On the rain-affected second morning in Galle, New Zealand quickly dismissed the remaining three Sri Lankan wickets, bowling out the hosts for 305. Sri Lanka managed to add just three runs to their overnight score before being all out.
Will O’Rourke was pivotal, claiming two of the three wickets to fall. He added to his three wickets from day one by trapping Ramesh Mendis lbw and then knocking over Asitha Fernando’s leg stump. Ajaz Patel also contributed by trapping Prabath Jayasuriya with a delivery that skidded through to dismiss him.
O’Rourke finished with figures of 5 for 55, marking his second five-wicket haul in four innings in Test cricket. Ajaz Patel and Glenn Phillips each took two wickets.
The morning session was disrupted by a lengthy rain delay, which consumed about 45 minutes of play. Once New Zealand began their innings, only one over from Asitha Fernando was possible before rain halted play again. Consequently, only about 15 minutes of actual play occurred before the lunch break.
With more rain forecast for the day, there will be an extended two-and-a-half hour session after lunch to make up for the lost time. The third session is planned to run for two hours and 40 minutes, contingent on weather conditions. This schedule adjustment aims to ensure that play continues as much as possible despite the interruptions.
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