New ZealandThe cricket team faced difficulties while playing the second Test Sri Lankaheld in Galle. The game showed a stark difference in performance between the two teams, with New Zealand suffering an embarrassing collapse that raised serious concerns about their readiness for the challenges ahead.
Bad start for New Zealand
After winning the toss, Sri Lanka elected to bat first and put in a spectacular display, scoring a mammoth 602 runs for the loss of just five wickets before declaring. The innings was highlighted by some spectacular performances from three century giants, Kamindu Mendis (182) Kusal Mendis (106 not out), and Dinesh Chandimal (116 off 208 balls). Their batting dominance left New Zealand’s bowling reeling, as they struggled to stem the flow of runs throughout the innings.
When it was New Zealand’s turn to bat, they faced great difficulties. The team was bowled out for 88 runs in their first innings, only Mitchell Santner managed to score more than 20 runs—he scored a measly 29 runs. Some of the batsmen crumbled under the pressure put on by the Sri Lankan bowlers, in particular Prabath Jayasuriyawho did an impressive job with figures of 6 wickets for just 42 runs. Nishan Peiris and contributed heavily with 3 wickets for 33 runs, which led to Sri Lanka forcing the follow on.
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Sri Lanka’s bowling dominance
The chase forced by Sri Lanka was a clear indication of New Zealand’s struggle. Batting hard and trailing by 514 runs, New Zealand returned to bat but suffered another disastrous collapse. In their second innings, they lost nine wickets for just 69 runs, showing a complete inability to form partnerships or withstand the Sri Lankan bowling. Jayasuriya continued his unique style, while Peiris once again We hate Fernando came in with important wickets.
The match highlighted New Zealand’s ongoing problems with batting consistency. It follows their defeat in the first Test by 63 runs on September 23, where they chased down 275 but failed at 211 despite a valiant effort. Rachin Ravindra (92 runs), this second Test has raised alarm bells about their readiness for the upcoming series against India.
Kamindu Mendis: A star from Sri Lanka
When New Zealand was struggling, Mendis emerged as the best player in Sri Lanka. His incredible innings of 182 not out in the second Test not only helped his team post an impressive total but also marked his fifth Test century in just eight matches. Mendis’ ability to score with speed and score an innings has made him a key player in Sri Lanka and he has been compared to the greats of the game.
His success at Galle is particularly remarkable, having scored two hundreds and a fifty in just three Tests at this venue, Mendis has made a name for himself in international cricket. His consistent performances played a major role in Sri Lanka’s comeback in Test cricket.
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