‘Straight out of a movie’ – New Zealand beat Sri Lanka in nail-biting Test, ensures India’s spot in Test Championship final
Daryl Mitchell made a quick fire 81 off 86 balls to help New Zealand win.
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Mar 13, 2023 1:52 pm
Kane Willamson (Source: Twitter)
Sri Lanka and New Zealand played out a thriller at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch. New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl. In the first innings, New Zealand won the toss and chose to bowl. The islanders put up a competitive total of 355-10 in the first innings. Sri Lanka were helped by contributions by Kusal Mendis, who made a majestic 87 off 83 balls with 16 fours. Dimuth Karunaratne made a solid 50 off 87 balls at the top.
Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva made 47 off 98 balls with six fours, and one six and 46 off 59 balls with five fours and one six. Dinesh Chandimal also chipped in with a vital 39 off 64 balls with six fours. Matt Henry and Tim Southee dominated with the ball for New Zealand. Southee picked up 5-64 in his 26.4 over spell. Matt Henry picked up 4-80 in his 26-over spell.
Kane Willamson made a superlative unbeaten 121 to take New Zealand home by 2 wickets
New Zealand, in reply, got a slender lead of 18 runs. The Kiwis were in trouble at 134-4, but they were rescued by a magical knock of 102 off 193 balls with six fours and two sixes by Daryl Mitchell. Tim Southee made a quickfire 25 off 20 balls with three fours and one six. Matt Henry made a stunning 72 off 75 balls with 10 fours and three sixes. Neil Wagner made 27 off 24 balls with one four and three sixes. New Zealand ended up on 373-10.
Sri Lanka made 302-10 in the second innings and were led by a brilliant hundred from Mathews who made 115 off 235 balls with 11 fours. De Silva made 47 off 73 balls with seven fours. The black caps were to chase 257 off 53 overs to win the game. Sri Lanka picked up wickets at regular intervals.
Kane Willamson saved New Zealand with a sublime unbeaten 121 off 194 balls with 11 fours and one six. Mitchell made a quickfire 81 off 86 balls with three fours and four sixes. Willamson saw his side through and this meant India will play the Test Championship final at the Oval.
Test Match (n): A format played across 5 days having nail biting moments while teams are winning, losing, drawing or a tie through barest of margins with some nerve wrecking moments.
