Prabath Jayasuriya’s performance in the two-Test series against New Zealand was nothing short of remarkable. Across four innings, he bowled a total of 122.4 overs, claiming 18 wickets at an impressive average of 21.39. His economy rate of 3.14 suggests that he maintained tight control throughout, making it difficult for the New Zealand batters to score freely. His best bowling figures of 6/42 underscore his match-winning abilities, while he recorded two five-wicket hauls, further highlighting his dominance over the Kiwi lineup. Jayasuriya’s sharp turn and accuracy, combined with subtle variations, kept the New Zealand batters on edge, forcing them into frequent errors.

Throughout the series, Jayasuriya's ability to build pressure was evident, as he bowled a significant 517 dot balls. He effectively neutralized the scoring threats, conceding just 29 boundaries and 10 sixes, often trapping the batters with clever field placements and spinning deliveries. His strike rate of 40.89 indicates that he consistently broke through the batting order at regular intervals, ensuring that New Zealand could not establish any long-lasting partnerships. Jayasuriya’s performance was the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s bowling attack, as he exposed the weaknesses of the New Zealand batters in facing quality spin bowling, making him the standout performer of the series.

See Also: Ravindra Jadeja's 300+ wickets in test career analysis

Prabath Jayasuriya's Mastery Over New Zealand’s Batting Lineup: A Detailed Breakdown

The New Zealand batters found themselves in a battle against Prabath Jayasuriya's spin throughout the two-Test series, as his clever use of angles, flight, and turn created consistent problems for the visitors. One of his key achievements was removing major players from the Kiwi lineup, each of whom struggled to handle his deceptive spin. Ajaz Patel, who faced Jayasuriya for eight overs, managed to score only 22 runs before falling victim to his sharp bowling. Patel’s strike rate was restricted to 48.0, and his dismissal reflected Jayasuriya's ability to get through the lower order quickly. Similarly, Devon Conway, a top-order threat for New Zealand, managed to survive for only 6.4 overs against the spinner before being dismissed. With an economy of 4.50, Conway's attacking instincts were visible, but Jayasuriya trapped him, allowing just 30 runs before the breakthrough.

All-rounder Daryl Mitchell, who is known for his resilience, fared better than some of his teammates but still struggled to counter Jayasuriya's variations. Over 11.3 overs, Mitchell scored 38 runs, and despite a reasonable economy rate of 3.30, Jayasuriya’s mastery over him was evident in the two crucial wickets he claimed, forcing the Kiwi all-rounder into errors with pressure-building tactics. Glenn Phillips also encountered similar issues, scoring 47 runs over 11.5 overs, but his aggressive attempts were curtailed by Jayasuriya’s smart field placements and turn. Phillips fell twice to Jayasuriya, with an economy rate of 3.97, showing how the spinner kept him in check while getting through his defenses.

New Zealand’s star batsman Kane Williamson, who is often the backbone of their lineup, faced the most overs against Jayasuriya (22.5) but couldn’t escape his spin web. Williamson scored 66 runs at a cautious rate, maintaining an economy of 2.89. Jayasuriya’s ability to hold Williamson at bay with accurate lines and lengths was vital in destabilizing the Kiwi innings, as he eventually claimed the prized wicket twice. Even the solid Tom Latham, in just two innings, managed 39 runs at an economy of 3.84, but Jayasuriya’s persistence wore him down, dismissing him once at a key moment.

Jayasuriya’s impact extended beyond the top-order batters, as he also made inroads against the lower middle order and tail-enders. Mitchell Santner, a dangerous player down the order, faced 11 overs, scoring only 34 runs before being removed by Jayasuriya, who bowled with an impressive economy of 3.09. Rachin Ravindra, who had been in good form coming into the series, could only manage 46 runs in 15.5 overs before Jayasuriya snared his wicket with his ability to maintain tight lines and frustrate the batter. His economy of 2.91 showed how hard Ravindra had to work for his runs, and Jayasuriya’s relentless pressure was the key to his dismissal.

The Sri Lankan spinner was particularly effective against the tail-enders. Tim Southee, New Zealand’s captain and lower-order hitter, was rendered ineffective by Jayasuriya’s guile. Southee was dismissed three times in just 4.1 overs, managing only 15 runs with an astonishingly low average of 5.0 and a strike rate of 8.3. Jayasuriya’s ability to remove Southee quickly, along with his dismissal of players like Will O’Rourke and Tom Blundell (who did manage 46 runs but fell three times), ensured that New Zealand’s lower order offered little resistance. Jayasuriya’s control and effectiveness were underscored by his high dot ball percentage, with players like O’Rourke facing 92.9% dot balls and being removed cheaply.

