Prabath Jayasuriya dismantled them in the first innings, while Nishan Peris caused the collapse in the second innings. In the second Test, New Zealand lost to Sri Lanka by an innings and 154 runs. They were all out for 360 runs in the second innings of the second Test. This marks Sri Lanka’s first Test series win against New Zealand in 15 years.
On Sunday, New Zealand resumed play on the fourth day with a score of 199/5. The lower-order batters fought valiantly, but they couldn’t handle Nishan’s spin. Despite half-centuries from Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner, they couldn’t save the team from danger.
Nishan struck in the first session, dismissing Blundell LBW for 60, breaking his 95-run partnership with Phillips. Santner then formed a 64-run partnership with Phillips. Phillips, on 78, was caught at long-on off Nishan’s bowling. Later, Santner added a 53-run partnership with Ajaz Patel.
Prabath brought Sri Lanka close to victory by dismissing Ajaz. Santner’s resistance ended at 67 when he was stumped off Nishan’s bowling. If Sri Lanka hadn’t dropped a couple of catches in the morning, they could have won even earlier.
Prabath, with 18 wickets across the two Tests, was named the series’ best player. On the other hand, Kamindu Mendis, who scored 182 runs in this Test, was named the player of the match. The last time Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand in a Test series was in 2009, with a 2-0 win.
