2019 New Zealand Tour of Sri Lanka (2 Tests, 3 T20Is)

[corbies]

1st Test starts today.

New Zealand won the previous Test series between the 2 sides 1-0 earlier this year and will go in slight favourites however home conditions as well as Sri Lanka's 2-0 series victory over South Africa in South Africa means they are certainly more than a fair chance.

This series is also the first for both sides in the World Test Championship (WTC). Given that it is only a 2 Test series both Tests are worth 60 points which could be massive especially for NZ's hopes of eventually qualifying for the final. For some reason we also still have a separate Test Rankings to the WTC and if NZ win 2-0 they'll go to no.1 for the first time in their history.

 

[Kyptastic]

New Zealand won the toss and are batting first

 

[corbies]

I'm not really sure why Sri Lanka keep dropping Oshada Fernando when he batted so well when given the chance during the world cup and his last Test Innings was a 75 n.o. to guide Sri Lanka home against Steyn, Rabada, Olivier and Maharaj. Especially when Thirmanne is still getting a game.

 

[Rich]

Williamson gone for a 3rd ball globe.

2/64.

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

I have to admit, this snuck up. I knew the tour was on, but then completely forgot about it.
Maybe its the WC and last summer here talking but the automatic reaction is to think the Lankans are in a bit of a hole at the moment. That is, until remembering they beat South Africa both home and away in the last twelve months.
NZ getting enough runs in those conditions might be tough, Williamson isn't quite Smith. That said, NZ did win in the UAE - their only away Test series since 2016/17.

If its big turners, and its usually but not always so in Sri Lanka, the home side should be able to get the wickets. If not, and sometimes there is some green outside Colombo, NZ might be able to do damage themselves.
For those with access, it might be a good couple of games - especially if England brings on the rain.

edit: I just saw the above post, Williamson duck, big blow; winning away is tough when the big guns don't fire
Santner at seven? Just bowl short and he can survive by ducking 200 balls without scoring while wickets come at the other end.

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

Three wickets to Mahamarakkala Kurukulasooriya Patabendige Akila Dananjaya Perera
Love the Sri Lankan naming system. Take six words in Welsh and apply a substitution cipher.
Decent record actually, 5 completed Tests with 3 5-fors

 

[Cleavy]

Dananjaya has all 5 wickets to fall at the tea interval. Chance of a 10-for?

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

Well done Ross Taylor. With Richardson out cheaply, a lot falls on his shoulders. Keeps the Kiwis competitive at stumps.

 

[corbies]

Well done Ross Taylor. With Richardson out cheaply, a lot falls on his shoulders. Keeps the Kiwis competitive at stumps.

I reckon you might have the wrong Kane here.

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

I reckon you might have the wrong Kane here.

Yeah, mighty brainfart that one.

 

[Ishikawa]

Looks a pretty interesting first day, Dananjaya always looks dangerous but wasn't sure how well or how consistently he could fare in test cricket. But promising signs. Taylor is worth his weight in gold.

 

[Cleavy]

NZ lead passes 250 with 1 wicket remaining

 

[Cleavy]

Sri Lanka 0/75 chasing a victory target of 268. Maybe the pitch isn't as bad as traditional Day 4 & 5 pitches in Galle?

 

[ioppolo]

Half way there, no wickets down

 

[Cmarsh]

Solid chase by SL for a 6 wicket win.

 

[corbies]

Remarkably good chase from Sri Lanka. Captaincy seems to be having a real maturing effect on Karunaratne.

 

[frankrizzo]

I figured nz had enough once they got over 220, great chase.

 

[Ishikawa]

Didn't get the chance to watch much over the weekend more than a few extended stints (Galle though ♥ ), but yeah that was supremely impressive by Karunaratne & Thirimanne. Sri Lankan cricket is so chaotic and can confound logic, yet there have been some impressive test performances of late. Great seeing the crowd come in to see the final day too

 

[PhatBoy]

Didn't get the chance to watch much over the weekend more than a few extended stints (Galle though ♥ ), but yeah that was supremely impressive by Karunaratne & Thirimanne. Sri Lankan cricket is so chaotic and can confound logic, yet there have been some impressive test performances of late. Great seeing the crowd come in to see the final day too

They’re like a Diet South Africa - politics, retirements, strange selections, but never seem too far away from a good match or series win

 

[afl2552]

Hoping someone can assist and provide a weather update for the 2nd test? What is the possibility that the test results in a draw? Thanks

 

[corbies]

Akila Dhanajaya and Williamson have both been reported again for suspect actions but are allowed to bowl in this Test before undergoing testing again.

 

[corbies]

Did anyone just see that drop from Boult? Unbelievable!

 

[Howard Littlejohn]

Dropping those was a specialty of mine. I knew I should have been picked to play Test cricket.
It wasn't the easiest catch of all time, not far off. And must be pretty to close the worst drop.

 

[Ishikawa]

For one of the greatest fieldsmen the game has seen too

Shame about the bloody rain!

 

[frankrizzo]

Storms the next few days if they hit guess nz are stuffed.