By BV Swagath
The First Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand was done and dusted inside three Tests at Galle. Hosts Sri Lanka eased to a 10-wicket win following a destructive spell from Rangana Herath which saw the Kiwis shot out for a paltry 118 in their second innings.
Resuming Day three at 35 for 1 in their second innings, the visitors were bowled out just after lunch with none of their batsmen coping up to Rangana Herath & co. on a slow turning pitch at Galle. Nuwan Kulasekara and Suraj Randiv picked up two wickets each. Herath took 6 for 43 to end up with a match haul of 11 for 108.
Sri Lanka needing 93 to win eased to the target in 18.3 overs without losing a single wicket. Debutant opener Dimuth Karunaratne came good with a run-a-ball 60* with 9 fours. His opening partner Tharanga Paranavitana collected 31* (from 51 balls with 3 fours and a six). The Man of the Match award without any doubt went to Rangana Herath.