Published: Nov 19, 2012, 09:00 AM (IST)
Edited: Nov 19, 2012, 09:00 AM (IST)
Mahela Jayawardene top-scored for Sri Lanka with a responsible knock of 91 © AFP
Galle: Nov 19, 2012
Mahela Jayawardene cracked an impressive 91 to lead Sri Lanka‘s fightback on an absorbing second day of the opening Test against New Zealand in Galle on Sunday.
Sri Lanka were in deep trouble at 50-5 following fast bowler Tim Southee‘s three-wicket burst in the morning before posting 247 in their first innings in reply to New Zealand’s 221.
The left-arm spinner finished with 5-65, his 11th haul of five or more wickets in a Test innings, as Sri Lanka dismissed New Zealand for 221 in the first innings before reaching 9-1 in reply at stumps.
New Zealand have had a disastrous run in the sub-continent this year losing series against India and Bangladesh.
Much would be expected from skipper Ross Taylor in order to help Kiwis salvage some pride.
Rangana Herath and Suraj Randiv will lead the Sri Lankan bowling attack as the hosts would be banking on their spinners to trouble the visitors.
With inputs from AFP
Brief Scores: New Zealand 221 (Brendon McCullum 68, Daniel Flynn 53; Rangana Herath 5 for 65, Shaminda Eranga 3 for 51) & 35 for 1 (Martin Guptill 13*, Kane Williamson 9*; Rangana Herath 1 for 13) lead Sri Lanka 247 (Mahela Jayawardene 91, Angelo Mathews 79; Tim Southee 4 for 46) by 9 runs.
