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Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2nd Test: NZ win by innings and 65 runs to level series 1-1
New Zealand dismissed Sri Lanka for only 122 runs in the second innings to win the second game by an innings and 65 runs at Colombo. With that, they also leveled the two-match series 1-1.
New Zealand dismissed Sri Lanka for only 122 runs in the second innings to win the second game by an innings and 65 runs at Colombo. With that, they also leveled the two-match series 1-1.
Earlier in the day, Watling completed his hundred as New Zealand posted a formidable 431 for six in their first innings. The tourits had a lead of 187, and with 91 overs of play left, it was anyone's game. The Kiwi bowlers, however, were on the mark, as they reduced Sri Lanka to 32 for 5 before lunch started.
The home team also missed the services of skipper Dimuth Karunaratne who did not open tore his quadriceps during fieding on Sunday. He batted at number seven, and though his added 51 runs for the sixth wicket with Niroshan Dickwella, he eventually fell for 21 off the bowling of Tim Southee. Dickwella did go on to get his fifty, but Sri Lanka were unable to win the game.
"Lost the toss! (smiles). But a great effort to push for victory and ultimately come out on the winning side. Naturally when the game starts coming so close, and the light's always a factor here as well this time of the year (you do get tense).
"But it was an outstanding effort from the first innings itself. And then the batters scored at a rate that allowed us to move the game forward. Great individual contributions that allowed us to get the win. Deserve to be 1-1.
"Our bowlers bowled really nicely in the UAE as well, but as a collective they got breakthroughs at key moments.
"Everybody will gain things personally and as a group our general growth is important. Looking forward to my break, the guys are going for some T20 cricket. The international calendar is busy so the moments you do get some time off to refresh are nice," NZ skipper Kane Williamson said after the match.
