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

Sri Lanka vs Australia. (Photo Source: Sri Lanka Cricket/Twitter)

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 –

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