Sri Lanka slumped to 43 for three wickets in reply to New Zealand’s first innings of 412 at stumps on the second day of the second and final Test on Monday.
After left-arm spinner Rangana Herath took 6-103 to end New Zealand’s innings 15 minutes after tea at P. Sara Oval, Sri Lanka’s top-order struggled under overcast conditions against the new ball.
Tim Southee struck twice in his second over by dismissing Tillakaratne Dilshan and Kumar Sangakkara. Dilshan was bowled through bat and pad, while Sangakkara was caught before scoring at fine leg when he attempted a pull shot.
The total became 12-3 when captain Mahela Jayawardene edged a ball from Trent Boult to Kane Williamson at gully.
Sri Lanka batsman Thilan Samaraweera is injured after splitting the webbing between the middle and ring finger on his right hand while attempting a catch off Jeetan Patel. Team manager Charith Senanayake said that he will bat only if required.
Earlier in the morning, Herath bowled superbly to help Sri Lanka bowl out New Zealand. The left-arm spinner troubled the New Zealand batsmen again with his control, variety and flight.
Kane Williamson joined captain Ross Taylor as the second century-maker in New Zealand’s innings in the morning session with a boundary off Shaminda Eranga. He went on to post his career-best 135 before being trapped leg before wicket by Rangana Herath.
