Wellington: Concerted pressure from New Zealand’s bowling attack pushed them to the brink of victory in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Hagley Oval here Saturday.
Sri Lanka, chasing an improbable 660 for victory, were 231 for six at stumps on the fourth day, with Dilruwan Perera (22 batting) and Suranga Lakmal (16 batting) set to resume Sunday needing to bat the entire day to save the match and series.
The tourists lost two early wickets in their response but had resumed Saturday on 24 for two with captain Dinesh Chandimal on 14 and Kusal Mendis on six.
Despite a solid start, their hopes of saving the test effectively ended in the session before tea with the dismissal of Mendis and an injury to Angelo Mathews.
Mendis (67), who joined India captain Virat Kohli as the only players to surpass 1,000 Test runs in 2018, fell after lunch to a superb diving catch by Matt Henry at mid-off. It ended a 117-run partnership between Mendis and Chandimal.
Mathews pulled up after completing a run and immediately clutched at his left hamstring. He received treatment on the field but was clearly hampered and could do nothing but play from the crease and hop when Chandimal called him through for a run.
The former captain did not return after the tea break and is expected to have scans later Saturday, although it is doubtful he will bat Sunday. Neil Wagner (3/47) was the best bowler for New Zealand.
Brief scores: New Zealand 178 and 585/4 decl; Sri Lanka 104 and 231/6 (Kusal Mendis 67; Neil Wagner 3/47). Match to continue.
