Senior batters Tom Latham and Kane Williamson took charge of New Zealand’s reply during the afternoon session on Day 2 in Galle, following Sri Lanka’s dismissal for 305 in the morning. Despite Sri Lanka’s struggles in the second session, they managed to dismiss Latham just before Tea, leaving New Zealand at 136/2 at the break.
Latham’s Stylish Start
Latham began the session impressively, hitting Asitha Fernando for two boundaries in one over—one down the ground and another through square leg. Fernando also conceded four byes in that over. Latham and Devon Conway made steady but slow progress, even as Dhananjaya de Silva came into the attack against the two left-handers.
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Conway’s Dismissal
De Silva bowled only two overs before Ramesh Mendis took over and made a breakthrough in his sixth over. Mendis’s LBW appeal against Conway was initially turned down by the on-field umpire, but Sri Lanka’s decision to review proved successful.
Building the Innings
For just over an hour, Latham and Williamson maintained the New Zealand innings without further damage. Post-drinks, Williamson attacked Mendis, hitting him for a six over long-on and then pulling a short ball for four. This aggressive approach forced Sri Lanka to adjust its plans and lengths.
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Latham and Williamson’s Big Stand
Comfortable Partnership Ends Late
Latham and Williamson eventually settled into a strong partnership, with both batters growing increasingly comfortable at the crease. Latham, in particular, was effective against the spinners, frequently using the sweep shot. However, his innings came to an end when he attempted a sweep against a ball from Prabath Jayasuriya that bounced higher than expected. The ball, after hitting the top edge, was caught by substitute fielder Sadeera Samarawickrama, who made a good diving catch from backward short leg. This wicket marked the end of the session.
Brief Scores
- New Zealand: 136/2 (Tom Latham 70, Kane Williamson 40*; Ramesh Mendis 1-33)
- Sri Lanka: 305 (Kamindu Mendis 114, Kusal Mendis 50; William O’Rourke 5-55, Glenn Phillips 2-52, Ajaz Patel 2-60)
New Zealand trails Sri Lanka by 169 runs.
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Latham and Williamson Lead New Zealand’s Response
Senior batters Tom Latham and Kane Williamson led New Zealand’s response in the afternoon session on Day 2 in Galle after Sri Lanka was dismissed for 305 in the morning. Despite Sri Lanka’s struggles in the second session, they managed to dismiss Latham just before Tea. At the break, New Zealand was 136/2.
Latham began the session with flair, hitting Asitha Fernando for two boundaries in an over—one down the ground and another through square leg. Fernando also conceded four byes in the same over. Latham and Devon Conway made slow but steady progress, even as Dhananjaya de Silva entered the attack against the two left-handers.
De Silva bowled only two overs before Ramesh Mendis took over and made a breakthrough in his sixth over. Mendis successfully appealed for LBW against Conway after the on-field umpire’s initial denial, and Sri Lanka’s review proved correct.
For just over an hour, Latham and Williamson built New Zealand’s innings without further loss. After the drinks break, Williamson aggressively attacked Mendis, hitting him for a six over long-on and a four off a short ball. This forced the spinner to change his approach, requiring Sri Lanka to devise new strategies for further breakthroughs.
The breakthrough came late in the session. Both Latham and Williamson had established a strong partnership, with Latham being particularly effective against the spinners using the sweep shot. However, Latham’s innings ended when he attempted a sweep against a higher-bouncing delivery from Prabath Jayasuriya. The ball lobbed off the top edge, and substitute fielder Sadeera Samarawickrama made a diving catch from backward short leg. The session ended with this dismissal.
