New Zealand versus Sri Lanka Test Series, 2024

2nd Test

Day-1 Evening Session Highlights:

Dinesh Chandimal’s century has established a flawless opening day for Sri Lanka in Galle

At The Stumps of Day-1:

Sri Lanka scored 306/3 vs New Zealand.

Dinesh Chandimal’s century (116) was the highlight of Sri Lanka’s dominance against New Zealand on Day 1 of the second Test in Galle.

Angelo Matthews (78*) and Kamindu Mendis (51*) also contributed half-centuries, while Dimuth Karunaratne (46) provided valuable support as Sri Lanka closed the day at 306 for 3.

The hosts built two partnerships of over 50 runs, starting with a solid 122-run opening partnership between Karunaratne and Chandimal.

New Zealand managed to take only one wicket in each session, as the pitch improved after appearing dry in the first session.

The visitors were also sloppy in the field, dropping three catches off William O’Rourke’s bowling and allowing Tom Blundell to miss a stumping chance on Karunaratne.

After the Tea break, Sri Lanka maintained their momentum, with Matthews and Chandimal hitting boundaries off Ajaz Patel.

Glenn Phillips eventually dismissed Chandimal, who misplayed a heave across the line.

In came the in-form Kamindu Mendis, who quickly scored two boundaries off Tim Southee to get settled.

Despite taking the second new ball, New Zealand struggled to contain the Sri Lankan batsmen, who continued to score freely.

Daryl Mitchell dropped Mendis for the second time that day, while Tom Latham spilled Matthews two overs later.

Mendis showcased his attacking intent, hitting Ajaz Patel for two boundaries and a six before reverse-sweeping Mitchell Santner for four to bring up his fifty.

Earlier, Pathum Nissanka fell cheaply, caught behind after playing an early shot to the new ball.

However, Chandimal and Karunaratne combined to secure a 100-run partnership in the first session.

Karunaratne was run out for 46 after being sold down the river by Chandimal shortly after Lunch.

Nevertheless, Chandimal thrived in the afternoon session, reaching his 16th Test century, while Matthews survived a caught behind decision due to O’Rourke’s overstep.