‘Put up a spirited show’ - Twitter reacts to Sri Lanka’s brilliant performance against New Zealand on Day 2 of first Test

After a remarkable batting performance in the first innings of the match against the hosts New Zealand, the Lankan Lions have replicated the same with the ball. With the desire to qualify for the finals of the World Test Championship (WTC), the Dimuth Karunaratne-led side has put up a great show so far and with that, Sri Lanka remained in the driver’s seat after Day 2 of the first Test.

Following Karunaratne and Kusal Mendis’ heroics with the bat, Sri Lanka posted 355 runs on board in the first innings. Dhananjaya de Silva was looking brilliant but soon after his dismissal, the Lankans were put under pressure. In the end, the team management will be happy with the score they have put on the board.

Meanwhile with the ball, the visiting team has worked wonders. They dismissed the dangerous duo of Devon Conway (30) and Kane Williamson (1) early in the match and with that, New Zealand were always on the back foot. Opener Tom Latham fought back and scored a much-needed half-century for New Zealand but he too couldn’t capitalise on his start. The 30-year-old was dismissed by Asitha Fernando as he also picked up the wicket of Conway.

On the other hand, Lahiru Kumara picked up the wickets of Williamson and Henry Nicholls (2) while Kasun Rajitha dismissed Tom Blundell for 7.

At the end of the day’s play, Michael Bracewell (9 off 18 deliveries) and Daryl Mitchell (40 off 89 deliveries) are currently on the crease and this undoubtedly is going to be a very important partnership for the hosts. The home side is currently trailing by 193 runs and thus, it can be concluded that Sri Lanka will be very happy with their position at the moment. Now, if the visiting side manages to get some quick wickets on the morning of Day 3, they can very well eye a historic victory at Hagley Oval in Christchurch. 

Here's how Twitter reacted -

Aakash Chopra@cricketaakash

India is struggling to take Australia’s fifth wicket…Sri Lanka has put up a spirited show vs NZ in the opening Test. A berth in #WTC final has put an exciting twist to these two series.

10:29 AM · Mar 10, 2023

1.3K36

Setu@setusavla

Australia Dominating India and Sri Lanka Dominating NewZealand. Bad News related to WTC Final on the way ?? #INDvsAUS #NZvsSL #wtcfinal

11:12 AM · Mar 10, 2023

00

Naleef Ahamed@naleef_ahamed

In the mid of the ward round, secretly watching the match with colleagues. And Asitha produces that magical delivery, how difficult it was to control our emotions. We screamed secretly, thankfully no one heard us #NZvsSL

10:10 AM · Mar 10, 2023

20

Pavan@pavanacp28

NZ beaten IND in the WTC final, looks like this time they will diminish the hope of IND playing WTC final by losing to SL at home🫢. NZ team not even competing at home against SL😇. #INDvsAUS #WTC2023 #BGT2023 #BorderGavaskarTrophy #NZvsSL

10:09 AM · Mar 10, 2023

00

Adam Bell 🇳🇿🇮🇹@AdamKerrBell

Sri Lanka's seamers have bowled brilliantly today. #NZvsSL

10:08 AM · Mar 10, 2023

00

Sam Jenkins@samjenkins1987

How is Henry Nicholls still in the Black Caps test side? In 2.5 years he’s scored 1 century and 1 half century in 24 innings at an average of less than 20 batting at 5. Crazy he still gets picked #NZvsSL

09:54 AM · Mar 10, 2023

00

Sangamesh V@imsangamesh17

Lahiru Kumara is bowling is like a venom. Such a crazy good spell from this muscular man. Sends Williamson and Nicholls to the pavilion and still going hard🥵🔥 #NZvsSL

09:18 AM · Mar 10, 2023

10

Cow Corner@CowCorner183

New Zealand are gonna end up with zero series wins in this WTC 👀 #NZvsSL

08:47 AM · Mar 10, 2023

312

Player_Of_The_Day@Player_TheDay

ICC tournaments - NZ - Trophy for India. Will be the Indian fan's worst nightmare ever... #BGT2023 #INDvsAUS #NZvsSL #NZvSL #WTCFinal

10:53 AM · Mar 10, 2023

10

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