SL Vs NZ: Debutant Nishan Peiris Picks Maiden Fifer As Kiwis Suffer Innings Defeat In Galle

Nishan Peiris picked up fifer on debut [Source: @OfficialSLC/X.COM]

If the hero of the first innings was Prabath Jayasuriya, then debutant Nishan Peiris was certainly the star in the second innings as he picked up a 5-wicket haul on his Test debut to stun New Zealand at Galle.

Courtesy of a brilliant spin performance from Peiris, the Lankan Lions managed to inflict an innings defeat as the Kiwis lost the match by an innings and 154 runs. With the victory, Sri Lanka have also clean swept the series, and have strengthened their position in the WTC points table.

Ironically, this was Sri Lanka's first Test series win Against New Zealand in 15-years, showcasing the dominance shown by the Lankan Lions, and especially Nishan Peiris in the second innings. The debutant picked up 6 for 170 to rattle the New Zealand team, who suffered a humiliating defeat.

Debutant spins his web as NZ suffer humiliation

The Black Caps were bundled out for a mere 88 in their first innings, and Sri Lanka enforced a follow-on. The visitors had a mountain to climb in the second innings and Peiris made it difficult for them as he spun his web around the Kiwi batters.

He started with the wicket of Tom Latham, who was dismissed for a 6-ball duck. The youngster then, perhaps grabbed the biggest wicket of his career when he knocked over a dangerous looking Kane Williamson for 46.

He then delivered a magical ball to castle Rachin Ravindra's stumps. This was not the end of Peiris' brilliant spell as he broke the resistance between Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips and sent both the batter back to the pavilion as the Kiwis were pushed on the verge of defeat.

The final nail in the coffin was the scalp of Mitchell Santner, who briefly fought back (67 runs) against Sri Lanka, but couldn't prevail the home team from inflicting a heavy defeat.

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