On Day 1 of the 1st Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at Galle International stadium, Glenn Phillips delivered a stunning ball to remove Sri Lankan captain Dhananjaya de Silva.

Glenn Phillips’ stunning ball to Dhananjaya de Silva 

On 2nd ball of the 35th over, Phillips delivered a masterful ball to dismiss Dhananjaya, who attempted to take control of the situation with a confident drive. The ball was tossed up invitingly outside off, tempting Dhananjaya to lean forward and go for a stylish cover drive. As he stretched towards the delivery, expecting it to hold its line, the ball deceived him in the air with a subtle dip and sharp turn.

Dhananjaya, committed to his shot, found his bat too far from his pad, allowing the ball to sneak through the gap. It spun sharply, clipping the top of off stump and leaving the Sri Lankan skipper stunned. His intent to dominate the delivery backfired as Phillips outfoxed him with guile and precision. Dhananjaya could only manage to score 11 runs off 24 balls

Here’s the video:

Early wickets: William O’Rourke strikes twice

Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat on what appeared to be a favorable pitch for run-making at Galle. The decision aimed to put early pressure on the New Zealand bowlers in familiar conditions. However, New Zealand, led by captain Tim Southee, responded with disciplined bowling, maintaining control over the Sri Lankan batters in the early overs.

New Zealand got off to a strong start with debutant William O’Rourke making an immediate impact. He removed Dimuth Karunaratne early, with the Sri Lankan captain being caught behind for just 2 runs. O’Rourke soon followed up by dismissing Pathum Nissanka for a quickfire 27, reducing Sri Lanka to 33/2 inside the first six overs. His accurate line and movement troubled the Sri Lankan top order, creating pressure from the outset.

Also WATCH: William O’Rourke rattles Pathum Nissanka’s stumps with an inswinging yorker on Day 1 of first Test

Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews’ resistance

Despite the early setbacks, Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews began rebuilding the innings. Chandimal, looking solid in his defense, struck three boundaries in his 71-ball stay before falling to Southee for 30, caught in the deep by substitute fielder Michael Bracewell. Mathews, known for his resilience, played a more patient innings, scoring 36 off 116 balls before retiring hurt due to an apparent injury after contributing to a crucial 50-run stand with Kamindu Mendis.

Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis anchors the innings

Kamindu stood out as the mainstay of the Sri Lankan innings, playing with confidence and composure. He reached his first century at home soil by the start of the 74th over, guiding the team through a difficult phase. His innings included eleven boundaries, and he displayed excellent technique against both spin and pace. Kamindu’s contribution was vital in steadying Sri Lanka after the fall of key wickets.

Joining Kamindu at the crease after Dhananjaya’s dismissal, Kusal Mendis added a steady 39 not out from 54 deliveries. Together, the two Mendis batters built a strong partnership that took Sri Lanka to 262/5 as of writing, with 16 overs remaining in the final session. Mendis’ innings added momentum to Sri Lanka’s recovery, as they looked to build a commanding first-innings total.

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