Murali has been fielding most deliveries at mid-off with his feet but picked a good time to run in and release with his hands. Smart direct hit. Sri Lanka wrap up victory by 202 runs. If Sri Lanka win the series 2-0 and England win the Ashes, Sri Lanka will be the new No. 2 in the ICC ranking. New Zealand have been beat soundly and face a stiff ask moving to Colombo.
This win owes plenty to Dilshan who followed an electric 92 in the first innings with a super century in the second. In the second dig he scored quickly to allow Sri Lanka go for runs and set up a huge target. Dilshan really was excellent in this Test. Centuries to Mahela Jayawardene and Samaraweera proved key to Sri Lanka's first innings. Then Thushara and Murali took four each to keep New Zealand to 299, after which came that quick second innings and then a declaration. New Zealand were always up against it chasing 413 and it didn't help they were depleted on day four. Thushara for me was the best bowler in this match, striking twice today before Murali and Mendis did the rest. A crushing win indeed. Congratulations.
New Zealand can look back at this match and take McIntosh's first-innings 69 as a positive. To bat 292 minutes and 226 balls in Sri Lanka is a big job. There were also good spells from Martin. And of course, as has almost become customary, Vettori was solid with five wickets and 109 runs. New Zealand were hurt by the illness to several players too, meaning Flynn had to open in the second innings and Ryder's uneasiness was evident. Chasing a massive total with several key batsmen not well is a big blow.
Lets head down to the post-match presentation with Danny Morrison. Vettori singles out Dilshan's twin innings as the decisive factor. He's pleased with the contributions of certain players. Obviously he's disappointed with the loss and says having nine players get ill during a Test is not an ideal situation. Vettori is looking forward to Colombo.
Sangakka is very pleased with this win. Credits Dilshan, Samaraweera, Mahela Jayawardene, Thushara and Murali. Likes the way Sri Lanka are going. Thanks his team for this win.
Dr Peter Hayes, the British high commissioner, presents Dilshan with the Man-of-the-Match award. Dilshan is happy with the match he's had. Backed his attacking instincts and liked how it came off.
So thats it from Galle. Thanks for your company over the past four and a half days. The second Test starts in Colombo on August 26. On behalf of Raghav this is Jamie signing off. Bye!
BB McCullum run out 29 (82m 56b 2x4 1x6) SR: 51.78
Martin joins McCullum. Not on strike though.
END OF OVER:71 | 4 Runs 1 Wkt | NZ: 210/9
- Brendon McCullum29 (51b)
- Muthiah Muralidaran27-4-88-3
- Ajantha Mendis18-4-50-2
IE O'Brien c Paranavitana b Muralidaran 5 (8m 8b 1x4 0x6) SR: 62.50