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Daryl Mitchell's Magnificent Century Rescues New Zealand On Day 3


image-lf3jsx7rDaryl Mitchell scored a brilliant ton under pressure (Twitter)

On the third day of the Test match between New Zealand and Sri Lanka, the tide turned in favour of the hosts as they exhibited unwavering persistence and the ability to make crucial decisions count. 

After two lacklustre days in the field, the home team found themselves in a precarious situation. Still, they demonstrated remarkable resilience to steer themselves out of troubled waters and take an 18-run lead over the visitors.


How the battle panned out?

Despite the quicks getting the ball to talk early on Day 3, Daryl Mitchell and Michael Bracewell remained steadfast and looked as though they would weather the storm together. 

However, this partnership was abruptly cut short by Prabath Jayasuriya, who got the better of Bracewell's defence by getting him to nick one behind for 25 off 57 balls.

Subsequently, Mitchell, who had been batting with more intent, received much-needed support from Tim Southee. 

The Kiwi skipper played some magnificent shots, putting the bowlers under pressure, which forced the field placements to become more defensive from Karunaratne. 

Although Kasun Rajitha successfully dismissed Southee for 25 off 20 balls, Mitchell continued to carry the Kiwi innings on his shoulders, displaying exemplary grit and determination, culminating in a stunning century under pressure.

The right-hander was the chief architect behind New Zealand's resurrection from a precarious position. But, unfortunately, he fell soon after reaching the milestone as Lahiru Kumara dismissed him for 102 off 193 balls. 

After that, Matt Henry and Neil Wagner showed their mettle by stitching a vital 69-run partnership, with the former leading the charge, scoring a brilliant counter-attacking 72 off 75 balls, ultimately helping the Kiwis move past Sri Lanka's score. 

Unfortunately, Asitha Fernando cleaned up Henry, and Wagner soon followed, leading to the Blackcaps being bowled out for 373.

In response, the Lankan openers, Dimuth Karunaratne and Oshada Fernando managed to see off the tricky phase before Tea, thanks to their tremendous patience and resilience, despite facing significant challenges from Southee and Henry, who kept them guessing. 

However, after Tea, both the openers fell quickly, with Karunaratne being the first to go for 17 off 45 balls, followed by Fernando, who scored 28 off 52 balls. Tickner was the man who claimed both wickets.

Kusal Mendis, the first innings hero for Sri Lanka, and seasoned Angelo Matthews had a massive responsibility to see off the day without any further damage, with the former needing to replicate his previous performance. 

Unfortunately, he was dismissed for 14 by Tickner, which put immense pressure on Matthews, who nightwatchman Prabath Jayasuriya joined. However, the duo managed to avoid further damage, and Sri Lanka ended Day 3 at 83/3, with a lead of 65 runs.

As the match enters Day 4, the New Zealand side will be eager to continue their momentum and assert dominance over their rivals. 

Sri Lanka, meanwhile, will be looking to regroup and reassess their strategy, recognising that they face an uphill battle against an opponent that has found its rhythm.


Brief scores

New Zealand (1st innings): 373/10 (107.3)
Daryl Mitchell 102 (193), Matt Henry 72 (75);
Asitha Fernanado 4-85, Lahiru Kumara 3-76

Sri Lanka (2nd innings): 83-3 (38)
Oshada Fernando 28 (52), Angelo Matthews 20* (62);
Blair Tickner 3-28, Daryl Mitchell 0-3

Sri Lanka lead by 65 runs.