Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2nd Test, Day 3 preview: Time is running out for New Zealand despite seamers’ day out

Day 1 had featured only 36.3 overs of cricket at P Sara Oval. Day 2 witnessed even less, 29.3. However, the second day was more eventful than the first, as Trent Boult (2/33) and Tim Southee (2/40) reduced Sri Lanka from 85/2 to 144/6 to put New Zealand on top. Then rain intervened to save the day for the hosts.

Dhananjaya de Silva is still out there with a defiant 32, along with Dilruwan Perera, on 5. Suranga Lakmal, who had scored 40 in the first Test, is next. In other words, Sri Lanka still have it in them to go past 200 and keep New Zealand at bay for whatever is left of the Test, during the course of which more rain has been predicted.

Angelo Mathews struggled uncharacteristically in the morning before edging a ball on leg-stump. In the process he became Boult’s 250th Test wicket. Four balls later Boult trapped Kusal Perera leg-before, and finished with a double-wicket maiden.

Dimuth Karunaratne had meanwhile reached 65 to follow his 39 and 122 at Galle. He then chased a ball away from his body, from Southee, and was caught behind. Three balls later Southee had Niroshan Dickwella caught behind as well, and just like Boult, he finished with a double-wicket maiden.

Key players

Suranga Lakmal (Sri Lakmal): Not only had Lakmal contributed with 40 at Galle, he had also ripped through the New Zealand line-up on the second morning there. He will have to put up yet another all-round performance of similar stature.

Kane Williamson (New Zealand): At Galle, Williamson had failed to live up to his reputation as one of the finest players of spin in the world. It is time he produces a performance to remind the world why he is held in such high esteem.

Brief scores

Sri Lanka 144/6 (Dimuth Karunaratne 65; Trent Boult 2/33) vs New Zealand.

Prediction

New Zealand to bowl out Sri Lanka early and bat through the day – if there is play, that is.