Sri Lanka Secures Dominant Win Over New Zealand; Jayasuriya and Peiris Shine

Sri Lanka clinched a comprehensive victory over New Zealand in the second Test at Galle, completing a 2-0 series whitewash. Prabath Jayasuriya praised debutant Nishan Peiris for his impressive performance. Key contributions from Jayasuriya and Peiris led to Sri Lanka's triumph by an innings and 154 runs. Kamindu Mendis was awarded Player of the Match.

Following Sri Lanka's emphatic victory over New Zealand in the second Test at Galle, left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya commended his teammate Nishan Peiris for his stellar performance in the second innings. Sri Lanka secured a decisive win by an innings and 154 runs in the final match, thus completing a 2-0 series whitewash against the Kiwis.

Jayasuriya, who was named Player of the Series, emerged as the leading wicket-taker with 18 wickets at an average of 21.39. Peiris, making his Test debut, achieved a five-wicket haul in the fourth innings, capturing crucial wickets including Tom Latham and Kane Williamson.

"He is very good. He bowled consistently in one line and length. Very positive for him. This was a bit harder than the previous Test. When the ball gets soft, the wicket also softens. We just tried to stick to the basics, and there was no need to panic. We aimed to bowl wicket to wicket and create pressure," Jayasuriya said during the post-match presentation. Sri Lanka's first innings saw centuries from Dinesh Chandimal, Kamindu Mendis, and Kusal Mendis, setting a formidable 602/5 declared.

New Zealand's response on a spin-friendly surface fell short, with their batters struggling. Mitchell Santner top-scored with 29 as New Zealand were dismissed for 88. Jayasuriya continued his excellent form, taking 6/42, while Peiris impressed with 3/33 in his debut Test, giving Sri Lanka a commanding lead of 514 runs.

Although New Zealand improved in their second innings, contributions from Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, and Tom Blundell were not enough to avoid defeat. Peiris took six wickets and Jayasuriya added three more as New Zealand were all out for 360, handing Sri Lanka a victory by an innings and 154 runs. Kamindu Mendis was named Player of the Match.

(With inputs from agencies.)