Sri Lanka found themselves firmly in control, bolstered by the exceptional performances of their triple-centurion Dinesh Chandimal, along with Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis. This formidable trio propelled the team to a staggering 602/5, which was declared by captain Dhananjaya de Silva in the 164th over. In stark contrast, New Zealand faced a disastrous batting display, with no player managing to score more than 30 runs. The visitors’ struggles were compounded by debutant Nishan Pieris, who claimed three wickets, and Prabhath Jayasuriya, who delivered a devastating six-wicket haul, ultimately bundling New Zealand out for just 88 runs. Following this dismal performance, New Zealand was forced to follow on, but they continued to falter, losing quick wickets once again. Adding to their woes, Kane Williamson was dismissed after the top order collapsed, thanks to a spectacular catch by Ramesh Mendis.
On the second ball of the 23rd over, Pieris released a floated delivery just outside off stump. Williamson stepped down the pitch but misjudged his reach. A puff of dust erupted as the ball hit the ground, spinning back sharply and causing Williamson’s bat to close unexpectedly. His flick sent the ball racing toward long on, where Ramesh Mendis sprinted to his right. He positioned himself perfectly and snared the catch just in front of his chest. Although he collided with the ground with his head landing on the ground, the setback didn’t dampen his spirits. The Twitterverse erupted with praise for Mendis’ impressive effort.
What a catch
Again and again
Two excellent catches have derailed New Zealand’s response.
Chandimal took an excellent running catch to send back Conway on 61 off 62 balls. Now, Ramesh Mendis (sub) takes a superb catch near the ropes to get rid of Williamson on 46.
NZ 110/3— Omkar Mankame (@Oam_16) September 28, 2024
That’s a stunner and a half from Ramesh Mendis. Terrific catch! #SLvNZ
— Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7) September 28, 2024
Stunner and half
That’s a stunner and a half from Ramesh Mendis. Terrific catch! #SLvNZ
— Soorya Sesha (@sooryasesha7) September 28, 2024
Good one
Thats a sexy catch from Ramesh Mendis
— The Divine Beard (@Gerrardicted) September 28, 2024
Ramesh Mendis brilliantly taken.
— psyf (@PsyfeR888) September 28, 2024
The reason
Huge support
Nishan Peris , a better consistent spinner than Ramesh Mendis! Huge support to the Jayasuriya to pick wickets by bowling tight lengths with putting pressure on batsmen! #SLvNZ
— Dulith Kasun (@DulithK) September 28, 2024
This is Elite Test match Bowling,Bowling good lines and lengths,stifling batters and making them panic because Scoreboard isnt moving, Ramesh Mendis never going to do this & some pundits were laughing when i mentioned that #SLvsNZ
— first_slip 😷 (@prbath_neranja) September 28, 2024
King of Galle
Prabath Jayasuriya – The king of Galle on rampage. 66* Test wickets at one ground! Just think of NZ’s situation, if Ramesh Mendis was picked. One more Galle-Hunter.
— Bharath Ramaraj (@Fancricket12) September 28, 2024
