Dinesh Chandimal’s 16th Test century and half-centuries from Angelo Mathews and Kamindu Mendis led Sri Lanka to a dominant position on the opening day of the second Test against New Zealand in Galle. Sri Lanka closed the day at 306 for 3, with New Zealand left ruing several missed opportunities in the field.
Chandimal, batting at No. 3, was the star of the day with an enterprising 116. After an early setback with the dismissal of Pathum Nissanka in the first over, Sri Lanka bounced back as Chandimal and captain Dimuth Karunaratne shared a century partnership. New Zealand’s fielders had multiple chances to break through, but dropped catches, missed stumpings, and a costly no-ball gave the Sri Lankans the upper hand.
Karunaratne survived being dropped twice—first on 5 by Daryl Mitchell and again on 17 after Tom Blundell missed a stumping opportunity. Chandimal took advantage, racing to his 50 before lunch, and then accelerated towards his century in the afternoon. His knock, punctuated by powerful drives and lofted shots against the spinners, kept New Zealand on the back foot.
New Zealand’s frustrations continued when Angelo Mathews was given a reprieve after being caught behind off a no-ball by William O’Rourke. Mathews went on to score an unbeaten 78, playing with patience and power, particularly with back-foot punches and cuts.
Kamindu Mendis, fresh off his century in the first Test, also capitalized on New Zealand’s sloppy fielding. He edged two deliveries early on but survived as the chances went begging. He reached his half-century off just 53 balls, helping Sri Lanka close out a near-perfect day.
The only success New Zealand had came late in the day when Chandimal, attempting to push the score further, missed an off-break from Glenn Phillips and was bowled for 116. Nevertheless, Sri Lanka remained in control with Mathews and Kamindu looking solid at the crease.
New Zealand will need a much-improved performance on Day 2 to get back into the match, after their mistakes in the field cost them dearly on the opening day.
Sri Lanka 306 for 3 (Chandimal 116, Mathews 78, Kamindu 51, Phillips 1-33) vs New Zealand