See Also: Can India overcome early new ball struggles in the second test?

Sri Lanka are close to winning the two-match home Test series against New Zealand after continuing their dominance on the third day of the last Test at Galle.

Leading the series by 1-0, Sri Lanka chose to bat first in the second Test. With the help of three centuries (Dinesh Chandimal 116, Kamindu Mendis 182*, and Kusal Mendis 106*), Sri Lanka scored 602/5 before the declaration. 

New Zealand started the third day of the Test at 22/2 and were all out for only 88 runs in the first session. They were forced to follow on and scored 3/1 at lunch. From the second session of the day, the visiting batters showed some fighting spirit and ended the day at 199/5.

During New Zealand’s first innings, the left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya took six wickets (6/42), while the debutant off-spinner Nishan Peiris picked up three wickets (3/33), and the right-arm pacer Asitha Fernando bagged one wicket (1/8).

Here are some key stats from day three of the second Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand

SEE ALSO: Kamindu sets new milestone, equaling Bradman’s record

New Zealand were bowled out for 88 runs

• It was the first time New Zealand completed a Test innings against Sri Lanka in less than three figures. The Blackcaps’ previous lowest Test innings against Sri Lanka was 102 all out at Colombo (SSC) in 1992. 
• It was also the lowest completed total in a Test innings between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. The previous record was 93 all out by Sri Lanka at Wellington in 1983. 
• Since 2014, it was the second-lowest completed total for New Zealand in a Test innings. The lowest record in this record book is 62 all out against India at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai in 2021.
• Since 2010, it was the second-lowest completed total in a Test innings in Sri Lanka. The record lowest total in this list is 73 all out for South Africa at Galle in 2018.
  

Prabath Jayasuriya had the bowling figures of 18-6-42-6 during New Zealand’s first innings 

• These were the record bowling figures in a Test innings by a Sri Lankan bowler against New Zealand. The previous record is 18-3-43-6 by the left-arm spinner Rangana Herath at Galle in 2012. 
• Also, Prabath Jayasuriya recorded the third-best bowling figures in a Test innings in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test cricket history.

Best bowling figures in a Test innings in Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test matches

Cricket is a game known for its moments of brilliance and occasional oddities. On Day 3 of the second Test between Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in Dhaka, viewers witnessed one such bizarre incident that left many scratching their heads.

Description of the Incident

In the 21st over of the second innings, with Prabath Jayasuriya at the crease, Bangladesh was tightening the screws on Sri Lanka. Having already lost six wickets, the pressure was mounting on the visitors. Hasan Mahmud, the bowler, delivered a length ball that Jayasuriya guided towards the gully.

See Also: Suresh Raina speaks about Dhoni’s retirement

Analysis of the Incident

Instead of the usual one or two fielders giving chase, a total of five fielders were seen running after the ball. It was an unprecedented sight, raising eyebrows among spectators and commentators alike. This peculiar tactic was aimed at building pressure on Jayasuriya, who was already facing a daunting task against the Bangladeshi bowling attack.

After this bizarre incident, social media critics hilariously trolled the Bangladeshi fielders. Take a look at the troll:

Overview of the Match Situation

Sri Lanka had dominated the match so far, having taken a commanding lead of 531 runs in the first innings. With such a substantial advantage, they were in a prime position to clinch the series.

On the other hand, Bangladesh faced an uphill battle, especially considering their poor performance with the bat in the series thus far. Chasing over 450 runs was going to be a monumental task for them.

In the final Test against Bangladesh, visitors posted a massive 531 on Day 2 on Sunday, thanks to six batters getting past half-century marks. In response, Bangladesh reached 55/1 at stumps, trailing by 476 runs. Kamindu Mendis scored twin centuries in the first test that Sri Lanka won by a crushing 328 runs.

Bangladesh’s Bowling Performance

Despite the odds stacked against them, Bangladesh’s bowlers showed resilience and determination in the second innings. They managed to put up a commendable performance, restricting Sri Lanka’s scoring opportunities and taking crucial wickets.