Sri Lanka Crushes New Zealand by an Innings and 154 Runs

Sri Lanka secured a dominant victory over New Zealand in the second Test, winning by an innings and 154 runs at the Galle International Stadium. Sri Lanka’s performance was spearheaded by a magnificent 182* by Kamindu Mendis and backed by their bowlers, who dismantled New Zealand in both innings.

Sri Lanka, after winning the toss and opting to bat first, posted a mammoth 602/5 declared. Kamindu Mendis led the charge, scoring a career-best 182*, while Dinesh Chandimal contributed 116 and Kusal Mendis added an unbeaten 106. Tim Southee and Glenn Phillips were the only bowlers to claim wickets, with Phillips picking up 3 for 141.

In response, New Zealand was bowled out for a dismal 88 in their first innings. Prabath Jayasuriya claimed 6 wickets for 42, and Nishan Peiris took 3 for 33. The Kiwis collapsed under pressure, with Mitchell Santner (29) offering the only resistance.

New Zealand put up a much-improved fight in their second innings, scoring 360. Devon Conway (61), Glenn Phillips (78), and Santner (67) fought valiantly, but it wasn’t enough to avoid an innings defeat. Peiris once again shone with the ball, taking 6 for 170, while Jayasuriya grabbed 3 wickets.

Kamindu Mendis was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 182, while Prabath Jayasuriya was awarded Player of the Series for his 6-wicket haul in the match. Sri Lanka’s captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, praised his team’s efforts, while New Zealand’s Tim Southee acknowledged the challenge of playing in tough subcontinental conditions.

Sri Lanka’s win secured the series, and the team will look to build on this momentum as they continue their season.