedly dragged this game by the scruff of its neck. |
| 92.1 : L Kumara to Somerville, On a good length ball on off stump, William pushes it to mid off. |
| 92.2 : L Kumara to Somerville, Back of a length delivery on the off pole, Somerville punches this off the back foot towards the cover region and take a brace. The fielder at cover runs behind it and cleans it up. |
| 92.3 : L Kumara to Somerville, BOUNCER! This one is way outside off and Somerville ducks under it. |
| 92.4 : L Kumara to Somerville, Fuller delivery on off, Somerville drives this nicely but doesn't get it past the cover fielder. |
| 92.5 : L Kumara to Somerville, Back of a length delivery, WS punches it towards the off side. |
| 92.6 : L Kumara to Somerville, On a good length on off, Somerville defends it from the crease. |
| Lasith Embuldeniya is back. |
| 93.1 : L Embuldeniya to Boult, Starts his new spell with a floated delivery on off, Boult gets behind the ball and blocks it. |
| 93.2 : L Embuldeniya to Boult, Slightly short and spinning away, Boult leaves it alone showing he is fully aware of his off stump. |
| 93.3 : L Embuldeniya to Boult, Loopy delivery on the off stump line, Boult defends it off the front foot. |
| 93.4 : L Embuldeniya to Boult, FOUR! Excellent use of the feet from Boult. It was a flighted delivery on off. Boult dances down the track and plays a lofted drive over the cover fielder for Boult's second boundary. The ball goes between the long off and cover fielder. |
| Stumping appeal taken upstairs. The Sri Lankan players are not too confident indicating Boult is in. Let's see what the replays have to say. |
| 93.5 : Embuldeniya to Boult, SAFE! Boult never left and hence the lack of confidence from the Sri Lankan players. Flighted delivery on off, there is spin and bounce on this one. Boult looks to play a cover drive to follow up the boundary but misses. Dickwella takes the bails off in a flash and puts in an appeal. Boult looks in but the square leg umpire takes no chance and takes it upstairs. One replay is enough for the T.V umpire to show Not Out on the giant screen. |
| 93.6 : L Embuldeniya to Boult, Another play and miss. Floated around off, Boult looks to drive on the up again but once again misses. |
| 94.1 : L Kumara to Somerville, Shorter delivery aimed at the body, Somerville blocks it out. |
| 94.2 : L Kumara to Somerville, On a good length, on the off pole line, WS defends it towards the off side. |
| 94.3 : L Kumara to Somerville, Another one on a length on off, Somerville pushes it towards mid off. |
| 94.4 : L Kumara to Somerville, Good length delivery on the middle stump line, Somerville pushes it towards the cover region and gives Boult the strike. |
| 94.5 : L Kumara to Boult, Shorter delivery outside the off stump line, Boult goes for the cut but is unable to put any bat on it. |
| 94.6 : L Kumara to Boult, OHH! This time Lahiru bowls this fuller aimed at the middle stump, Boult made room for himself towards the off side but still manages to flick it towards square leg for a single. |
| 95.1 : L Embuldeniya to Boult, Tossed up on middle, Boult comes down the track and negates the spin. He glances it wide of long on and gets a brace. |
| 95.2 : L Embuldeniya to Boult, Full delivery on the middle stump, Boult goes for the reverse sweep but straight to third man. |
| 95.3 : L Embuldeniya to Boult, Fuller delivery which is converted to a full toss by Boult and played towards mid on for a single. |
| 95.4 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, FOUR! Brilliant shot from Somerville. It is a flighted delivery on middle, William goes for a slog sweep and hits it towards the deep square leg region for a boundary. The lead moves to 228. |
| 95.5 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Bowls it quicker just wide of the leg stump, Somerville looks to flick but misses. |
| 95.6 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Floated around off, it is slightly short and spinning in. William waits for it and taps it towards first slip under his eyes. |
| 96.1 : L Kumara to Boult, Short ball on the middle stump, Boult makes room for himself and pulls it straight towards long on and takes a single. |
| 96.2 : L Kumara to Somerville, Pacy ball down the leg side, Somerville looks to glance but misses. |
| 96.3 : L Kumara to Somerville, Back of a length delivery on the pads, WS looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad and the ball rolls on to fine leg. |
| 96.4 : L Kumara to Somerville, Back of a length delivery on middle, William flicks it towards mid-wicket and takes off for a single. |
| 96.5 : L Kumara to Boult, On a good length outside the off stump, Boult moves towards the off side and flicks it towards square leg. Boult is entertaining the fans over here. |
| 96.6 : Kumara to Boult, Another extraordinary shot from Boult. It was a full delivery on the leg stump line, Boult makes room towards the leg side and plays a lofted drive over the bowler's head and takes a brace. Mathews from mid on runs back and cleans it up before it reaches the ropes. |
| Akila Dananjaya is back on! |
| 97.1 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Floated outside off, Somerville comes down the track and pads it away. |
| 97.2 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Shorter delivery spinning into the batsman, Somerville rocks back and guides it to third man and takes a single. The lead now moves to 233 with that single. |
| 97.3 : A Dananjaya to Boult, DROPPED AND SIX! Embuldeniya almost pulled out a stunner here. Tossed up on off and middle, Boult plays another brilliant shot after coming down the track. He gets to the pitch of the ball and smacks it over mid-wicket. Lasith Embuldeniya in the deep jumps and almost pulls it out of thin air but fails to hold on. The ball hits his hands and falls onto the ropes. Takes the partnership to 33 now. |
| 97.4 : A Dananjaya to Boult, Shorter delivery spinning into the batsman, Boult flicks it off his pads towards the square leg region and takes a single. |
| 97.5 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Looped up ball on off, Somerville defends it off the front foot. |
| 97.6 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Flighted delivery on the off stump line, Somerville defends it towards the leg side. |
| 98.1 : L Kumara to T Boult, Low full toss aimed at the middle stump, Boult who has made room for himself towards the leg side drives it through the cover region and takes a brace. |
| 98.2 : L Kumara to Boult, OUT! Caught! Boult's cameo comes to an end! He has played an entertaining and very important knock here. Lahiru bowls it short on middle and off, Boult hangs back and plays the upper cut. He connects well but he cannot get it wide enough of third man. Dhananjaya de Silva there runs to his right and takes a simple catch. The 36-run stand has been broken. Sri Lanka will be happy to see his back as he was creating a lot of nuisance out in the middle for them. Lead is 242! |
| Ajaz Patel walks out at number 11. Any runs from here are ultra bonus. |
| 98.3 : L Kumara to Patel, Back of a length delivery on middle, Ajaz guides it to first slip. |
| 98.4 : L Kumara to Patel, On a good length on middle, Ajaz pushes it to mid on. |
| 98.5 : L Kumara to Patel, Shorter delivery aimed at the body of Patel, the batsman rocks back and guides to cover and takes a single. Ajaz is off the mark with that single. |
| 98.6 : L Kumara to Somerville, BOUNCER! It was a very high one from Kumara and it went way above Somerville's head. William ducks under it. |
| 99.1 : A Dananjaya to Patel, Floated on off, Ajaz strokes it towards point for one. |
| 99.2 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Flighted on off, Somerville defends it off the front foot. |
| 99.3 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Tossed up outside off, the ball spins in but does too much as Somerville looks to defend and misses to get hit on the front pad. |
| 99.4 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Floated on middle, WS nudges it to long on for one. |
