New Zealand emerged within sight of victory in the second Test against Sri Lanka after a dramatic third day here that saw 16 wickets fall and a host of plot twists
Hamilton: New Zealand emerged within sight of victory in the second Test against Sri Lanka after a dramatic third day here that saw 16 wickets fall and a host of plot twists.
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Kane Williamson en route his unbeaten 78 yesterday. Pic/AFP
At 142-5 in their second innings at stumps, New Zealand were 47 short of their target but had Kane Williamson going strongly on 78 not out, with a 2-0 series victory looking the most likely outcome.
But they were struggling in the face of the hostility of Sri Lanka paceman Dushmantha Chameera, who a day on from completing his first five-wicket haul in Tests had picked up another haul of four.
After last man Trent Boult fell for an early duck in the morning session to bring the home side’s first innings to a halt, all out for 237 to trail by 55 runs, New Zealand tore Sri Lanka out for 133 second time around.
The tourists were in the ascendancy at 71 without loss, leading by 126 overall, but it went horribly wrong. All 10 Sri Lankan wickets fell in a period of 14 overs. Tim Southee swiped four.