GALLE: Mahela Jayawardene cracked an impressive 91 to lead Sri Lanka’s fightback on an absorbing second day of the opening Test against New Zealand in Galle yesterday.
Sri Lanka were in deep trouble at 50 for five following fast-bowler Tim Southee’s three-wicket burst in the morning before posting 247 in their first-innings in reply to New Zealand’s 221.
Captain Jayawardene and vice-captain Angelo Mathews (79) earlier propped up the innings with a 156-run stand for the sixth wicket.
The tourists reached 35 for one in their second-innings at stumps after losing hard-hitting opener Brendon McCullum.
The hosts looked like gaining a big lead when they reached 206 for five but lost their last five wickets, including those of Jayawardene and Mathews, for 41 runs.
“We were hoping for a bigger lead but you can’t be greedy after being 20 for four and 50 for five,” said Sri Lanka coach Graham Ford.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 19th, 2012.
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