| 99.5 : A Dananjaya to Patel, Flighted delivery which spun away from the batsman, Patel while trying to defend misses the ball due to the spin on it. |
| 99.6 : A Dananjaya to Patel, Shout for an LBW! It is a flighted delivery on middle turning away from the batsman, Patel goes for a defensive shot but misses and gets hit on the pads. Akila appeals but is turned down. The Sri Lankan players do not go for the review. |
| Lasith Embuldenya is back. |
| 100.1 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Shorter on the pads, William looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the thigh pad. |
| 100.2 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Floated on middle and leg, Somerville gets on his back foot and pushes it to mid on. |
| 100.3 : L Embuldeniya to W Somerville, Tossed up on middle, Somerville milks it to long on and gets to the other end. |
| 100.4 : L Embuldeniya to Patel, Flighted on off and middle, Ajaz gets down on one knee and sweeps it to square leg for a single. |
| 100.5 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Play and miss. Flighted outside off, Ajaz looks to drive but misses. |
| 100.6 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Floated outside off, Somerville looks to sweep but misses. |
| 101.1 : A Dananjaya to Patel, Nicely looped up by Dananjaya on the off stump line, Ajaz pushes it to mid off and takes a single. |
| 101.2 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Flighted delivery on off, Somerville flicks it towards the leg side. No run. |
| 101.3 : A Dananjaya to Somerville, Flatter delivery on middle, WS flicks it to square leg and takes a single. |
| 101.4 : A Dananjaya to Patel, Floated on middle and off, Ajaz defends it really well. |
| 101.5 : A Dananjaya to Patel, Tossed up outside off, Patel leaves it alone. |
| 101.6 : A Dananjaya to Patel, The lead now goes past 250. Slowly but steadily New Zealand are taking this away from Sri Lanka. Floated around off, Ajaz sweeps it towards square leg for a couple. |
| 102.1 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Loopy delivery on off, William defends it to point. |
| 102.2 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Shorter in length on off, William cuts it towards the point fielder. |
| 102.3 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Flatter delivery on middle, Somerville flicks it to mid-wicket and takes a single. |
| 102.4 : L Embuldeniya to Patel, Flighted delivery on middle, Ajaz flicks it off the front foot towards the mid-wicket region and takes a single. |
| 102.5 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Looped up ball on middle, Somerville blocks it back to the bowler. |
| 102.6 : L Embuldeniya to Somerville, Short delivery on the off stump, which spun away from the batsman, Somerville looks to cut but due to the turn on it fails to put any bat on it. |
| Dhananjaya de Silva is back. |
| 103.1 : de Silva to Patel, Shorter on off, Ajaz gets on his back foot and defends it off the back foot. |
| 0.0 : Sri Lanka have taken the review for LBW. Ajaz Patel is the man in question. They have a review left and they have taken a chance. |
| 103.2 : de Silva to Patel, NOT OUT! It's missing the stumps. Floated outside off, Ajaz covers his stumps and then decides to offer no shot. The ball though skids in to hit him on the pads. The Sri Lankan players appeal but the umpire says no. After a few words with his players, Dimuth signals the 'T'. Replays roll in and the Ball Tracker shows that the impact is way outside off. But since Patel was not offering any shot it won't matter much. Importantly for the Kiwis, it's missing the stumps quit |
| 103.3 : de Silva to Patel, Floated on off, Patel defends it off the front foot. |
| 103.4 : de Silva to Patel, Flights one outside off, Patel has nothing to do with it. |
| 103.5 : de Silva to Patel, Floated on off, Patel strokes it towards cover for one. |
| 103.6 : de Silva to Somerville, Shorter on off, Somerville waits and then taps it wide of third man for a couple. |
| Suranga Lakmal to try and end the New Zealand innings now. |
| 104.1 : S Lakmal to Patel, On a good length on off, Ajaz defends it towards the leg side. |
| 104.2 : S Lakmal to A Patel, Good length delivery on the off stump, Patel guides it to third man and takes a single. |
| 104.3 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Full delivery on the middle stump line, Somerville flicks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 104.4 : S Lakmal to Somerville, On a good length outside off, Somerville drives it nicely towards mid off and takes a brace. Mathews runs after it and cleans it up. |
| 104.5 : S Lakmal to W Somerville, Back of a length delivery on the off stump line, Somerville guides it to third man. No run. |
| 104.6 : S Lakmal to Somerville, Good length delivery on middle, Somerville plays it towards the mid-wicket region and takes a single. The lead is now 260. |
| 105.1 : de Silva to Somerville, Flatter delivery on the pads, Somerville gets hit on the pads and goes towards fine leg and takes a single. |
| 105.2 : de Silva to Patel, FOUR! First boundary for Ajaz. It was a full delivery on the middle stump line. Ajaz goes for the slog sweep and hits it towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary. |
| 105.3 : de Silva to Patel, Floated on off, Ajaz strokes it to long off and gets to the other end. |
| 105.4 : de Silva to Somerville, Tossed up on the pads, Somerville glances it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 105.5 : de Silva to Patel, Floated outside off, AP leaves it alone. |
| Ajaz Patel has been adjudged LBW. He has taken the DRS. It looks plumb but New Zealand have both the reviews left so they have just taken a chance here it seems. |
| 105.6 : Silva to Patel, OUT! Just by a fraction de Silva has got the wicket. The gamble to take the review almost paid off. Flighted delivery around off, skidding back in after landing, Ajaz looks to defend but misses. The ball hits him flush on the front pad. The Sri Lankan players put in a loud appeal and the umpire raises his finger. Ajaz takes the review with a glimmer of hope that something goes in his favour. Replay rolls in and shows that Dhananjaya de Silva's front foot was just, just aro |
| Right then, after grinding for over two hours, Sri Lanka have finally managed to pick the remaining three wickets. New Zealand continued with their fight today morning and added another 90 runs to their lead. |
| 54, 46, 36, 25 - These are the partnership runs for the last four wickets. This brilliant effort has lifted New Zealand from the doldrums and has put them in a commanding position. The Kiwis were reeling at one stage after Embuldeniya and Dhananjaya ran havoc but then BJ Watling emerged on the scene to strung in critical partnerships with the lower order. Tim Southee and William Somerville stuck in with the bat and Trent Boult played a handy cameo as well. Sri Lanka were completely off colour an |
| Lunch is taken now on Day 4! Sri Lanka have their task cut out on a wearing surface to scale down a target of 268. They are on the back foot at the moment but can learn from the way the Kiwi lower order fought. Should be an exciting chase. Do join us in a short while. |
| 0.1 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Boult starts with a good length ball on off, Karunaratne defends it off the back foot. There is some swing on this one. |
| 0.2 : T Boult to Karunaratne, On a good length on off, Karunaratne keeps it out. |
| 0.3 : T Boult to Karunaratne, On a length on middle, Karunaratne flicks it through mid-wicket. The batsmen get two runs. Sri Lanka are underway. |
| 0.4 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Length delivery on middle, Karunaratne flicks it wide of mid-wicket. The batsmen get three runs. |
| 0.5 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Good length delivery on off, Thirimanne blocks it off the back foot. |
| 0.6 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Good length delivery on middle, Thirimanne keeps it out. |
| Tim Southee to bowl from the other end. |
