Sri Lanka’s Dinesh Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne forged a formidable partnership to propel the hosts to a commanding lead in the first Test against New Zealand in Galle. The duo’s 147-run alliance helped Sri Lanka establish a 202-run advantage at stumps on day three.
Karunaratne, who scored 83, displayed his prowess by punishing loose deliveries and forcing New Zealand to spread the field. Chandimal, who contributed 61, adopted a more conservative approach. “When you play in Galle, there is a way I play, and I back that style,” Karunaratne explained. “Sweeps and reverse sweeps are the best way forward on that wicket.”
New Zealand’s Ajaz Patel broke the deadlock after tea, dismissing Karunaratne with a sharply spinning delivery. Chandimal followed suit in the next over, falling victim to rookie William O’Rourke’s temptation. O’Rourke, who had already impressed with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, also accounted for Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis.
New Zealand resumed on 255-4 but lost their remaining wickets quickly, despite a valiant effort from wicketkeeper Glenn Phillips (49). “It is a very good Test wicket,” Phillips said. “There is a lot of assistance for spinners, and seamers can come into play as well.”
Sri Lanka drew first blood in the morning when Tom Blundell was given out caught after a review. Daryl Mitchell posted a half-century for New Zealand, but was eventually run out. The second new ball proved advantageous for Sri Lanka, with Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya finding bounce. Jayasuriya claimed four wickets, including that of top-scorer Tom Latham (70), while Ramesh bagged three.
Saturday will see a rest day between the sides as Sri Lanka holds a presidential election, with play to resume on Sunday.
