Sri Lanka and New Zealand resumed play on Day 4 on September 22 after a reserve day. New Zealand’s rising sensation Rachin Ravindra led their charge as they accumulated 194 runs in the last two sessions during their chase of 275. However, the rapidly deteriorating surface in Galle and pressure from Sri Lankan spinners left the Kiwis with just two wickets in hand, still needing 68 runs.
Ravindra was unbeaten on 91 at Day 4 stumps. Despite his resilience, it would be difficult for him to guide his side to victory as he was running out of solid companions, with Ajaz Patel barely managing to survive until the end of the day. Despite their slim chances, they remain optimistic, but the challenging pitch conditions make the task daunting.
In the morning session, Ajaz claimed a five-wicket haul, ultimately finishing with figures of 6 for 90. Sri Lanka posted 309 runs and set a target of 275 runs. New Zealand got off to a solid start, but it was the hosts, who had gained the upper hand by the day’s end. In the final session, they took four crucial wickets. Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis both took three wickets each, contributing to a total of 14 wickets that fell throughout the fourth day.
Ravindra and Tom Blundell formed a solid partnership, adding 56 runs before the latter’s unfortunate dismissal. The wicketkeeper-batter was bowled while attempting a reverse sweep of Jayasuriya’s delivery. At that point, New Zealand were 152/5, needing 123 runs to win.
Glenn Phillips, who scored an explosive 49 not out during a lower-order collapse in the first innings, stepped in next. Regrettably, he could score just four runs after edging to second slip on the forward defence and it’s taken well at head height by Kusal Mendis. Mitchell Santner then aimed to support Ravindra but eventually fell to Ramesh Mendis for just two runs. The hosts then quickly dismissed Tim Southee, who struggled against Ramesh’s spin outside off stump.
New Zealand 340 and 207 for 8 (Ravindra 91*, Jayasuriya 3-66, Ramesh Mendis 3-83) need another 68 runs to beat Sri Lanka 305 and 309 (Karunaratne 83, Chandimal 61, Ajaz 6-90)
