SL v NZ | Both teams deserved to share series after some terrific cricket, says Kane Williamson
Kane Williamson reckons that both teams deserved to share the spoils from the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka because of the terrific brand of cricket that was put on display from either side. The Kiwis beat the hosts by an innings and 65 runs to level the series yesterday.
Being largely overshadowed by the fame of the Ashes, or the interest in India’s tour of the Caribbean, the Sri Lanka-New Zealand series has quietly come to a fitting conclusion. The hosts outplayed the visitors in the first encounter at Galle, the visitors repaid the favour at Colombo. Williamson’s side faced a stiff challenge in terms of weather conditions in addition to bowling out Sri Lanka in less than a day’s play.
“Both teams played terrific cricket and deserve to share the series. It was a much-improved performance from us. It was challenging because of the conditions and weather. There are so many things like bad light that can come in your way in what you are trying to achieve. Great effort to push for a win and come out with a victory,” Williamson said at the post-match presentation, reported Cricbuzz.
Earlier in the day, New Zealand added 49 runs to their overnight score of 382 in quick time, with BJ Watling completing his century. In reply, the hosts were pegged back early with the run out of Lahiru Thirimanne. Reeling at 32 for five, skipper Dimuth Karunaratne and Niroshan Dickwella put up a fight, the Kiwis found a way past them eventually to close out the innings for 122. Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Will Somerville, and Ajaz Patel all picked up two wickets each, while Colin de Grandhomme removed Kusal Mendis.
“When the game starts coming so close, the light's always a factor at this time of the year. It was an outstanding effort to take 10 wickets in the first innings. A good collective effort from the boys with some brilliant individual performance allowed us to win today,” he said.
With the win, the Blackcaps move up to second in the Test Championship points table, level on points with Sri Lanka. However, with the series coming just a month after the exhilarating end to the World Cup in England, the Kiwis have not had much time to rest.
“Overall, a good series for us against tough opposition. Spinners bowled well in the recent series against UAE too and seamers were pretty crucial too, they shared the load really well. Both teams are very pleased to get some points in Test Championship. I am looking forward to a little time off,” Williamson added.
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