Day 3 of the first Test in Galle between Sri Lanka and New Zealand saw the hosts grappling to stay in the match as New Zealand secured a 35-run lead in the first innings. Resuming at 255-4, New Zealand were bowled out for 340, thanks to a late flourish from Glenn Phillips, who hit an aggressive 49. Daryl Mitchell provided valuable support, scoring 57 before being run out. Despite their resistance, Sri Lankan spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis took control with crucial breakthroughs, with Jayasuriya grabbing four wickets.
Phillips’ innings was a key contributor in helping New Zealand stretch their innings, as he blasted five sixes in quick succession. However, Sri Lanka capitalized on the turning pitch once they took the second new ball, effectively wrapping up New Zealand’s innings.
Sri Lanka’s response began poorly as Pathum Nissanka, a key top-order player, was dismissed cheaply after lunch, compounding the pressure on his team. With Sri Lanka trailing by just 3 runs at lunch, the weight of expectation now lies on captain Dimuth Karunaratne and senior players like Angelo Mathews to rebuild the innings. Karunaratne, who contributed 23 of Sri Lanka’s 32 runs by lunch, looks vital to their hopes of turning things around.
New Zealand’s bowlers, especially their spinners Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel, will look to take advantage of the deteriorating pitch. Tim Southee’s captaincy has been instrumental, particularly with the early dismissal of Nissanka that boosted New Zealand’s position. With the pitch continuing to show signs of wear and spin becoming more prominent, the Sri Lankan middle order will be under immense pressure to withstand New Zealand’s disciplined bowling attack.
The third day’s proceedings put New Zealand in a strong position. Despite the turning pitch, they’ve remained composed and exploited every opportunity. Sri Lanka, now facing a challenging situation, must focus on avoiding a collapse, especially with two full days of play left. The hosts will need a collective batting effort to claw back into the match, but with New Zealand’s spinners finding their rhythm and the pitch favoring turn, the visitors are on track for a potential victory.
For New Zealand, spinners Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel will be eager to exploit the conditions, and Tim Southee’s tactical leadership will be crucial. Southee’s early breakthrough to dismiss Nissanka gave New Zealand momentum heading into the afternoon session. With Sri Lanka’s middle order looking vulnerable, the visitors are in a prime position to push for a decisive victory on a turning Galle track.
With two days left, the Test is delicately poised, but New Zealand’s control of key moments in the match gives them the advantage. Sri Lanka, though not out of the contest, face an uphill battle to stage a recovery and put pressure back on the visitors. Fans can expect an intense final two days of action as both teams fight for supremacy in this critical Test.
This Test remains delicately poised, but New Zealand’s ability to control key moments has given them the upper hand. Sri Lanka must rally together to avoid conceding a larger lead in the second innings. With high stakes and a turning pitch, the final two days promise an exciting contest as both sides vie for an advantage in this pivotal first Test of the series.