New Zealand (580/4) defeat Sri Lanka (164 & 358 fo) by an innings and 58 runs - win series by 2-0
After the brilliant 1st Test, the 2 sides go again this time in Wellington.
For the climax that the contest in Christchurch reached, it's going to be a quick denouncement only one ball later in Sri Lanka's tour of New Zealand - from the last delivery at Hagley Oval to the first at Basin Reserve. For all the relevance it carried, for Sri Lanka, India - and to an extent even Australia, who would've been curious to find out their opposition at the World Test Championship final - a lot of it would be lost in the second Test, starting Friday.
For the hosts, New Zealand, who had only come fresh from a thrilling one-run win against England to draw the two-match Test series a few weeks ago, that promised to revive the sport in the country, the last-ball victory against Sri Lanka plays perfectly into their hopes and efforts. Now, they are in with a chance of winning a series to cap off their home summer.
But can they do it?
Does Sri Lanka have enough motivation left in the tank to fight back from hereon? Unable to clinch the previous contest from a dominant position, letting go off the opportunity to stay in contention for a WTC final berth and then unable to save the match on a rain-hit day. Quite a few hopes were dashed in the first Test.
On a positive note though, there were ample shades of brilliance, of being able to adjust in conditions where New Zealand have dominated quite a bit in recent years. It has not been the easiest of conditions for touring sides, but Sri Lanka proved that they were a match.
After the brilliant 1st Test, the 2 sides go again this time in Wellington.
For the climax that the contest in Christchurch reached, it's going to be a quick denouncement only one ball later in Sri Lanka's tour of New Zealand - from the last delivery at Hagley Oval to the first at Basin Reserve. For all the relevance it carried, for Sri Lanka, India - and to an extent even Australia, who would've been curious to find out their opposition at the World Test Championship final - a lot of it would be lost in the second Test, starting Friday.
For the hosts, New Zealand, who had only come fresh from a thrilling one-run win against England to draw the two-match Test series a few weeks ago, that promised to revive the sport in the country, the last-ball victory against Sri Lanka plays perfectly into their hopes and efforts. Now, they are in with a chance of winning a series to cap off their home summer.
But can they do it?
Does Sri Lanka have enough motivation left in the tank to fight back from hereon? Unable to clinch the previous contest from a dominant position, letting go off the opportunity to stay in contention for a WTC final berth and then unable to save the match on a rain-hit day. Quite a few hopes were dashed in the first Test.
On a positive note though, there were ample shades of brilliance, of being able to adjust in conditions where New Zealand have dominated quite a bit in recent years. It has not been the easiest of conditions for touring sides, but Sri Lanka proved that they were a match.