| 1.1 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Inswinging delivery first up from Southee, it is bowled on middle, Karunaratne flicks it towards square leg. |
| 1.2 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Full delivery on off stump, Karunaratne pushes it to mid off. |
| 1.3 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Another full delivery on the middle stump line, Dimuth plays it straight to mid off. |
| 1.4 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, On a good length on middle, Karunaratne defends it back to the bowler. |
| 1.5 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Good length ball outside off, DK is happy to let it go back to the keeper. |
| 1.6 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Fuller delivery this time from Southee, Dimuth plays it to mid on and takes off for a quick single. |
| 2.1 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Good length ball on off, it angles away just a fraction. Karunaratne defends it towards point. |
| 2.2 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Back of a length ball just outside off, Dimuth gets on his back foot and keeps it down. |
| 2.3 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Full delivery on the middle stump line, Dimuth drives it straight towards mid on. |
| 2.4 : T Boult to Karunaratne, BOUNCER! It is bowled on head height by Boult and Dimuth ducks under it |
| 2.5 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Good length delivery on middle, Karunaratne defends it towards the leg side. |
| 2.6 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Back of a length delivery outside the off stump, Dimuth drives it nicely towards the cover region and take three. Santner goes after and stops the ball before it reaches the fence. Karunaratne will keep strike again for the next over. |
| 3.1 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Peppering some short balls here are the Kiwis. It is on middle and leg, Karunaratne ducks under it. |
| 3.2 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Length ball on off, Dimuth gets behind it and defends it off the front foot. |
| 3.3 : Tim Southee to D Karunaratne, Short delivery aimed at the body of the batsman, Dimuth rocks back and pulls it towards fine leg for a single. |
| 3.4 : Tim Southee to Thirimanne, A good inswinger from Southee. It is bowled on a good length outside off, Thirimanne lets it go to the keeper. A good leave from Lahiru. |
| 3.5 : Tim Southee to Thirimanne, BEAUTIFUL! Cuts Thirimanne in half. It is another inswinger from Tim and on a length, Lahiru is late to get bat on it and the ball goes between the bat and the pad. |
| 3.6 : Tim Southee to Thirimanne, Good length delivery outside the off stump, LT leaves it alone. |
| 4.1 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Ohh! Boult steams in and bowls a good length ball around off, Dimuth goes chasing after it but the away swinger beats Karunaratne and luckily for him he did not edge it. |
| 4.2 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Good length ball on off, Dimuth defends it off the back foot. |
| 4.3 : T Boult to Karunaratne, On a length around off, Karunanratne blocks it towards the off side. |
| 4.4 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Fuller this time from Boult on middle, Karunaratne flicks it to mid on. |
| 4.5 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Back of a length delivery on the off stump, Karunaratne plays it to the cover region for a single. |
| 4.6 : T Boult to Thirimanne, On a good length outside off, Thirimanne plays it to point for a single. |
| 5.1 : Tim Southee to Thirimanne, Full delivery on the middle stump, Lahiru plays it to mid on. |
| 5.2 : Tim Southee to Thirimanne, An inswinging delivery from Southee which is bowled on off stump, Thirimanne drives it towards cover and takes a single. |
| 5.3 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Good length delivery outside off stump, Dimuth leaves it alone. |
| 5.4 : Tim Southee to D Karunaratne, Fuller in length this time on off, Dimuth pushes it to mid on. |
| 5.5 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Good length delivery on middle, Karunaratne flicks to square leg. |
| 5.6 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, On a good length ball on off, DK defends it towards the off side. |
| 6.1 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Good length ball on off, Lahiru stands tall and punches it straight to cover. |
| 6.2 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Going down. Boult bowls a good lenght bball pitching on off and middle, it goes away with the angle. Thirimanne looks to defend but misses and the ball gets hit on the thigh pad. |
| 6.3 : T Boult to Thirimanne, BOUNCER! A good one at that. It is aimed at the body by Boult, Thirimanne does well to duck under it. |
| 6.4 : T Boult to Thirimanne, On a good length outside off, Thirimanne goes for the cut but misses the ball. |
| 6.5 : T Boult to Thirimanne, On a length outside off, this time Lahiru lets it go back to the keeper. |
| 6.6 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Short and spinning away, Thirimanne strokes it with the spin towards cover. |
| First change of the innings. Spinner on now as William Somerville has the ball in hand. |
| 7.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Starts with a loose full toss on middle and off, Karunaratne misses a chance to make the most of it and ends up hitting it hard close to mid on. |
| 7.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Much better. Short and spinning in to the southpaw. Karunaratne defends it off his back foot but from the upper half of his bat. |
| 7.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Floated around off, Karunaratne strokes it to point and gets to the other end. |
| 7.4 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Flights one on the stumps, Thirimanne keeps it out. |
| 7.5 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Gives this one air on off and middle, Thirimanne lunges and keeps it out. |
| 7.6 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Short and spinning away, Thirimanne hangs back and punches it wide of cover to keep the strike. |
| Change from both ends. Ajaz Patel is on. |
| 8.1 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Flighted around off, Thirimanne pushes it to mid off. |
| 8.2 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Tossed up on the stumps, Thirimanne defends it off the front foot. |
| 8.3 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Short on off, Thirimanne cuts it to point for a run. |
| 8.4 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Loopy delivery on the off stump line, Dimuth comes down the track and flicks it to square leg for a single. |
| 8.5 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Flighted delivery on middle, Thirimanne flicks it to mid-wicket and takes a single. |
| 8.6 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on middle, Dimuth defends off the front foot towards the off side. |
| 9.1 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Flighted delivery on middle, Thirimanne defends it towards the off side. |
| 9.2 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Looped up ball on off, Thirimanne drives it towards the cover region for a single. |
| 9.3 : W Somerville to D Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on middle, DK gets forward and defends it towards point. |
| 9.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on off which spun away from the batsman, Dimuth prods forward to defend but gets a thick outside edge towards first slip where the fielder dives but is unable to put any bat on it. The ball rolls to third man and they take a brace. |
| 9.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Looped up ball on off, Karunaratne defends it towards the off side. |
| 9.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on middle, Dimuth blocks it out. |
| 10.1 : A Patel to Thirimanne, A flighted delivery, landing full on middle, Thirimanne defends it back off the front foot. |
