Prabath Jayasuriya played an excellent spell
New Zealand’s star batter Kane Williamson fell cheaply in the second Test against Sri Lanka at Galle International Stadium. Coming in at number three, Williamson managed just seven runs before being dismissed by Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya.
The key moment occurred during the 17th over of New Zealand’s first innings. Williamson, trying to stabilize the innings with nightwatchman Ajaz Patel, faced a tricky delivery from Jayasuriya. The Sri Lankan spinner bowled a full-length ball from around the wicket that pitched around off-stump and turned away sharply.
Williamson attempted a defensive stroke off the front foot, but the ball caught the outside edge of his bat. Dhananjaya de Silva, positioned at first slip, easily took the catch, giving Sri Lanka a vital breakthrough.
Jayasuriya’s clever bowling ensured New Zealand’s key man was sent back early, boosting Sri Lanka’s momentum in this critical Test match.
Kane Williamson, expected to anchor New Zealand’s innings, was dismissed for just seven runs, leaving his team in deep trouble at 24 for three. Soon after, Rachin Ravindra was bowled by Nishan Peiris for ten, further compounding New Zealand’s woes.
How Did Prabath Jayasuriya Outsmart Kane Williamson?
Prabath Jayasuriya, known for his exceptional spin skills on Sri Lankan soil, used his expertise to remove Williamson in a masterful display of bowling. The left-arm off-spinner employed a clever strategy to deceive the seasoned New Zealand batter.
During the seventh over of his spell, Jayasuriya initially bowled a series of back-of-the-length deliveries, forcing Williamson onto his back foot. The fourth and fifth deliveries were similar in pace and length, with Williamson playing them comfortably toward mid-on and cover.
However, Jayasuriya then shifted his tactics, pushing the length slightly fuller. This subtle change drew Williamson forward, but not far enough to get fully to the pitch of the ball. The clever variation induced an edge, and Sri Lanka capitalized, dismissing New Zealand’s key player.
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