CHRISTCHURCH: In an instant classic, New Zealand defeated Sri Lanka to take the first match of the two-match series. Kane Williamson came in to clear the sky and lead New Zealand to victory on the last day of the first test match when rain clouds threatened to alter the game's outcome.
Sri Lanka struggled to pick up wickets and bowled with a consistent line and length. But they found their rhythm when Prabath Jayasuriya got the muchneeded breakthrough by picking up the wicket of Daryl Mitchell 81 (86). New Zealand's gamechanging moment came to an end but still, they had a long distance to cover.
Batters came in and went back to the pavilion but Williamson stood alone carrying hopes of his entire team as well as the hopes of the home crowd. The hosts managed to stay in the game with Williamson playing the key role in the entire chase. For a moment the Kiwis found themselves stuck in a mire when they lost Matt Henry and Tim Southee in a quick session.
Their wickets meant that the injured Neil Wagner had to step up irrespective of his condition. As he jogged on the pitch he didn't show a hint of pain on his face. Even after suffering from a hamstring tear Wagner didn't turn away from the moment. He braced himself and walked onto the pitch ready to run whenever Williamson asked him to.World Test Championship finals finally came to a bitter end. New Zealand walked away with a twowicket victory on Day-5.
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