In the second Test of their series, New Zealand lost badly against Sri Lanka. After a brilliant performance in Galle, Sri Lanka also won the first Test, and the hosts sealed the two-game series with another strong effort.
New Zealand captain Tim Southee took centre stage and discussed his side’s performance in the Test series as the series ended in disappointment for the visitors.
Following their first series loss over Sri Lanka since 2009, Southee conceded that the country is a difficult place for New Zealand to tour. Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by an innings and 154 runs in the second Test.
In the news conference following the game, Tim Southee remarked, “India is very similar to this part of the world.”
On the wrong side of a tough one, very tough. But it’s not easy to arrive here. We should have pushed a little bit harder in the first game, but I think this match was much harder. Gotta return home, reassemble, and go again.
In the second Test, Kamindu Mendis wins Player of the Match.
In relation to the game, Sri Lanka was put in to bat first to start the second Test in Galle. Along with Kamindu Mendis, who scored 182 runs in 250 deliveries without losing, Angelo Mathews contributed 88 runs to the score. Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal scored 116 and 46 runs, respectively. Sri Lanka declared their innings after scoring 602 runs in the first innings.
Also Read: SL vs NZ 2024: Dhananjaya de Silva reflects on historic whitewash of New Zealand
With such a huge total at stake, Sri Lanka restricted New Zealand to just 88 runs in the opening session. The tourists then proceeded to score 360 runs in the second session, ultimately losing by an innings and 154 runs. Kamindu Mendis earned Player of the Match following the game for his outstanding 182 run first-inning effort.