Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by an innings and 154 runs, securing a convincing 2-0 series victory on the fourth day of the second Test in Galle. This win boosts Sri Lanka’s World Test Championship (WTC) point percentage to 55.55%, maintaining their position in third place.
In contrast, New Zealand started the series in third but has now fallen to seventh, with a point percentage of 37.5%. This outcome allows England, Bangladesh, and South Africa to move up to fourth, fifth, and sixth places, respectively.
The standout performers for Sri Lanka included debutant off-spinner Nishan Peiris, who recorded match figures of 9-203 and took 6-170 in the second innings. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya contributed significantly as well, finishing with 9-181 across both innings and earning the Player of the Series title with 18 wickets at an average of 21.38.
New Zealand resumed their innings at 199/5, hoping to delay defeat. Overnight batsmen Glenn Phillips and Tom Blundell both scored half-centuries, followed by Mitchell Santner’s 67. However, Peiris and Jayasuriya quickly dismantled the batting lineup. New Zealand was bowled out for 360 in their second innings after a disastrous first innings of just 88 runs.
All-rounder Kamindu Mendis was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 182, leading Sri Lanka to a formidable total of 602/5 declared.
With this victory, Sri Lanka has won three consecutive Tests, placing them in a strong position to qualify for their first WTC Final at Lord’s next year. They will face South Africa in two away Tests and host Australia for two Tests. Winning all these matches could elevate their point percentage to 69.23.
Meanwhile, New Zealand will aim to recover during their upcoming three-match tour of India, scheduled from October 16 to November 5, with matches in Bengaluru, Pune, and Mumbai.
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