New Zealand have now won four and drawn two of their last six series, last tasting a series defeat away against England in May 2013. PHOTO: AFP
Led by off-spinner Mark Craig who took 4-53, New Zealand ripped through Sri Lanka’s batting order in the second innings after setting them a 390-run target.
Sri Lanka were all out for 196, not helped by the questionable dismissal of Kumar Sangakkara.
The batting maestro’s 203 paved the way for Sri Lanka to hold a 135-run first-innings lead and New Zealand were in dire straits when they collapsed; already five down and only 24 runs ahead in their second innings.
But a world record sixth-wicket stand of 365 by Kane Williamson and BJ Watling turned the game in New Zealand’s favour, leaving Craig and quick bowlers Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell to polish off Sri Lanka on the final day.
“For so long we were miles behind the game and it took something pretty special for us to get out of trouble firstly and then be allowed to dictate play,” said New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum.
New Zealand sensed the win was on the cards when both Sangakkara and Angelo Mathews fell before lunch on the final day.
“Both guys [are] capable of winning games on their own, so to be able to get both of them out was huge and certainly at the lunch break we knew we were within reach of closing out the game,” added McCullum.
There remained a question mark, however, over Sangakkara’s caught behind dismissal. New Zealand wicketkeeper Watling did not initially join the appeal which was turned down.
However, McCullum sought a review and it took multiple replays before the third umpire Bruce Oxenford of Australia was convinced the technology showed there was the faintest nick.
Mathews, who needed his in-form batsman at the crease to have a chance to save the Test, tactfully refused to criticise the dismissal.
“That’s the way it goes and unfortunately, or fortunately, we have to take it as it comes,” he said, switching the blame for the ‘shocking turnaround’ on poor fielding including four let offs for Williamson on his way to an unbeaten 242.
“If we had held on to our catches, it would have been a different story. But they were able to reverse the pressure on us and we just couldn’t hold on,” he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 8th, 2015.
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