No doubt it was a welcome victory for the Sri Lankans and we can't even think how happy they would be after beating New Zealand in the Galle test. After the end of the first innings, New Zealand had a lead of 25 runs and everyone was of the point of view that they may dominate in this match. Even in the 2nd innings when Sri Lanka made only 309 runs, it seems that New Zealand will easily win this match. However, it was only the last innings of New Zealand where they collapsed on 211 runs and lost this match. Prabath Jayasuriya was simply unplayable and he took 5 wickets in that last innings.
Sri Lanka win over New Zealand was huge surprise. They were behind by 25 runs but did not give up. New Zealand seemed likely to win, especially with Sri Lanka scoring only 309 runs. But Prabath Jayasuriya amazing bowling changed everything taking 5 key wickets.
This win shows Sri Lanka determination and skill. Jayasuriya performance was incredible. Congratulations to Srilanka on their win.
New Zealand did not perform as well in the second innings as they did in the first innings. If two more batsmen like Rachin Ravindra could have played a good innings, New Zealand might have had a 100% chance of winning but no one could form a long partnership with him.
As Rachin Ravindra remained unbeaten at one end but at the other end if any batsman could have made a long unbeaten partnership then New Zealand could have won this match.
A 56-run partnership with Tom Blundell, if any other player could have put together a partnership or two like that, New Zealand would have won and I would have won the bet in the end. I also lost the bet to lose the New Zealand match.