NZ vs SL: Sri Lankan team battered in front of New Zealand, threat of innings defeat looming

In such a situation, Kiwi team captain Tim Southee did not take any time to invite Sri Lanka for the follow-on. New Zealand had registered a thrilling one-run win against England at the same ground a month ago. Sri Lanka made a cautious start in the second innings. At the end of the third day’s play, Kusal Mendis was playing on 50 and Angelo Mathews on one run.

Mendis, who failed to open the account in the first innings, completed his 17th half-century in 96 balls just before the end of the third day’s play in the second innings. Captain Dimuth Karunaratne was the highlight of the Sri Lankan batting on the third day’s play. Sri Lanka made their first innings 26 for two in the morning and Karunaratne top-scored with 89 before being dismissed for the ninth wicket. After this he again came to the crease and played an innings of 51 runs. Apart from Karunaratne, only Dinesh Chandimal (37) and Nissan Madhushka (19) reached double figures in Sri Lanka’s first innings. Matt Henry and Michael Bracewell took three wickets each for New Zealand. Sri Lanka lost their last six wickets within 50 runs.
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