Yesterday (18th) which was the first day of the first test match in connection with the New Zealand team's tour of Sri Lanka, when the match was stopped, Sri Lanka, who were playing the first innings, scored 302 runs for 7 wickets and were in a strong position.
The Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva, who won the toss in this match which will be held at the Galle International Cricket Stadium, decided to score first. Accordingly, the New Zealand bowlers were able to limit Sri Lanka's initial connection to 20 runs when they entered the field to play the first innings.There, Dimuth Karunaratne was dismissed as the first wicket for 2 runs by giving a catch to the wicket keeper Tom Blundell to a ball sent by William O'Rowkie.
After that, O'Rowki, who was active again, scored 27 runs in 25 balls and sent Pathum Nissanka towards the sports hall as the second wicket.
However, Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews were able to add 36 runs for the third wicket. There, Matthews had to step into the sports hall temporarily before lunch due to a ball hitting his right index finger.
Dinesh Chandimal, who scored 30 runs in the third ball after lunch, was able to get the fourth wicket of the Sri Lankan innings by Tim Southee. Captain Dhananjaya de Silva could also score only 11 points. Dhananjaya was left off the field as a ball directed by Glenn Phillips hit the wicket straight.
After that, Angelo Mathews, who entered the field to bat again, added 72 runs together with Kamindu Mendis for the 4th wicket of the innings.
Meanwhile, Kamindu Mendis was able to record his 5th Test half-century in his Test career. Also, Kamindu Mendis was able to become the second batsman in the world to reach the 50-run mark in 7 matches since his debut Test match.Before him, Pakistan's Saud Shakeel set a world record by scoring more than 50 runs in his first 7 Test matches.
Angelo Mathews, who was dismissed as the 5th wicket, could score only 36 runs.
Kusal Mendis, who joined Kamindu when Sri Lanka was under pressure after Mathews' dismissal, added a crucial 103 runs for the 6th wicket of the innings. Kusal Mendis scored his 19th half-century in his Test career after a ton, but left the field as the 6th wicket for 50 runs.Kamindu Mendis, who was dismissed as the last wicket of the day, scored 114 runs, which is the fourth century of Kamindu's Test career. Kamindu's beautiful innings, recorded in 173 balls, included 11 fours.
However, by the time the day ended, Ramesh Mendis was on 14 runs and Prabhat Jayasuriya was batting unbeaten.
While bowling for New Zealand, William O'Rowkie took 3 wickets and Glenn Phillips took 2 wickets.
Score summary
Sri Lanka 1st innings - 302/7 (88) - Pathum Nissanka 27, Dimuth Karunaratne 2, Dinesh Chandimal 30, Angelo Mathews 36, Kamindu Mendis 114, Dhananjaya de Silva 11, Kusal Mendis 50, Ramesh Mendis 14 not out, William O'Rowkie 54/3, Tim Southee 48/1, Glenn Phillips 52/2, Ajaz Patel 58/1.
