Sat Sep 28 13:03:43 UTC 2024: ## Sri Lanka on the Verge of Series Victory as New Zealand Struggle in Galle

**Galle, Sri Lanka:** Sri Lanka are on the cusp of a series victory after a dominant performance on Day 3 of the second Test against New Zealand at the Galle International Stadium. The visitors, facing a massive 315-run deficit, are staring down the barrel of a series defeat, with a herculean task ahead to save the match on Day 4.

The day began with New Zealand already in trouble at 22/2, but things went from bad to worse as Prabath Jayasuriya wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming six wickets for just 42 runs. Debutant Nishan Peiris also shone, claiming three wickets, including the prized scalp of Kane Williamson, in the first innings.

New Zealand, bundled out for a paltry 88 runs in their first innings, were forced to follow on. Despite a brief fightback by Williamson and Devon Conway, Sri Lanka’s spinners again proved too much for the Kiwis, with Jayasuriya and Peiris again proving devastating.

At stumps on Day 3, New Zealand are struggling at 199/5, with Tom Blundell (47*) and Glenn Phillips (32*) holding the fort. However, they face an almost insurmountable task of erasing the massive deficit to avoid a series defeat.

Sri Lanka, already victorious in the first Test, are now firm favorites to seal the series 2-0, with the final day promising a thrilling conclusion.

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