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New Zealand bowled out for their lowest score on Sri Lanka soil, face biggest 1st innings deficit in their 94-year-old Test history

Bowled out for 88 at Galle International Stadium, New Zealand need to bat well in the second innings to avoid their worst defeat in Tests by an innings and runs.

Prabath Jayasuriya celebrates a wicket against New Zealand on Day 3 (Getty Images)
authorArun Rawal
Sat, 28 Sep 12:36 PM IST

On a pitch where three Sri Lankan batters -- Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis -- scored centuries and helped their side post 602/5 before the declaration came, New Zealand suffered a monumental batting collapse. Left-arm spinner Prabhath Jayasuriya bagged a six-wicket haul as New Zealand were bowled out for 88, their lowest score on Sri Lankan soil.
 

This is the first time New Zealand were bowled out for less than 100 in the format. Their previous lowest of 102 came in Colombo in 1992.
 

After New Zealand's first innings, Sri Lanka had a lead of 514 runs. This is the first time New Zealand have suffered a deficit of over 500 runs after first innings in a Test. The 514-run lead is also the fourth-highest in the history of Test cricket.
 

8 wickets in no time

Asitha Fernando was the only Sri Lankan pacer to take a wicket in the innings. Apart from Prabath's six-wicket haul, Nishan Peiris bagged three wickets. Starting from an overnight score of 22/2, former captain Kane Williamson was the first to fall to Prabath on Day 3. Peiris then dismissed nightwatchman Ajaz Patel and Rachin Ravindra.
 

New Zealand would have registered their lowest score on Asian soil but Mitchell Santner's 51-ball 29 helped the Kiwis post 88 from 39.5 overs.

 

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Skipper achieves big feat too

Meanwhile, skipper Dhananjaya etched his name on record book as well. He took five matches, joint most in an innings in Tests along with 14 other fielders. He became the second Sri Lankan to achieve the feat alongside Lahiru Thirimanne.

 

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Sri Lanka enforce follow-on 

After bowling the visitors out, Santner was informed that follow-on has been enforced. Tom Latham walked out to bat and right-arm off-spinner Peiris was given the new ball. Latham got out for a six-ball duck. New Zealand were 3/1 after two overs before lunch was taken at Galle International Stadium. 
 

New Zealand would aim to avoid their biggest defeat in the history of Test cricket. The current record is by an innings and 324 runs to Pakistan in 2002.
 

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