Sri Lanka won the series against New Zealand by an innings and 154 runs on the fourth day in Galle. This victory was Sri Lanka’s first test series win over New Zealand in 15 years, and it was one of the team’s most dominant performances against the Kiwis.
Prabath Jayasuriya, a left-arm spinner, was voted Player of the Series after taking 18 wickets in two matches. His unrelenting bowling decimated New Zealand’s batting line-up, especially in the second test. Kamindu Mendis was named Man of the Match for scoring an undefeated 182, helping Sri Lanka’s mammoth score of 602-5 declared.
New Zealand struggled, being bowled out for just 88 in the first innings. Although they demonstrated resilience in the second innings, reaching 360 runs, it was insufficient to match Sri Lanka’s dominance. Nishan Peiris, a debutant, played an important supporting role, taking nine wickets, five of which came in the second innings.
Sri Lanka captain Dananjaya de Silva praised his team’s spinners for their persistent pressure, which kept New Zealand under control. Meanwhile, New Zealand skipper Tim Southee was disappointed with wasted opportunities, particularly dropped catches and stumpings.