| 10.2 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Slightly short on this occasion, around off, Lahiru moves back and steers it down to third man for a run. |
| 10.3 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Uses his feet to come down the track and flicks it past the diving short leg fielder. Looks for a run but it's not there as the mid-wicket fielder runs after it. |
| 10.4 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Quicker one, full and on middle, it's worked through square leg for one. |
| 10.5 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Loopy ball on middle, Thirimanne flicks but finds short leg. |
| 10.6 : A Patel to Thirimanne, This one is pushed flatter and quicker through the air, the length is a shade short as well, Lahiru moves on the back foot in defense. |
| 11.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Floated ball, it lands full around off, Dimuth lunges and defends. |
| 11.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Beaten! Extra rev on this delivery. It drops on the rough outside off and spins away with some extra bounce. Karunaratne tries to cut but misses. |
| 11.3 : W Somerville to D Karunaratne, Turning away from the batsman, on the shorter side, Karunaratne cuts but finds the point fielder. |
| 11.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Fuller and straighter on middle, driven back to the bowler. |
| 11.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Lunges to a full ball and blocks it with the spin to the off side. |
| 11.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Somerville drags his length short and delivers it outside off, Dimuth cuts it towards the deepish cover-point fielder for a single. |
| 12.1 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Advances down the track to a full ball and drills his drive towards the bowler. Ajaz dives to his left and takes some force off it. It rolls to mid on and they cross for a run. |
| 12.2 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Flighted ball wide outside off, spinning in a bit, Thirimanne doesn't offer any shot. It seems that the ball has brushed some part of his front pad and the bowler appeals. Nothing from the umpire. |
| 12.3 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Uses the spin to his advantage and turns it off his pads to square leg for one. |
| 12.4 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Once again a flick shot played with the spin. It's in the gap at mid-wicket for a run. |
| 12.5 : A Patel to Thirimanne, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. |
| 12.6 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Bowling a little too straight, Patel. Once again it's worked around the corner. It's to the right of the short fine leg fielder for a single. |
| 13.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Floated on off, Dimuth drives it but straight to short cover. |
| 13.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Confusion but no casualty. Short ball around off, Karunaratne cuts it wide of cover and looks for a single. Both him and Thirimanne are looking at the fielder. Latham gets to the ball quickly and Dimuth is some way down, Lahiru sends him back and luckily the skipper makes his ground. |
| 13.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, On the stumps, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot. |
| 13.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flights one on off, Dimuth blocks it. |
| 13.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Shorter on off, Karunaratne defends it off the back foot this time towards cover-point. |
| 13.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Loopy ball on middle, Dimuth defends it off the inner half of his bat. |
| Just in - South Africa's Russell Domingo has been appointed as the Bangladesh head coach for a two-year term. He takes over from Steve Rhodes. |
| Mitchell Santner is introduced into the attack. |
| 14.1 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Starts with a flatter one on off, Thirimanne defends it off the front foot. |
| 14.2 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Fuller on the pads, Lahiru flicks it but cannot go past short fine leg. |
| 14.3 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Tossed up on off, Thirimanne defends it by getting behind the ball. |
| 14.4 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Tossed up outside off, Thirimanne pads it away. There is a stifled appeal but nothing from the umpire. Lahiru had come way across and that was always going to be a difficult one to be given out. |
| 14.5 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Tossed up on off, Thirimanne blocks it off the front foot. |
| 14.6 : M Santner to L Thirimanne, Maiden for Santner to begin with. Flights the last one on off, Thirimanne blocks it to get through the over. |
| 15.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Beauty! Somerville bowls it slower through the air on off, Karunaratne looks to defend but the ball spins away and squares him up. |
| 15.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Floated on off, Karunaratne pushes it to mid off. |
| 15.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Floats one on the stumps, Dimuth keeps it out. |
| 15.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Shorter on off, Karunaratne strokes it to point. |
| 15.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Sharp bowling. Tossed up around off, Dimuth looks to defend but once again misses it and is again lucky to not edge that. |
| 15.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Shorter on off, DK punches it to cover to get through the over. |
| Drinks break! Sri Lanka have started well here in their pursuit of 268. Both Thirimanne and the skipper, Dimuth Karunaratne have looked solid at the crease and they will look to survive till Tea without any loss of wickets. The visitors, on the other hand, have not been poor but their lines have been too straight, resulting in too many easy singles on the leg side. They would look to correct it in the next hour. |
| 16.1 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Tossed up outside off, Thirimanne gets down on one knee and reverse sweeps it towards the third man region for a single. |
| 16.2 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Floated on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot. |
| 16.3 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Spin and bounce on this one. Tossed up outside off, Karunaratne looks to defend but misses. The ball kisses his gloves and goes onto hit him around the box. |
| 16.4 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Flighted around off, Dimuth now brings out the reverse sweep and hit it towards backward point for a single. |
| 16.5 : M Santner to Thirimanne, On the pads, Thirimanne flicks it to square leg. |
| 16.6 : M Santner to Thirimanne, On the pads and once again flicked to square leg. |
| 17.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Quick single. Floated on off, Karunaratne strokes it wide of mid off and gets a quick single. |
| 17.2 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Outside off, Thirimanne leaves it alone. |
| 17.3 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Once again Somerville tosses it up outside off. Asking the batsman to have a go at it but Lahiru says no and lets it carry to the keeper. |
| 17.4 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Flights one on off, Thirimanne blocks it off the front foot. |
| 17.5 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Floated outside off, Thirimanne covers his stump and leaves it alone. |
| 17.6 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, On the fourth stump line Thirimanne shoulders arms to it. |
| 18.1 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Flatter around off, Karunaratne comes down the track and tucks it wide of short fine leg. |
| 18.2 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Tossed up around off, Karunaratne looks to play the reverse sweep but it lobs off his glove to the off side in no man's land. |
