SL vs NZ: Tim Southee Takes Sensational One-handed Catch | WATCH

New Zealand pacer Tim Southee pulled off a sensational one-handed effort to complete a catch in the ongoing first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Southee was placed at second slip when Pathum Nissanka edged an outswinger off Will O’Rourke. The New Zealand captain jumped onto his right, stretching his arm and the ball seemed to have stuck into his clasp. Thanks to Southee’s sensational effort, Nissanka was dismissed early, with Sri Lanka enduring a disastrous start to their second innings. The opening batter tried to defend the short-length delivery but the ball brushed off the outside edge of his bat.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand: 1st Test, Day 3 – HIGHLIGHTS

Will O’Rourke has been the top-performing bowler for New Zealand in the ongoing Test. The 23-year-old has already fetched two five-wicket hauls in Tests and one of them came in the first innings against Sri Lanka. O’Rourke has so far made only three appearances in the longest format.

Riding Will O’Rourke‘s dominant performance, New Zealand now aim to secure a Test victory in Galle. They have previously played four red-ball matches at the venue but suffered defeats on all occasions. A brilliant century by Kamindu Mendis helped Sri Lanka produce 305 runs in the first innings.

The New Zealand batters had a good outing and responded posting 340 runs. This was the first time that the visitors were able to breach the 300-run mark in a Test innings at Galle. Tom Latham gave New Zealand a positive start, despite the early dismissal of his opening partner Devon Conway.

After Tom Latham scored a gritty 70 off 111 balls, Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell each scored half-centuries. Rachin Ravindra and Glenn Phillips also made some crucial contributions down the order, registering 39 and 49 runs respectively. Prabath Jayasuriya took four wickets for Sri Lanka while Ramesh Mendis picked three scalps and captain Dhananjaya de Silva got two more under his belt.

With more than two days in hand, Sri Lanka aim to set a mammoth target. Following the early dismissal of Pathum Nissanka, Dinesh Chandimal took over the charge, joining hands with another opener Dimuth Karunaratne. The top-order duo stitched a 100-plus partnership to revive the innings.