The fifth and final day of the first Test between hosts New Zealand and Sri Lanka saw just 13 overs of play as Sri Lanka managed to draw a game which seemed far beyond their reach after the 3rd day. The match was played at the Basin Reserve in Wellington.
>>Wicketless day sets up Basin Reserve miracle<<
Overnight batsmen for Sri Lanka, Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis, eagerly waiting to extend their dominance over the Kiwi bowlers after a record breaking, wicket-less day, were made to wait due to a delayed start.
With the ground already wet and not suitable for play, rain too arrived proving the weather forecast to be 100% accurate. With the rain persisting for a while, start of play had to be postponed to 12.30 local time.
Even the late start didn’t work out as per the revised schedule of play as rain arrived 7 minutes prior to the re-scheduled lunch break.
>>Lahiru Kumara fined by ICC<<
During the short play of 13 overs Sri Lanka managed to add 28 runs, with Kusal Mendis scoring 25 of it. Mendis nearing a much deserved 150 at close of play, hit 4 boundaries. The stylish right-hander looked in sweet touch and was stroking the ball nicely before rain came back.
Since the first intervention, rain too didn’t look back, having the final say of the match, which has been a memorable one for Sri Lanka.
The two teams will now meet on Boxing Day (26th) for the 2nd Test at the Hagley Oval in Christchurch.
>>https://www.thepapare.com/cricket/nzvsl/<<
