B.J Watling Rescue New Zealand and Put them in Strong Position
A half-century fight by wicketkeeper and batsman B.J. Watling helped New Zealand take a 177th lead on day three in the first test match against Sri Lanka at Galle on Friday.
New Zealand, which followed Sri Lanka by 18 runs in the first innings, finished with 195 to seven and a goal of around 200 could prove complicated for the hosts.
Spinners have long ruled the chicken coop in Galle and towards the end of the game tend to be even more threatening.
The most successful chase here is 99 by Sri Lanka against Pakistan in 2014 and armed with a three-pointed attack, New Zealand should already feel comfortable.
It was a thrilling test day with both teams fighting tooth and nail for initiative and at the stumps on day three, New Zealand emerged at the top thanks to the efforts of Watling, who ended up undefeated in 63.
New Zealand had slumped to 25 for three losing hitters, Ross Taylor (3) and Kane Williamson (4) at a low price and with 124 to six with only one lead of 106 runs and four wickets remaining, were playing to catch up.
But Watling found an ideal teammate in Tim Southee, as the pair shared a 54-stroke position to change the game in New Zealand's favor.
Sri Lanka was neglected in the field with Tim Southee down three times. Lasith Embuldeniya provided the much-needed advance when Southee gave him the cargo and Niroshan Dickwella left him perplexed. He made 23. It was Embuldeniya's fourth wicket at the entrances.
Watling had been given a leg before to Embuldeniya when he was in one. But the batter successfully reviewed the decision. Watling, who has six hundreds of Tests and posted an unbeaten best in his 142nd race against Sri Lanka, was once again a thorn in his flesh with an undefeated 63 coming out of 138 balls with five fours.
Previously, after resuming 227 to seven, Niroshan Dickwella scored the best score for Sri Lanka with 61 by moving to 267th place. Dickwella and Suranga Lakmal were involved in a crucial 81-run position for the eighth wicket that allowed them to take the lead.
To Watch New Zealand vs Sri Lanka Live Streaming Click Here
0 Comments