Sri Lanka were struggling at the score of 78 runs for the loss of 5 wickets at the stumps of the first day of the second test. None of the top order batsman did manage to put a valiant effort with the bat for Sri Lanka. Sangakkara was unbeaten at the score of33 runs at stumps of the first day.
Today, it was Sangakkara and Dinesh Chandimal who resumed the batting for the Sri Lankans. Soon to the start of the play, Sangakkara played well enough to reach to his half century. It was a valiant one when the entire batting line up was failing to make an impact. At lunch, Sri Lanka were well poised at the score of 159 runs for the loss of 5 wickets with Sangakkara batting at the score of 66 runs and Chandimal batting at the score of 45 runs.
In the second session of the day’s play it was once again Sri Lanka who dominated mostly. None of the bowlers in the likes of Boult, Southee and Neesham did manage to provide breakthrough for the kiwis and slowly the Lankans were approaching the New Zealand’s first innings score and was on the way of taking a lead. Finally, New Zealand got the first breakthrough in the form of Chandimal. Neesham brought them the breakthrough. Chandimal was dismissed at the score of 67 runs. Sangakkara completed his century soon after that. Dhammika Prasad was dismissed soon after that. And thus the 7th wicket for Sri Lanka fell at the score of 242 runs. At tea, Sri Lanka were poised at the score of 280 runs for the loss of 7 wickets.
In the final session of the day’s play, New Zealand had to wrap up the tail. Sangakkara was fighting valiantly. He was the lone man fighting it out for them. He completed his 150 runs soon after that. He was playing brilliantly and was building good partnership with the tail enders. Rangana Herath assisted him well and in the process Sangakkara completed his double ton. This was a brilliant knock from him. He finally scored 202 runs off 306 deliveries with 18 fours and 3 sixes. He was dismissed by Neesham.
Sri Lanka were finally dismissed at the score of 356 runs and they led the New Zealand’s score by a margin of 135 runs.
New Zealand had to bat for the final few overs and they were poised at the score of 22 runs for no loss at stumps of the day.