After watching the heroics of Thilan Samaraweera's century in the first innings and a near one for Mahela Jayawardene in the second (a second miss for him in this match), Daniel Vetori topped off defeat in the series with a century and rare rearguard action in the second Test.
daniel vettori2
It was a case of the tail bailing out New Zealand even as the visitors went down 2-0 in the two Test series. While the inexperienced top order batsmen failed to cope with the enormous target of 494, Vettori found Oram for company and after Rangana Herath put New Zealand on the back foot at the end of the fourth day's play, New Zealand found themselves with more gumption than they showed.
Vettori and Jacob Oram formed a 124 partnership that thwarted an early victory for SriLanka. When Oram departed, having made a half century, the New Zealand score card read 300 for seven. Vettori thereafter added ninety-seven with the tail order to take New Zealand to a respectable 397 in the impossible chase of 494.
vettori reacts
There was little doubt that Sri Lanka had overpowered New Zealand but Vettori's 140 brought a sliver of sunshine to the dour proceedings that have been New Zealand's story thus far on tour. Sri Lankan captain, Kumar Sangakkara, later admitted his team failed to stay focussed and allowed New Zealand to put up a fight.
At least a consolation with this kind of fighting ability will give New Zealand some confidence going into the tri series. In true grit, Vettori was the final wicket to fall!
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