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NZ Speedster Kills In-form Nissanka's Ego With An Unbelievable Yorker

New Zealand pacer William O'Rourke On Fire [X.com]New Zealand pacer William O'Rourke On Fire [X.com]

Day 1 of the first Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium began with high hopes for the Sri Lankan side as they opted to bat first. However, the decision quickly turned sour as they lost both opening batsmen early, including key player Pathum Nissanka, who managed to score only 27 runs.

Dimuth Karunaratne Falls Early

Sri Lanka’s innings began with a quick setback when their opener, Dimuth Karunaratne, was dismissed after scoring just 2 runs. Facing New Zealand's William O'Rourke, Karunaratne fell victim to a delivery that caught a thick edge and was easily caught by Blundell behind the stumps. Karunaratne's early departure set a worrying tone for Sri Lanka as they struggled to navigate the early overs.

Pathum Nissanka Departs As O'Rourke Strikes Again

The pressure then shifted to Pathum Nissanka, Sri Lanka's reliable middle-order batsman, who has been the backbone of their batting lineup in recent times. Unfortunately, the Blackcaps’ young pacer, O'Rourke, was in top form, and in the sixth over of the match, he struck again, dismissing Nissanka with a brilliant yorker.

Nissanka's dismissal was a turning point in the game. Facing a perfect in-swinging yorker at 144 km/h, Nissanka attempted to drive the ball but was beaten by the pace. The ball crashed into the base of his middle stump, sending Nissanka back to the pavilion after scoring 27 runs off 25 deliveries. O'Rourke's ability to exploit the new ball was on full display as he claimed both Lankan openers within the first few overs.


Sri Lanka Trying To Rebuild Their Innings

At the time of writing, Sri Lanka were struggling at 43 for 2, with Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews at the crease, trying to rebuild their innings. O'Rourke's lethal bowling has put New Zealand in a commanding position early in the match.