Galle, Sri Lanka – Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva helped Sri Lanka recover from a string of quick strikes by New Zealand’s Will O’Rourke, extending their lead to 202 runs by the end of day three of the Test match in Galle.
Sri Lanka closed the day on 237 for 4, after earlier being rocked by O’Rourke’s 3 for 37. Dimuth Karunaratne (75) and Dinesh Chandimal (66) had laid a solid foundation with a 147-run stand, but both were dismissed in quick succession by O’Rourke’s pace. Karunaratne fell to a delivery from Ajaz Patel that spun sharply, while Chandimal flicked one straight to leg slip, leaving the hosts at 178 for 4. However, Mathews and Dhananjaya’s unbeaten partnership of 59 helped rebuild the innings, with both batsmen on 34 at the close of play.
Earlier, Sri Lanka had bowled New Zealand out for 340 in their first innings, with a lead of 35. Prabath Jayasuriya led the charge, picking up 4 for 136, while Ramesh Mendis supported with 3 for 101. New Zealand’s innings was anchored by Tom Latham (70) and Daryl Mitchell (57), but they lost their last six wickets for just 89 runs in the morning session.
O’Rourke’s fiery spell in Sri Lanka’s second innings briefly raised hopes for New Zealand, as he reduced the hosts from 178 for 2 to 178 for 4. However, Mathews and Dhananjaya, despite a few nervy moments, managed to hold firm and stretch Sri Lanka’s lead to over 200.
With two days remaining and the pitch offering increasing assistance to the spinners, Sri Lanka will look to further consolidate their position, while New Zealand will need quick wickets to stay in contention.
Score Summary:
- Sri Lanka: 305 & 237/4 (Mathews 34, Dhananjaya 34, O’Rourke 3-37)
- New Zealand: 340 (Latham 70, Mitchell 57, Jayasuriya 4-136)
Lead: Sri Lanka by 202 runs.
