In a dramatic turn of events, New Zealand levelled the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka after winning the second and final Test match in Colombo by an innings and 65 runs on Monday.
The rain-hit match saw New Zealand declare their first innings at 431 for six on day 5 in reply to Sri Lanka's 244, giving the visitors a lead of 187 runs. Rain had allowed just 66 overs on the first two days of the match, while only 48 overs could be bowled on the fourth.
B.J. Watling starred and Tom Latham starred for the Kiwis with their gallant centuries.
New Zealand bowlers ripped through the Sri Lankan batting order and bundled the hosts out for 122 in their second innings.
Sri Lanka had won the first Test by six wickets in Galle thanks to the heroics of captain Dimuth Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne. However, Thirimanne failed to replicate his performance and was run out for a duck. Karunaratne, who suffered a torn quadriceps while fielding, also fell at 21 off a Tim Southee delivery. He and Niroshan Dickwella did build a 51-run partnership on the sixth wicket, giving Sri Lanka hopes of a draw.
New Zealand captain Kane Williamson had declared the innings in the morning of the final day, calling his batsmen to give his bowlers a shot at victory. The Kiwi bowlers struick when the time was right, with Southee, Trent Boult, Ajaz Patel and William Somerville taking two wickets each.
“A great effort to push for victory and ultimately come out on the winning side,” Williamson said.
Sri Lanka and New Zealand will play three T20 internationals, starting in Pallekele on Sunday.
