In the third day of the first Test, New Zealand amassed a 35-run advantage, and Sri Lanka was unable to stop Glenn Phillip (48 off 44) in time. When the hosts batted for the second time, they were defeated by Pathum Nissanka (2) right away. A crucial 147-run partnership for the second wicket was forged by Dinesh Chandimal (61 off 150) and Dimuth Karunarathne (83 off 127). After eight deliveries, the pair was outclassed, and the pitch began to tire.
While Kamindu Mendis (13) and Angelo Matthews (34* off 72) were forming a combination, the latter gave up on a loose drive to Daryl Mitchell. At the end of the day, Dhananjaya de Silva (34* off 64) managed to keep up with some furious speed while providing Matthews with good building assistance. After Day 3, Sri Lanka have amassed 237 runs at a cost of four wickets. On Day 4 of the first Test of the series, they will look to build on their current 202-run advantage.
Notably, due to the Sri Lankan presidential elections, tomorrow, September 21, will be a “rest day” and no cricket matches will be held at the Galle Stadium. Thus, Day 4 will start on September 22 and the following day will be the Test’s last day.
Young player William O’Rourke shone for New Zealand, adding three wickets to his fifer-grabbing performance in the first innings. The other wicket came when Ajaz Patel, a spinner, dismissed Karunaratne, ending the vital partnership.
Also Read: Spin-bowling coach Craig Howard says that SL failed to control the run rate
Bad light prevented the final session from completing the stipulated overs, although it still resulted in 103 runs and three wickets.
Here’s how ‘X’ users reacted to Day 3 of Sri Lanka vs NZ first Test:
Day 3 of the 1st Test saw Sri Lanka take control against New Zealand in Galle! After a solid first innings lead, the Kiwis struggled as Sri Lanka’s Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal built a strong partnership. Sri Lanka ended the day at 237/4, leading by 202 runs! #SLvNZ 🏏 pic.twitter.com/nPzFNtkPeA
— NZ Men’s Cricket – Fan Page 🇳🇿 (@nz_kiwi0107) September 20, 2024
Santner back into the attack, Sri Lanka continues to build their lead.
NZ 🇳🇿 vs SL 🇱🇰 | 2nd Test | Day 3: 3rd Session | Sri Lanka Tour of New Zealand
SL 233/4 (70.4) | Dhananjaya de Silva 33(63), Angelo Mathews 31(65) | Partnership: 55(109) |
Mitchell Santner 13.4-2-49-0…— The Cricket Stories (@thecricstories) September 20, 2024
William O’Rourke is a beast. Strong built and tall. Clicks 140+ KPH, extracts extra bounce & seam movement from the deck. Bowls with control. All this & he’s only 23.
— Raheel (@26yarder) September 20, 2024
Half-century for Dimuth Karunaratne against New Zealand.#SLvsNZ #CricketTwitter #CricketUpdates pic.twitter.com/FLCp9KfOfI
— Cric-Updates (@GuessWh98609542) September 20, 2024
Dimuth Karunaratne misses out on his 17th Test hundred 🇱🇰💔💔
But what a knock of 83 runs against New Zealand by the veteran 🔥#SLvNZ #tapmad #DontStopStreaming pic.twitter.com/Mt80MD0qDx
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) September 20, 2024
Wow Dimuth Karunaratne played an impreesive inning against Newzeland #SLvsNZ
— Awais Aziz (@awaisaziz21) September 20, 2024
The test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka has come to a very interesting turn.#SLvNZ
— DhanoaRitik ® (@RitikDhanoa) September 20, 2024
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