New Zealand completes series sweep

New Zealand completed a clean sweep in the two-Test series after beating Sri Lanka by 193 runs on the final day of the second Test in Wellington on Wednesday (January 7).

Sri Lanka was set a target of 390, and was bowled out for 196.

Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell, ran through Sri Lanka’s top order with four wickets in the morning, including that of Kumar Sangakkara after the visiting side began the day on 45 for 1.

Offspinner Mark Craig then helped himself to four wickets, three coming after lunch. Dinesh Chandimal and Rangana Herath were dismissed in successive balls. Craig eventually finished with figures of 4 for 53.

Boult made early inroads removing the nightwatchman Dhammika Prasad for 6 before getting Sangakkara (5), who had previously set up Sri Lanka’s 135-run first-innings lead with a brilliant 203.

Bracewell then picked up Kaushal Silva for 50 and Angelo Mathews for 8 soon after.

While Boult picked up two wickets for 55 runs, Bracewell celebrated his return to the New Zealand side after 14 months with 2 for 25. He also ran out Suranga Lakmal for 6.

(Courtesy: International Cricket Council)