| 18.3 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Floated outside off, Karunaratne comes down and pads it away. |
| 18.4 : M Santner to Karunaratne, In the air but just wide. Floated on middle and leg, Karunaratne flicks it uppishly wide of short mid-wicket. Williamson there dives like a superman towards his left but cannot get his hands to the ball. |
| 18.5 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Goodness gracious how has Thirimanne played that? Santner loops one around the eye line, Lahiru premeditates the reverse sweeo but he sees the ball is full and at the very last moment he corrects his position and blocks it. |
| 18.6 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Floated on off, Thirimanne this time defends it off the front foot. |
| 19.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Dimuth blocks it out towards the off side. |
| 19.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Loopy delivery spinning away from the batsman, Karunaratne plays it back to the bowler. |
| 19.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Quicker delivery aimed at the stumps, DK just manages to get his bat down in time and plays it towards third man. |
| 19.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Shorter delivery on off, Dimuth rocks back and slaps it towards the cover region for a single. |
| 19.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on middle, Thirimanne defends it back to the bowler. |
| 19.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Looped up ball on off, Thirimanne leaves it alone. |
| 20.1 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Shorter on off, Karunaratne turns it towards fine leg for one. |
| 20.2 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Flatter delivery on middle, Thirimanne flicks it towards square leg. |
| 20.3 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Flighted delivery on middle, Lahiru flicks it towards square leg for a single. |
| 20.4 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Shorter delivery on middle, Karunaratne defends it off the back foot. |
| 20.5 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Thirimanne guides it to point for a single. |
| 20.6 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Looped up ball on middle, Karunaratne flicks it mid-wicket for a single. |
| 21.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flatter on off, Karunartne defends it off the front foot towards point. |
| 21.2 : W Somerville to D Karunaratne, FOUR! First boundary of the innings and it has taken more than 21 overs to get it. Shorter around off, Karunaratne cuts it through point for a single. |
| 21.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted on off, Dimuth defends it off the front foot. |
| 21.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on off which spun away from the batsman, Dimuth looks to defend but misses the ball. |
| 21.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Another flighted delivery on off spinning away, Dimuth looks to defend again but fails to put any bat on it. |
| 21.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, LEG BYE! Full delivery on the pads, Dimuth looks to flick but misses and gets hit on the pads, the ball rolls towards fine leg for a single. |
| 22.1 : M Santner to Karunaratne, In the air but in no man's land. Tossed up on middle, Karunaratne goes for a big sweep but gets a top edge on it. The ball goes towards the fine leg region but there is no one there so it is safe. Two taken as the fielder from square leg cleans it up. |
| 22.2 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Loopy delivery on middle, Karunaratne comes down the track and flicks it to mid-wicket. |
| Movement! Movement! Movement! No, not for the bowler. We are talking about the movement of the groundsmen. They are sensing something here and are surrounding near the covers. It has gone dark and the forecast is for rain. Let's hope it stays away. |
| 22.3 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Flatter delivery on off, Dimuth plays it towards third man for a brace. |
| 22.4 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on middle, Dimuth comes down the track and flicks it but it falls just short of the short leg fielder. |
| 22.5 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on middle, Dimuth flicks it towards fine leg. |
| 22.6 : M Santner to Karunaratne, No run. Shorter in length this time, Dimuth flicks it towards fine leg again. |
| 23.1 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Floated on off, Thirimanne blocks it out. |
| 23.2 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Peach of a ball! Somerville gives it air on off, Thirimanne lunges out and looks to defend but gets beaten. That was not far away from the outside edge. |
| 23.3 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Shorter on off, Thirimanne plays it towards point for one. |
| 23.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on off stump, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot. |
| 23.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on the off stump, Dimuth goes for the sweep but misses due to the spin on it. |
| 23.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Shorter in length outside off, Dimuth cuts it towards point. No run. |
| 24.1 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Flighted on middle and off, Thirimanne gets his front foot on the line of the ball and defends it to the on side, wide of short leg. |
| 24.2 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Thirimanne defends this flighted delivery towards square leg. |
| 24.3 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Shorter delivery on middle, Lahiru flicks it to square leg. |
| 24.4 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Flighted delivery on the off side, LT defends it to short leg. |
| 24.5 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Flighted delivery on middle, Lahiru tries to reverse sweep but the ball goes off his arm to the short fine leg fielder. |
| 24.6 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Looped up ball on middle, Thirimanne flicks it to mid-wicket and takes a single. |
| 25.1 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Flatter on off, Thirimanne defends it towards point. |
| 25.2 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Quicker and sharp turn on this one. It is on middle and leg, Thirimanne looks to defend but the ball spins in and hits him on the forearms. |
| 25.3 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Tossed up on off, Lahiru defends it off the front foot. |
| 25.4 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, FOUR! First boundary of the innings for Thirimanne. It also brings up the fifty for Sri Lanka. Tossed up on off, Thirimanne gets down on one knee and sweeps it through the vacant square leg region for a boundary. Sri Lanka have had a solid start here as they find themselves 52/0. Need 216 more. |
| 25.5 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Floated on the stumps, Thirimanne follows the boundary with a calm defense. |
| 25.6 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Arm ball outside off, Thirimanne does not disturb it. |
| 26.1 : M Santner to D Karunaratne, OHH! Flighted delivery on off which spun out off the rough and turned into the batsman, Dimuth looks to cut but gets an inside edge which just goes past the stumps towards fine leg. The batsmen take a brace |
| 26.2 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Tossed up on middle, Dimuth comes down the track and glances it wide of mid-wicket for a single. |
| 26.3 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Floated on off, Thirimanne keeps it out. |
| 26.4 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Loopy delivery on off, Dimuth defends it back to the bowler |
