Sri Lanka’s 302 for 7 score on day one of their 1st Test against New Zealand at Galle was a testament to their resilience, led by Kamindu Mendis’ stunning century. While New Zealand struck at crucial moments, Sri Lanka was ultimately successful in taking control of the match by stumps. Here’s an in-depth breakdown of each momentous moment from Day 1, setting up what promises to be an action-packed Test match!
How Did Kamindu Mendis Anchor Sri Lanka’s Innings?
Kamindu Mendis continued his brilliant Test cricket journey by scoring his fourth century in only his sixth match – -off 173 deliveries! It was an innings full of patience and precision shot selection as Kamindu helped stabilize Sri Lanka’s innings through two vital partnerships.
Kamindu began by sharing an opening partnership of 72 runs with Angelo Mathews, who in his battle against New Zealand bowlers had made up some ground. Following Mathews’ departure, Kusal Mendis provided Kamindu with the perfect partner, contributing 103 runs between them for the sixth wicket – propelling Sri Lanka back towards a competitive batting position by day’s end.
Kamindu was remarkable in his use of his feet against New Zealand spinners. By frequently stepping off the pitch and forcing New Zealand bowlers to adjust their lengths, he kept scoring fast while not giving bowlers time to settle into any one approach. His controlled aggression ensured the scoreboard kept moving quickly while not giving them time to settle in and secure an advantage for themselves.
What Part Did New Zealand Bowlers Play in Restricting Sri Lanka’s Progress?
New Zealand’s bowlers did their best to contain Sri Lanka, led by Will O’Rourke who managed three wickets for 54 runs despite Kamindu’s brilliance. Will set the tone early on by dismissing both Sri Lankan openers – Dimuth Karunaratne and Pathum Nissanka within one hour – along with disciplined line and length combined with late movement off the pitch which caused problems to Sri Lanka’s batsmen for most of the day.
O’Rourke also took swift action by dismissing Mathews just before the tea break, ending his important knock of 36 off 116 balls that was poised for continuation with Kamindu as Mathews looked for stability to rebuild the innings with him. New Zealand knew they must seize this momentous opportunity as Mathews looked set on stabilising and rebuilding.
Glenn Phillips made another key contribution, taking two wickets for 52 runs with his off-spin to contribute two wickets at 51 runs each with Dhananjaya de Silva being dismissed with an off-spin ball that turned sharply and hit him square in off stump. Phillips could have had more impressive figures had it not been for missing an opportunity against Kamindu when the latter was 21; still, his figures reflected his contribution well enough.
How Did Kusal Mendis’ Aggressive Action Help Sri Lanka?
Kusal Mendis added an aggressive spark to the partnership, taking pressure off his partner by smashing 50 runs off just 68 balls to put New Zealand bowlers under immense strain and keep runs flowing freely. From his arrival, his intention was clear – attack spinners while keeping runs flowing freely!
Kusal’s knock was pivotal to Sri Lanka reaching an advantageous stance during this match, providing Kamindu the confidence he needed to flourish and play his natural game. Unfortunately for Kusal, however, his innings were cut short when an unsuccessful pull attempt from Glenn Phillips’s delivery deflected off the short leg’s hand before ballooning towards midwicket where it was easily caught by the short leg.
Does Angelo Mathews’ Injury Impact Sri Lanka’s Plans?
Angelo Mathews did not enjoy an easy day. After being struck on his right forefinger by an O’Rourke delivery that seamed in sharply, he temporarily retired hurt and then later returned but with limited fluency; scoring 36 from 116 balls provided essential stability at key moments during their innings.
Sri Lanka struggled to score freely during the middle session due to Mathews’ inability to accelerate, compounded with softening ball conditions, making scoring challenging for them. Mathews was eventually run out off O’Rourke just before tea; marking an exasperating period both personally and collectively for Mathews and Sri Lanka.
How Did New Zealand Commence Successfully and Could More Have Been Done?
New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Will O’Rourke in particular, started the day impressively on an initially helpful Galle pitch for seamers. O’Rourke made full use of these conditions by sending back both openers quickly while inflicting physical damage upon Mathews with one burst from O’Rourke causing major disruption for Mathews himself.
New Zealand will come away regretting missed opportunities; an error-riddled catch when Kamindu was on 21 could prove pivotal; had New Zealand managed to remove this centurion early, the course of play may have taken an altogether different course.
Phillips led his spinners with discipline but without enough breakthrough power for Mitchell Santner to record any wickets; although Santner wasn’t successful despite making efforts that led to opportunities but were ultimately not taken advantage of.
What Lies Ahead for Both Teams?
As Day Two commences, Sri Lanka is in an advantageous position at 302 for 7. Ramesh Mendis (14) and Prabath Jayasuriya (0*) will look to push their total beyond 350 and build on what should be an increasingly unstable pitch as they seek an edge ahead.
Early wickets on the second morning will be crucial for New Zealand, who possess enough firepower to take down tailenders quickly while their left-hand heavy batting lineup should prove effective at combating Sri Lanka’s spinners’ spin-based deliveries, which will likely produce turn and-bounce on uneven pitches.
This match is delicately balanced; how the teams fare during Day 2’s first session could set the scene for what lies ahead during this Test match.
