GALLE, Sri Lanka: New Zealand’s rising star, William O’Rourke, claimed an impressive five-wicket haul, helping restrict Sri Lanka to 305 on the second morning of the first Test in Galle.
O’Rourke’s consistent pace, exceeding 145 km/h (90 mph), dismantled the Sri Lankan top order on day one and secured the final two wickets early on Thursday, finishing with figures of 5-55.
His standout performance follows a previous five-wicket haul against South Africa earlier this year, solidifying his reputation despite a groin injury that sidelined him for the Australia series.
Kamindu Mendis’ resilient century (114) saved Sri Lanka from a precarious 178-5 on day one. Rain briefly delayed the match, with New Zealand’s openers Tom Latham (1) and Devon Conway (4) at the crease before another downpour halted play.
