Sri Lanka Clinches Test Series Win Over New Zealand In 15 Years

Sri Lanka celebrated a historic achievement by defeating New Zealand by an innings and 154 runs in the second Test, securing their first series win against the Kiwis in 15 years.

This remarkable victory was underpinned by stellar performances from Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and Kusal Mendis with the bat, as well as an outstanding bowling display from spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Nishan Peiris.

Sri Lanka posted a formidable 602/5 declared. The only low point was the early dismissal of Pathum Nissanka for just one run.

Dinesh Chandimal scored 116 runs from 208 balls, hitting 15 fours, and became the fourth-highest century-maker for Sri Lanka in Tests, matching the tally of 16 centuries held by legends like Tilakaratne Dilshan and Angelo Mathews.

Kamindu Mendis shone brightly with a stunning 182 off 250 balls, including 16 fours and four sixes. He reached the milestone of 1,000 Test runs in just 13 innings, tying with Don Bradman for the second-fastest in history and setting the record for the fastest by a Sri Lankan. His current batting average of 91.27 is second only to Bradman’s.

Kusal Mendis contributed a quickfire 106 runs in just 49 balls, becoming the 10th Sri Lankan to surpass 10,000 runs in international cricket.

New Zealand struggled on a spin-friendly pitch, being bowled out for a mere 88 runs in 39.5 overs. Only two players crossed the 10-run mark, with Mitchell Santner top-scoring at 29 runs.

Prabath Jayasuriya delivered an exceptional performance, claiming 6 wickets for 42 runs, marking his eighth five-wicket haul at Galle. Nishan Peiris made an impressive debut, taking 3 wickets for 33 runs.

Sri Lanka’s first-innings lead of 514 runs is the fifth-highest in Test cricket history.

In their second innings, New Zealand fared slightly better, scoring 360 runs. Devon Conway scored 61, and Glenn Phillips contributed 78 runs, but it wasn’t enough to challenge the massive lead.

Mitchell Santner added 67 runs, and Tom Blundell remained not out on 60. However, the Kiwis were ultimately dismissed, with Peiris claiming 6 wickets for 170 runs in 33.4 overs, and Jayasuriya adding 3 wickets.

Kamindu Mendis was awarded the Player of the Match for his exceptional performance, further cementing his status as a rising star in international cricket.

This victory marks a significant turnaround for Sri Lanka, who had lost their previous series against New Zealand and drawn two others in the last 15 years.