"THE GLORY DAYS RETURNING FOR SRI LANKA" - Fans react after SL beat New Zealand 2-0 in Test series
A clinical all-round performance helped Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by an innings and 54 runs in Galle on Day 4 (Sunday, September 29). With the win, the hosts clinched the two-match Test series 2-0. The Dhananjaya de Silva-led side won the opening game by 63 runs. This was Sri Lanka's first Test series win against New Zealand since 2009.
For the unversed, the Lankans are on a roll under new head coach Sanath Jayasuriya. Under his coaching, Sri Lanka also won the ODI series against India at home and managed a consolation win in the third Test in England. As per reports, Jayasuriya's contract has been extended for one year.
Fans on X lauded Sri Lanka for their Test series win over New Zealand. One user wrote:
"This victory is a testament to their resilience!"
Another user wrote:
"Credit goes to coach Jayasuriya and the team....…"
A third user added:
"THE GLORY DAYS RETURNING FOR SRI LANKA UNDER JAYASURIYA...!!!"
Here are a few more reactions:
"It was brilliant" - Sri Lanka captain heaps praise on Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chamdimal
Sri Lanka skipper Dhananjaya de Silva praiseed Kamindu Mendis and Dinesh Chamdimal for scoring centuries in the second Test. He also lauded the spin-bowling duo Prabath Jayasuriya and Nishan Peiris for their exploits with the ball.
He said in the post-match show (via Cricbuzz):
"Chandimal gives us a balanced side and Kamindu can play the long innings. It was brilliant. (On Jayasuriya and Peiris) The way they bowled the long spells was brilliant to see."
Silva also credited his team for his improved performance on the field, adding:
"(On fielding) We have been practising hard, and we have been catching a lot. It has paid off."
Kamindu Mendis was adjudged Player of the Match for scoring an unbeaten 182 to become the joint-second fastest alongside Don Bradman to complete 1,000 runs in Tests. Meanwhile, Prabath Jayasuriya won the Player of the Series Award for picking up 18 wickets in two Tests against the Blackcaps.
Click here to check out the SL vs NZ 2024 2nd Test scorecard.