Jayasuriya Shines as Sri Lanka Crushes New Zealand in Historic Win

Prabath Jayasuriya missed breaking the fastest to 100 Test wickets record, taking 97 wickets in 16 Tests as Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by an innings and 154 runs in Galle, completing a 2-0 series sweep.

Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya narrowly missed becoming the joint-fastest to reach 100 Test wickets, falling just three short during Sri Lanka's emphatic win over New Zealand in the second Test at Galle. Sri Lanka triumphed with an innings and 154-run victory, clinching a 2-0 series triumph.

Sri Lanka opted to bat first, posting a formidable 602-5 before declaring their first innings. Kamindu Mendis, who was promoted up the order following an impressive start to his Test career, spearheaded the batting attack with an unbeaten 182 off 250 balls.

Jayasuriya complemented the batting prowess with a brilliant 6-42, reducing New Zealand to their lowest-ever total of 88 all out against Sri Lanka. In his 16th Test, Jayasuriya was on the brink of equalling George Lohmann's record for the fastest to 100 Test wickets, a record set in 1886.

Requiring another six-wicket haul in the second innings to match Lohmann's achievement, Jayasuriya could only manage 3-139. Debutant Nishan Peiris took 6-170, aiding Sri Lanka's stunning victory. Lohmann remains the speediest to 100 Test wickets, having reached the milestone in just 16 matches.

Since Lohmann, the fastest bowlers to 100 wickets include Charlie Turner (Australia), Sydney Barnes (England), Clarrie Grimmett (New Zealand), and Yasir Shah (Pakistan), all of whom reached the milestone in their 17th Test. Among them, Yasir Shah is the only one to accomplish this feat in the 21st century. With Sri Lanka set to host South Africa for a two-match Test series, Jayasuriya stands a realistic chance of reaching his 100th wicket in his 17th Test, potentially placing him joint-second on the all-time list, matching Yasir's Asian record.

Since his debut, Jayasuriya has been the highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, accumulating 97 wickets at an average of 28.42. He has also secured nine five-wicket hauls, more than any other bowler during this period.

(With inputs from agencies.)