Sri Lanka outplay New Zealand by 10 wickets in Galle Test

By Fathima Zanaida

GALLE, Sri Lanka (TheSportsNEXT) November 19, 2012: Left-arm off-spinner Rangana Herath claimed 11 wickets as Sri Lanka mauled New Zealand by 10 wickets in the first Test played at Galle International Stadium on Monday.

New Zealand were bowled out for 118 runs in their second innings, thus giving only 93 runs target for victory which the home side achieved without any loss as openers raced to target from 18.3 overs.

The match could last for less than three days as the pitch always offered something for both seamers and spinners as New Zealand were bowled out for 221 runs in their first innings before their bowlers pulled up their socks to restrict Sri Lanka to 247 runs in their first innings.

However, the match changed completely on third day when New Zealand started at 35 for one but the whole team was bundled out for only 118 runs just after lunch break.

Sri Lankan debutant Dimuth Karunaratne played exceptionally well to remain not out at 60 while Tharanga Paranavitana scored 31 not out as the hosts accomplished the meager target with over two days to spare.

This is the fifth straight loss for New Zealand in Test cricket after losing two matches each to West Indies and India.

Rangana Herath was declared Man of the Match for super bowling performance as he told the presentation party, “I enjoy bowling here. I stick to the basics. I saw on (that I was the leading wicket-taker in 2012)”.

Losing skipper Ross Taylor said, "Herath put us under pressure all the while. The way schedules are these days it can't be helped (lack of warm-ups). The new ball bowlers bowled exceptionally well. The partnership between Angelo and Mahela took the game away. I'm sure there will be a couple of changes before the next Test, but we will have to see the wicket."

Winning captain Mahela Jayawardene said, “He (Herath) has taken a lot of responsibility. This morning he showed a lot of control with the ball and kept the pressure on. It's a great venue and I enjoy batting here. When Dilshan is fit he will walk straight into the side, positive to see Dimuth bat. Happy with the young talent but it's a work in progress."

The second Test will be played at the P Sara Oval on Sunday.