New Zealand recovered from their first innings mess-up to beat Sri Lanka by 193 runs in the second Test in Wellington earlier today and record a 2-0 victory in the two-match series.
It gave the home side a vital confidence boost ahead of the one-day World Cup beginning next month in New Zealand and Australia as Sri Lanka, set a target of 390, were all out for 196.
After the tourists started the final day at 45 for one, fast bowlers Trent Boult and Doug Bracewell tore through the top order with four wickets in the morning, including master batsman Kumar Sangakkara, before the wearing wicket played into the hands of spinner Mark Craig.
Craig took four for 53 with three of the wickets coming after lunch, including Dinesh Chandimal and Rangana Herath in successive balls
Sri Lanka had two options for the final day — play for a face-saving draw after commanding the first half of the Test, or play for a win to save the series.
Faint hopes of a remarkable win vanished early when Boult removed nightwatchman Dhammika Prasad for six before continuing his dominance of Sangakkara to dismiss the Sri Lankan legend for five.
Sangakkara, who set up Sri Lanka’s 135-run first innings lead with his majestic 203, must have felt disappointed with his low score in the second innings.
However, New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum sought a review and it took multiple replays before the third umpire Bruce Oxenford of Australia was convinced it was an out.
Mathews was well caught one-handed by a diving Kane Williamson in the gully.
Williamson was back in action to partner Craig in the dismissal of Prasanna Jayawardene for 10.
Craig had Dinesh Chandimal caught behind by Watling and trapped Rangana Herath in front.
Bracewell celebrated his recall to the New Zealand team after 14 months in the wilderness with two for 25 and ran out Suranga Lakmal for six.
Boult, New Zealand’s premier bowler, finished with two for 55.