| 26.5 : Santner to Thirimanne, Flighted delivery on off stump which spun away from the batsman. Thirimanne goes for the reverse sweep but misses it. The Kiwis appeal but nothing from the umpire. The Kiwis think of a review but opt against it. Unfortunately the replays show that the ball hit the gloves of the batsman on its way to the keeper. |
| 26.6 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Short delivery on the middle stump line, Thirimanne flicks it towards mid-wicket. |
| 27.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flatter and spinning away, Karunaratne defends it with the spin towards the man at second slip. |
| 27.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Loosner but missed out. Short and spinning away around off, Dimuth gets on his back foot and looks to punch it wide of short cover. Williamson swiftly moves to his right and saves a certain boundary. |
| 27.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted outside off, Dimuth looks to defend but misses. |
| 27.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, On the stumps, Dimuth blocks it off the front foot. |
| 27.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. |
| 27.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Tosses it up on off, Karunaratne keeps it out to get through another over unscathed. |
| 28.1 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Looped up ball on off, Thirimanne plays it towards mid-wicket. |
| 28.2 : M Santner to L Thirimanne, Comes down to this full delivery does Thirimanne and plays it towards mid on for a single. |
| 28.3 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Loopy delivery on middle, Dimuth flicks it to the leg side. |
| 28.4 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on middle, Dimuth plays it to square leg and takes a single. |
| 28.5 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Loopy delivery on off which spun into the batsman, Lahiru tries to defend but misses and hits him on the pads which lobs off to short fine leg. The Kiwi players appeal but nothing from the umpire. |
| 28.6 : M Santner to Thirimanne, FOUR! Finally Thirimanne gets his reverse sweep right. It is a flighted delivery on middle, Thirimanne plays the reverse and times it beautifully towards the cover-point region for a boundary. |
| 29.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Short around off, Dimuth runs it down to short third man. |
| 29.2 : W Somerville to D Karunaratne, Flighted around off, Karunaratne gets on his front foot and strokes it to cover. |
| 29.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Arm ball on off, Dimuth blocks it off the front foot. |
| 29.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Tossed up on off, Dimuth calmly blocks it. |
| 29.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Gives this one air on middle and leg, DK pushes it to cover. |
| 29.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Tossed up around off, Karunaratne gets down on one knee and paddles it towards fine leg for a couple. |
| 30.1 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Comes around the wicket does Santner. It was a loopy ball on off, Thirimanne pushes it to cover and takes a single. |
| 30.2 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Full delivery which is converted to a full toss by Dimuth and it is played towards square leg for a brace. This is now the highest partnership in this Test match. |
| 30.3 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Shorter delivery on middle, Dimuth flicks it towards fine leg. No run. |
| 30.4 : M Santner to Karunaratne, Looped up ball on off, Dimuth dances down the track and flicks it towards deep mid-wicket for another brace. 200 runs required now. |
| 30.5 : M Santner to D Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on middle, Karunaratne pushes it towards the long on fielder for a single. |
| 30.6 : M Santner to Thirimanne, Thirimanne defends this loopy ball back towards the bowler. |
| 31.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Floated on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot. |
| 31.2 : Somerville to Karunaratne, FOUR! Hammered from Karunaratne. It is a flighted delivery on middle, Dimuth plays a lofted shot over the bowler's head and into the long off fence. Somerville jumps up to catch it but does not get a hand on it. |
| 31.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on middle, Dimuth defends it back to the bowler. |
| 31.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, FIFTY FOR KARUNARATNE! What a knock this has been from the skipper! They are chasing a big total and they needed a bright start. Dimuth has given them just that. His 23rd in Test match cricket. He gets there with some luck. Flatter and shorter outside off, Karunaratne looks to cut but gets a thick bottom edge through BJ Watling's legs. The ball runs behind and the batsmen complete two runs. Just a mild celebration from the Lankan skipper, he knows that there is |
| 31.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on middle, Dimuth blocks it out. |
| 31.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Looped up ball on off, Dimuth pushes it towards the point fielder and sets off for a quick single. With that, it is Tea on Day 4. |
| Well begun is half done! The Sri Lankan openers have done a tremendous job to see off the entire afternoon session without any casualty. Dimuth Karunaratne not only took care of his innings but also supported Lahiru Thirimanne, who was a bit fidgety at the start. New Zealand bowled decently but weren't too penetrative. Their spinners tried hard but are not getting too much support from the surface. There is turn on offer but it's on the slower side and that has allowed the batsmen time to play. |
| ... DAY 4, SESSION 3 ... |
| We are back for the final session. The New Zealand players are in a huddle. Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne will resume their innings. Ajaz Patel will bowl the first over of the final session. |
| 32.1 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Shorter delivery on off stump spinning into the batsman, Dimuth slaps it towards the point region for a single. |
| 32.2 : A Patel to L Thirimanne, Flatter delivery on middle, Lahiru plays it to point for a single. |
| 32.3 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Full delivery on middle, Dimuth comes down the track and plays it towards mid on and takes a single. |
| 32.4 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Loopy delivery on middle, Thirimanne defends it off the front foot. |
| 32.5 : A Patel to L Thirimanne, Shorter delivery on off, Thirimanne slaps it towards the cover-point region for a brace. |
| 32.6 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Flatter delivery on middle, LT defends it back to the bowler off the back foot. |
| 33.1 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Good length ball on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot. |
| 33.2 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Full on off, Dimuth pushes it to mid off. |
| 33.3 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Full delivery on off, Karunaratne pushes it to mid off. |
| 33.4 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Full delivery on the middle stump line, Karunaratne pushes it back to the bowler. |
| 33.5 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Full length delivery on middle, DK defends it off the front foot. |
| 33.6 : Tim Southee to Karunaratne, On a good length on middle, Dimuth defends it towards mid-wicket. |
| 34.1 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Flighted delivery on off, Lahiru looks to reverse sweep at first but changes his mind at the last moment and plays a drive towards cover for a brace. |
| 34.2 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Flighted delivery on off, Thirimanne guides it to third man and takes a single. |
| 34.3 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Full delivery on middle, Dimuth comes down the track and flicks it to deep mid-wicket for a single. |
| 34.4 : A Patel to L Thirimanne, Looped up ball on off, Thirimanne defends it off the front foot towards the off side. |
