NZ complete emphatic win

New Zealand v Sri Lanka
Basin Reserve, Wellington
Day 4

New Zealand bowled their way to an emphatic win by an innings and 38 runs, thereby sealing the two-Test series 1-0. The Kiwi seamers made good use of the swinging conditions, claiming the nine remaining Sri Lankan wickets.

Sri Lanka made their intentions clear in the first hour, as Marvan Atapattu and nightwatchman Maharoof frustrated the NZ bowlers. The nightwatchman ultimately outlasted his senior partner, as Atapattu fell on 16, caught in the slips attempting to drive Franklin. Maharoof lasted another hour before finally succumbing, caught behind on 36 after a 116-ball vigil, with Mills taking his first wicket of the match.

After the initial resistance offered by Sri Lanka, it was a steady slide to defeat as the home side found their rhythm. Jayawardene was caught in two minds on 13, edging Franklin. Sangakkara managed a resilient 45, but he too was outdone by Franklin’s swing, missing a full delivery which cannoned into his off-stump. Nathan Astle soon looked to add to his three first-innings wickets, beginning with that of Samaraweera. An uncomfortable 17 ended with another slip catch for Stephen Fleming, putting Sri Lanka in further trouble at 164/6, still requiring a further 147 to make New Zealand bat again.

Mills returned to complete Shantha Kalavitigoda’s miserable debut, the Sri Lankan batsman managing only one to add to his first-innings seven. It required a stunning one-handed catch from McCullum after Kalavitigoda edged an outswinger, and effectively ended Sri Lanka’s hopes of survival at 177/7. Tillakaratne Dilshan saw no use in hanging about, and took the opportunity to gain some hitting practice, to the tune of ten fours and a six. After an impressive but ultimately useless 73 off 99, he was bowled by Astle attempting to slog on the legside.

Astle struck again soon later after Chandana missed a straight ball on eight. The end was finally signalled after a few big hits from Vaas, attempting one too many and playing on to his stumps to give Franklin a fourth wicket. Sri Lanka were bowled out for 273, giving New Zealand victory by an innings and 38 runs, and with it the series, after the first-Test draw. The obvious choice for Man of the Match was Lou Vincent, who scored a magnificient 224 to turn the course of the match.

Score Summary:

SRI LANKA 211 all out in 65.1 overs
TT Samaraweera 73, UDU Chandana 41;
CS Martin 6-54, NJ Astle 3-35

NEW ZEALAND 522/9 dec. in 146 overs
L Vincent 224, SP Fleming 88;
WPUJC Vaas 6-108

SRI LANKA 273 all out in 92.5 overs
TM Dilshan 73, KC Sangakkara 45;
JEC Franklin 4-71, NJ Astle 3-27

Result: New Zealand win by an innings and 38 runs
Series: New Zealand win the two-Test series 1-0

Cricket Web Player of the Match: Lou Vincent (224)