Ajaz Patel’s Heroics Keep New Zealand in the Hunt
New Zealand clawed their way back into the contest with a sensational bowling performance by Ajaz Patel, who delivered a remarkable 6-90 to dismantle Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order. Resuming Day 3 at 237/4, Sri Lanka was poised to build a formidable lead, but Ajaz’s spell ensured they added only 72 runs before being bowled out for 309. This has set the visitors a challenging target of 275 runs in Galle, a venue known for favoring spin as the game progresses.
Morning Session: Ajaz Patel Dominates as Sri Lanka Collapses
Ajaz Patel’s dominance began with the crucial wicket of Dhananjaya de Silva, who fell to a sharp stumping after attempting to take on the spinner. This dismissal opened the floodgates as the Sri Lankan batsmen struggled against Patel’s accuracy and the increasingly unpredictable pitch.
Kusal Mendis was the next to go, chopping one onto his stumps, clearly caught between two minds in trying to negotiate the turn. Veteran Angelo Mathews followed suit, poking at a delivery and edging it to slip, handing New Zealand further momentum.
Ajaz received excellent support from Mitchell Santner, who helped clean up the tail by dismissing Prabath Jayasuriya. Sri Lanka’s collapse highlighted Ajaz’s ability to exploit the conditions, finishing with figures of 6-90, a crucial effort to keep New Zealand’s hopes alive.
New Zealand’s Tough Chase Begins with a Setback
With a target of 275 on a turning track, New Zealand faced a daunting task. They needed a solid start, but Sri Lanka struck early. Devon Conway, the visitors’ reliable opener, fell just before lunch, dragging a delivery from Asitha Fernando onto his stumps. Conway’s dismissal for just 13 was a major blow to New Zealand’s chase, especially on a surface that is only expected to deteriorate further.
Adding to Sri Lanka’s momentum, Kusal Mendis nearly grabbed another wicket just before the break, but he couldn’t hold on to a difficult chance, giving the Kiwis some relief as they headed into lunch at 13/1.
Galle’s History and Pitch Conditions
Chasing 275 in Galle is no easy task. Historically, the pitch tends to favor spin as the game progresses, and New Zealand’s ability to counter Sri Lanka’s spinners will be key. The likes of Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis are expected to thrive in the second innings, and with the pitch already playing tricks, New Zealand’s middle order will have to show immense application to chase down the target.
Match Context: A Close Finish on the Cards?
With Sri Lanka holding a 262-run lead and New Zealand having lost a key opener early, the match is delicately poised. Both teams have shown fight, but the nature of the Galle surface could tilt the game in Sri Lanka’s favor. However, if New Zealand’s middle order can hold their own and build partnerships, this Test match could go down to the wire.
Brief Scores:
- Sri Lanka: 305 and 309 (Dimuth Karunaratne 83, Dinesh Chandimal 61; Ajaz Patel 6-90)
- New Zealand: 340 and 13/1 (Asitha Fernando 1-5)
- Target for New Zealand: 275 runs
Conclusion
Ajaz Patel’s brilliant bowling has set up a fascinating final two days of cricket. With Sri Lanka leading by 262 runs and New Zealand already one down in their second innings, the match is poised for a thrilling finish. The Kiwis need to bat out of their skin to overcome Sri Lanka’s lead on a tricky pitch, and the hosts will be eager to finish things off with their spinners.
Will New Zealand defy the odds, or will Sri Lanka’s spinners seal the win? All eyes are on the final sessions of this gripping Test match.