Galle, Sep 20 (Agency) Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal led Sri Lanka to a commanding position in the first Test against New Zealand, putting on an unbroken 128-run partnership on day three in Galle.Karunaratne remained unbeaten on 72, while Chandimal contributed 54 as Sri Lanka reached 134 for 1 in their second innings, extending their overall lead to 99 runs. The duo batted through the entire post-lunch session without losing a wicket, frustrating New Zealand’s bowlers in hot and humid conditions.New Zealand’s attack, which had shown promise earlier in the day, struggled in the afternoon. Left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel and part-timer Glenn Phillips failed to apply sustained pressure, while Mitchell Santner bowled uncharacteristically loose deliveries. Fast bowler William O’Rourke remained the pick of the bowlers, taking the only wicket of Sri Lanka’s innings.
However, his pace dropped considerably as the session progressed due to the oppressive heat.Sri Lanka had earlier posted 305 in their first innings, while New Zealand replied with 340, bolstered by half-centuries from Tom Latham (70), Daryl Mitchell (57), and Kane Williamson (55). Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya was the standout performer for Sri Lanka, taking 4-136. With the surface offering turn and variable bounce, Sri Lanka’s growing lead has put them in a strong position to dictate terms in the remainder of the match. Brief Scores Sri Lanka: 305 & 134/1 (Karunaratne 72, Chandimal 54) New Zealand: 340 (Latham 70, Mitchell 57, Williamson 55; Jayasuriya 4-136)Sri Lanka lead by 99 runs.