Twitter Reactions: Sri Lanka beats New Zealand by 88 runs

After a 602 run innings declaration, Sri Lankan bowlers dominated New Zealand, limiting them to just 88 runs in the second innings. Three Sri Lankan players scored hundreds of runs in the first innings, so the pitch wasn’t too horrible for the batters, but the Tim Southee-led team appeared completely lost. However, New Zealand found themselves in serious danger in Galle as a result of their inability to handle Prabhat Jayasuriya’s spin.

Asitha Fernando overcame veteran hitter Tom Latham in the first over itself, and Latham’s opening partner Devon Conway left the game after scoring nine runs. One of the greatest Test batsmen of all time, Kane Williamson, went for seven wickets, while Ajaz Patel, who was put in at number four, managed just eight runs.

While keeper-battler Tom Blundell scored one run, Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell failed to leave an impression as well, scoring 10 and 13 runs, respectively. Even though Glenn Phillips batted at number eight, Jayasuriya outplayed him and he was unable to start his tally.

In the first innings, he took six wickets while Nishan Perris claimed three. The visitors largely appeared to be ignorant of the rules of spin, although the spinners received some assistance from the surface.

Their leading scorer in the first inning with 29 runs was Mitchell Santner. He made a mistake with his footwork, which Nishan exploited to bowl him. After that, Sri Lanka declared a follow-on and seized a commanding 514-run advantage. The hosts would be hoping to change the course of the match on Day 3 alone if the Kiwi batsmen continue to lack bravery against the Sri Lankan spinners.

Also Read: Twitter Reactions: Dinesh Chandimal century helps Sri Lanka tighten grip on Galle

One issue that has to be resolved right away is the visitors’ lack of character when handling spinners. In the third inning, it is the senior batters—Latham, Williamson, and Mitchell—who must assume accountability.

Here’s how X reacted:

9th Five wicket haul in Test cricket by Prabath Jayasuriya.

– 8th at Galle in just 15 innings. pic.twitter.com/mJqyW5t33f

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 28, 2024

Prabath Jayasuriya’s achievement of his 9th five-wicket haul, especially the 8th at Galle in just 15 innings, is truly remarkable! It highlights not only his talent but also his dedication and hard work. His journey inspires aspiring cricketers to strive for excellence and…

— Rohit Agrawal (@rohitsmb) September 28, 2024

SRI LANKA – 602/5.

NEW ZEALAND – 88/10.

Prabath Jayasuriya picked 6/42 – Sri Lanka with the lead of 514 runs. pic.twitter.com/RnjmODz4Bu

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 28, 2024

Sri Lanka is well & Truly back to their old form
The old srilanka is back. They defeated India in odi’s they defeated England in 2nd test now they’re dominating Black caps

— Akshay Kumar R (@McLaren_Pubg77) September 28, 2024

Kane Williamson dismissed for 7 in 53 balls. pic.twitter.com/BV4CuTZDIY

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 28, 2024

Downfall Kane

— Bharat Cricket Army (@Hindustani57041) September 28, 2024

An eighth five-wicket haul for Prabath Jayasuriya in Galle #WTC25 | #SLvNZ : https://t.co/cFtgHt5y3g pic.twitter.com/3TgXmtmlKP

— ICC (@ICC) September 28, 2024

Prabath Jayasuriya loves to pick fifers. Beautiful bowling once again.. He is the backbone of Sri Lanka bowling line up like Rangana Herath used to be in test cricket.

— Syeda Maimona (@ta24563) September 28, 2024

Exceptional performance from Sri Lanka spinners sees New Zealand bowled out for a low total in Galle.#WTC25 | #SLvNZ : https://t.co/gd8ro07Np2 pic.twitter.com/T4CBxVQzix

— ICC (@ICC) September 28, 2024

Sri Lanka’s spinners delivered a masterclass in Galle. dismantling New Zealand’s batting lineup and securing a commanding victory.@ICC @SriLankaTweet

— Muhammad Azhar (@2311Azhar) September 28, 2024

Prabath Jayasuriya’s Test bowling record at Galle:

– 6/118
– 6/59
– 5/82
– 4/135
– 3/80
– 5/117
– 7/52
– 3/56
– 5/174
– 2/88
– 3/145
– 4/56
– 4/136
– 5/68
– 6/42*

– Jayasuriya has phenomenal at Galle showcasing remarkable skill and consistency throughout performances! #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/btOx6J75hj

— Shamim Sports. (@ShamimSports) September 28, 2024

9th Five-Wicket Haul in Test cricket by Prabath Jayasuriya.

His 8th at Galle in just 15 innings. #PrabathJayasuriya #SLvNZ #SLvsNZ pic.twitter.com/qzpc8I9bTF

— Saabir Zafar (@Saabir_Saabu01) September 28, 2024

SRI LANKA – 602/5.

NEW ZEALAND – 88/10.

Prabath Jayasuriya picked 6/42 – Sri Lanka with the lead of 514 runs. pic.twitter.com/RnjmODz4Bu

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) September 28, 2024