| 34.5 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Flatter delivery on middle, Thirimanne defends it off the back foot. |
| 34.6 : A Patel to L Thirimanne, OHH! Flighted delivery on middle, Lahiru tries to defend but gets an inside edge towards short leg. Latham dives forward, attempting to take the catch but it falls just short. |
| 35.1 : Tim Southee to D Karunaratne, Back of a length ball around off, Dimuth pulls it towards mid-wicket for a single. |
| 35.2 : Tim Southee to Thirimanne, Full and a hint of away movement. Lahiru looks to defend and it goes off the outer half of his bat to the right of short third man. |
| 35.3 : Tim Southee to Thirimanne, FOUR! Class written all over it. Full outside off, Thirimanne gets on the front foot and drives it through point for a glorious boundary. The score now is into the 90s. |
| 35.4 : Tim Southee to Thirimanne, Follows it up with a solid front foot defense. |
| 35.5 : Tim Southee to Thirimanne, Full on off, Thirimanne just guides it to mid off. |
| 35.6 : Tim Southee to L Thirimanne, Another good looking drive but this is straight to the man at cover. |
| 36.1 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Full toss on off, Thirimanne will feel that he missed on that as he could play it to mid off for a single. |
| 36.2 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Flighted delivery on middle, Thirimanne defends it off the front foot. |
| 36.3 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Looped up ball on off, Thirimanne drives it beautifully towards the cover region and before the fielders can clean it up, the batsman takes three. |
| 36.4 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on off, Karunaratne comes down the track and pushes it to mid on and takes a single. |
| 36.5 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Looped up ball on off, Lahiru goes for the sweep towards square leg and takes a single. |
| 36.6 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Ajaz bowls it with a flight on middle, Dimuth goes for the defense but gets an inside edge towards short leg. Tom Latham is standing a little deep than the usual position and it falls way short of him. |
| William Somerville is back. |
| 37.1 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Floated on the stumps, Thirimanne blocks it off the front foot. |
| 37.2 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Tossed up around off, Lahiru defends it off the front foot. |
| 37.3 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, On the stumps, Thirimanne keeps it out. |
| 37.4 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Short and turning in, Lahiru looks to defend but misses and the ball strikes him on his gut. |
| 37.5 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Beauty! Floated outside off, Lahiru looks to defend but gets beaten all ends up. |
| 37.6 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Floated on middle, Thirimanne strokes it to long on for one. |
| 38.1 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Floats one outside off, Thirimane gets his front foot across the off pole and pads it. |
| 38.2 : A Patel to Thirimanne, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. |
| 38.3 : A Patel to L Thirimanne, Excellent fielding from Boult! Saves a run for his side. Flighted outside off, Thirimanne sweeps it through square leg. It looks like the ball will go to the fence but Boult runs in from mid-wicket and shows his athleticism. He covers the ground and pulls it back just before the ropes. 100 comes up for Sri Lanka. |
| 38.4 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Loopy delivery on middle, Karunaratne plays it back to the bowler. |
| 38.5 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Shorter delivery on the off stump line, Dimuth flicks it to short leg. |
| 38.6 : A Patel to D Karunaratne, DROPPED! Latham is the culprit here. It is a flighted delivery on off, Dimuth comes down the track and tries to flick but the ball goes off his inside edge towards short leg who makes a mess of it. Big break for the Sri Lankan skipper and he has to make use of the opportunity. Karunaratne dropped on 58. |
| 39.1 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Floated on off, Thirimanne gets behind the ball and blocks it. |
| 39.2 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Tossed up on off, Lahiru keeps it out. |
| 39.3 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Darts one on off, Thirimanne looks to defend but the ball goes off the inner half of his bat towards backward square leg for a single. |
| 39.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Shorter delivery on off stump, Dimuth cuts but straight to point. No run. |
| 39.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, MISSED STUMPING! Flighted delivery on off, Dimuth comes down the track to flick it but fails to get any bat on it. Watling does not make use of the opportunity to stump the batsman and makes a hash of it. New Zealand will rue this missed chance. |
| 39.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Looped up ball on middle, Dimuth flicks it to fine leg and takes a single. |
| 40.1 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Flighted on off, Karunaratne defends it off the front foot. |
| 40.2 : A Patel to Karunaratne, On the pads, Dimuth turns it behind square on the leg side for a single. |
| 40.3 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Short and spinning in. This has turned a lot actually. It starts from outside off and spins in. Thirimanne looks to defend but misses and the ball hits him around the box. |
| 40.4 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Floated on middle and off, Thirimanne sweeps it to square leg. |
| 40.5 : A Patel to Thirimanne, On the stumps, kept out by Thirimanne. |
| 40.6 : A Patel to Thirimanne, FOUR BYES! That has beaten everybody. Tossed up on middle and off, it grips off the surface. Thirimanne looks to play the reverse sweep but misses, the ball misses the stumps and beats Latham and goes to the fine leg fence. |
| 41.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flatter delivery on off, Dimuth rocks back and cuts it towards point and takes a single. |
| 0.0 : After the last over, the umpires have been given the light meters. They will be keeping a close eye on the degrading light. |
| 41.2 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Flighted delivery on middle, Thirimanne goes for the slog sweep and does not time it well. He gets a top edge which goes towards deep square leg but the ball sticks in the ground due to the rain in the morning. By the time the fielder mops it up, the batters take two. |
| 41.3 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Looped up ball on off, Thirimanne attempts to defend but is hit on the pads. |
| 41.4 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Flighted delivery on middle, Thirimanne defends it off the front foot. |
| 41.5 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Loopy delivery on off, LT defends it back to the bowler. |
| 41.6 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Shorter delivery on middle, Thirimanne flicks it to fine leg and takes a single. |
| 42.1 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Darted around the pads, Thirimanne sweeps it straight to leg slip. |
| 42.2 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Flatter around off, Thirimanne looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. There is a stifled appeal but the impact was outside off. |
| 42.3 : A Patel to Thirimanne, This time sweeps it to square leg for one. |
| 42.4 : A Patel to D Karunaratne, Full delivery on middle, Dimuth pushes this towards mid on and takes off for a quick single. |
| 42.5 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Loopy delivery on off, Thirimanne defends it towards the cover fielder and takes a single. |
| 42.6 : A Patel to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on off, Karunaratne pushes it towards cover and takes a single. |
