655 balls partnership saved Sri Lanka from nothing to draw a test match

Mathews and Mendis saved Sri Lanka from defeat

Mathews and Mendis (pic source: cricbuzz)

After a normal first inning total, New Zealand played very well in second inning and everyone thought there was nothing left for Sri-Lanka. After a stunning 264 runs from Tom Latham New Zealand closed their inning with 578 runs in the board and the lead was moved to 296.

When Sri Lanka batted in court inning Southee started well and grab two wickets in his early spell of day four. At one stage Sri Lankan were 13/3 which forced Mathews and Mendis to came out and bat for their country. Everyone thought it was going to be easy for the home side but it wasn't the same as they thought. Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis batted all over day 4 and played till last ball of that match.

Mendis and Mathews Played 655 balls in their 274 runs stand. Mathews hit 120 not out in 323 balls and Mendis hits 141 runs not out in 335 balls. They played very well in tough condition and in pressure situations to rescue Sri Lanka from a big loss . No one had ever imagined that Sri Lanka would lose only 3 until day 5 . The rain had stop play in the 2nd session and later the day was called off. But they batted well to save this match from Black caps . Tom Latham was declared as a player of the match for his brilliant 264 not out in 2 inning if the match.