New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Pacers give hosts the edge over hapless Islanders

Sri Lanka once again looked down the barrel following a poor start that left them at 20/3 after New Zealand racked up a massive 578 runs on the board powered by a Tom Latham masterclass.

The Islanders still have to reduce a deficit of 276 runs if they have to make New Zealand bat again in this Test match played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.

Left-arm fast bowler Trent Boult drew first blood by dismissing opener Danushka Gunathilaka, trapping him right in front of the wicket for just three runs off 17 deliveries.

Also read: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka: Tom Latham’s hundred gives hosts the edge over Islanders

The decision was reviewed by the batsman but eventually, it was Boult with the last laugh. New Zealand, however, didn’t stop there.

Tum Southee, who had wreaked havoc in the first innings with six wickets dismissed Dhananjaya De Silva for a duck to carry on his good form. Three runs later, Dimuth Karunaratne too paid the price for a poor shot as he only managed to top edge the ball to deep backward square.

Earlier, Latham powered the Kiwis to 578 in their first innings. The left-hander showed grit and determination during his 489-ball stay at the crease and never really looked to throw it away as he carried his bat throughout the innings to guide his team, who had a good time with the bat in the first innings.

The Sri Lankan bowlers were made to toil hard for their wickets and the most successful of them was fast bowler Lahiru Kumara who ended with four wickets for 127 runs. Dilruwan Perera and De Silva ended with two wickets each while Suranga Lakmal had one to his name.