| 43.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Uppish but safe! Short and outside off, spinning away with extra bounce, Karunaratne cuts it in the air and it falls safely between two fielders at the point region. It sneaks through for a couple of runs. |
| 43.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Fullish and on off, driven down the ground but straight to mid off. |
| 43.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery, full and around off, Dimuth leans and defends it with an angled bat to point. |
| 43.4 : W Somerville to D Karunaratne, Extra flight this time, the length is full and around off, Dimuth drives but finds the cover fielder. |
| 43.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, A shade short in length on off, Karunaratne gets back to cut but finds the point fielder again. |
| 43.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flatter and quicker on off, it's blocked off the back foot. |
| 44.1 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Flighted delivery on off, Thirimanne tries to defend but gets hit on the pads. There is a stifled appeal for LBW but not given. |
| 44.2 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Looped up delivery on middle, Thirimanne looks to sweep but gets hit on the arm and the ball rolls to short fine leg. |
| 44.3 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Looped up delivery on off, Thirimanne blocks it out. |
| 44.4 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Fuller delivery on off, Thirimanne goes for the sweep again and times it well but it hits Latham on the way. The batsman checks on the fielder whether he is ok. |
| 44.5 : A Patel to Thirimanne, FOUR! 6th Half-century for Thirimanne in Tests. It was a shorter delivery on the middle stump line, Thirimanne flicks it past the fine leg fielder for a boundary. It has been a fidgety innings from Thirimanne but an important one in the context of the game. This is his first fifty since 2017. |
| 44.6 : A Patel to Thirimanne, Flighted delivery on middle, Thirimanne plays it towards point. |
| 45.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted outside off, Karunaratne leaves it alone. |
| 45.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Shorter on off, Dimuth strokes it with the spin towards cover. He looks for a single but Lahiru says no. |
| 45.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery on off, Karunaratne keeps it out. |
| 45.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Darts one on the pads, Karunaratne flicks it to the on side for a single. |
| 45.5 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, Floats it on the stumps, Thirimanne defends it off the front foot. |
| 45.6 : W Somerville to Thirimanne, On the stumps, Thirimanne keeps it out to get through the over. |
| Trent Boult is on! |
| 46.1 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Full delivery on the off stump line, Dimuth pushes it uppishly but the ball falls short of the mid on fielder. |
| 46.2 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Full delivery on middle, DK flicks it uppishly to square leg for a single. |
| 46.3 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Short ball on the body, Thirimanne rocks back and defends it towards point. |
| 46.4 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Short ball on the leg stump, Thirimanne flicks it towards square leg and takes a couple. |
| 46.5 : T Boult to Thirimanne, Back of a length ball on off, Thirimanne defends it with soft hands off the back foot. The ball goes to the off side and they get a single. |
| 46.6 : T Boult to D Karunaratne, Short ball on off, DK pulls it to square leg and keeps the strike. |
| Drinks Break! The opening pair of Sri Lanka continues to pave the way for the chase. The duo of Karunaratne and Thirimanne have played really well and have stitched together a 127-run stand so far. The hosts are now 141 runs away from a historic chase. Don't be mistaken, New Zealand are still in this. If they can find a way to break this stand then they certainly would fancy themselves as they have runs on the board and there is some spin and drift on offer. Not going to be easy for a new batsma |
| 47.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Short delivery outside the off stump, Dimuth cuts it straight to point. |
| 47.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Quicker delivery from Somerville, it is bowled on the middle stump and Dimuth just gets his bat down in time to block it out. |
| 47.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Loopy ball outside off, DK leaves it alone. |
| 47.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Looped up ball on off, Dimuth defends it back to the bowler. |
| 47.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Short delivery outside off stump, Dimuth looks to cut but fails to put bat on it. |
| 47.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Loopy delivery on middle, Dimuth defends it off the front foot. |
| The umpire is taking the reading of the light! It's round about this time when they left the field on Day 3. It seems that the light is good enough to continue at the moment. Not sure for how long they can continue with a pacer steaming in... |
| 48.1 : T Boult to L Thirimanne, Short ball on off, Thirimanne pulls it wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple. |
| 48.2 : T Boult to Thirimanne, On the pads, Lahiru flicks it fine down the leg side for a single. |
| 48.3 : T Boult to Karunaratne, On the body, Dimuth glances it down to fine leg and gets another brace. |
| 48.4 : T Boult to D Karunaratne, Short ball on the body, Dimuth pulls hard but straight to the square leg fielder. |
| 48.5 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Boult loses his line here, it is a full delivery which is bowled outside the leg stump, Dimuth looks to flick but misses. |
| 48.6 : T Boult to Karunaratne, Good length delivery on the pads, Dimuth flicks it to fine leg and takes a single. |
| 49.1 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Floated on off, Dimuth defends it off the front foot. |
| 49.2 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Tossed up outside off, Karunaratne defends it with soft hands. The ball hits the outside edge of the bat but falls short of second slip. |
| 49.3 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Loopy delivery on off, Dimuth defends it to the off side. |
| 49.4 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Flighted delivery outside off, Karunaratne leaves it alone. |
| 49.5 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Loopy delivery on middle, Dimuth defends it back to the bowler. |
| 49.6 : W Somerville to Karunaratne, Bowls a flighted delivery outside off, Dimuth lets it go back to the keeper. |
| The players are going back due to bad light and that will be STUMPS ON DAY 4! We have lost 13 overs today. Anyway, after going through a lot of twists and turns, this Test match has fallen in the bag for Sri Lanka. They were on the back foot in the morning session once New Zealand stretched their lead past the 250-run mark but this outstanding opening partnership has made things pleasantly relaxing for the Islanders. |
| Dimuth Karunaratne has batted with supreme confidence and it rubbed off on Lahiru Thirimanne as well after the initial struggle for him. New Zealand bowled decently but without much success in the afternoon session. In the evening, they did manage to create a couple of openings but Latham put down a catch and Watling missed the stumping opportunity, both offered by the Sri Lankan skipper. |
| Another 135 runs needed for Sri Lanka to go 1-0 up in the 2-match Test series and also open their account in the ICC World Test Championship. All odds are loaded in their favour but you never know in cricket. This pitch has something to offer for the spinners and the Kiwis would be hoping for one opening to run through the Lankan batting line-up. If not that, there is always rain to spoil someone's chance. Let's hope for an exciting finish on Day 5. Do join us at 0945 local (0415 GMT) for all th |
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