Twitter Reactions: Sri Lanka fight but New Zealand on course for fourth consecutive Test series victory

Chandimal and Mendis slammed half-centuries but Mathews' injury has sold Sri Lanka down the river.

By Aditya Gajanan Kukalyekar verified

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4 Min Read

Neil Wagner
info
Neil Wagner. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

Sri Lanka once again showed some resilience like the first Test on the fourth day of the series decider in Christchurch. While it was Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis in Wellington, Dinesh Chandimal stepped up to the plate today. He joined hands with Mendis once again and defied New Zealand for almost two sessions. But the hosts plugged away with four wickets and with Mathews injured, the Islanders’ backs are against the wall going into the fifth day.

The day once again began with New Zealand on top and it was only a matter of time before skittling the opposition. But it was hard work for their bowlers. The duo of Chandimal and Mendis batted together for 53 overs and added 117 runs for the third wicket. They concentrated only on surviving and threatened once again to repeat the heroics of the series opener.

But Neil Wagner was pumped up this time as the short ball ploy did wonders for the Kiwis. Kusal Mendis was undone by one of the well-directed bouncers when he was batting well on 67. Mathews then joined the skipper Chandimal and they continued their defensive approach.

Mathews’ injury leaves SL reeling

Just when one felt that the visitors won’t lose any more wickets until sumps on the fourth day, Angelo Mathews’ injury came as a helping hand for New Zealand. After scoring 22 runs, Sri Lanka‘s most experienced batsman walked back retired hurt thereby opening one end. Soon Chandimal’s resistance was ended and Roshen Silva and Niroshan Dickwella also couldn’t add much to the total.

There was a chance of the game ending, but the duo of Dilruwan Perera and Suranga Lakmal fought it out for 50 balls to add 23 runs as Sri Lanka ended the day on 231/6. They are still hoping to save the game and will need a herculean effort from the unbeaten pair which looks unlikely. Also, Mathews will have to bat out of his skins amidst injury and it will be interesting to see the approach of New Zealand.

Here’s how Twitter reacted during the course of the day:

[interaction id=”5c262f5eba7b26ff61750ce0″]

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