SL vs NZ [WATCH]: William O’Rourke rattles Pathum Nissanka’s stumps with an inswinging yorker on Day 1 of first Test

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Early setback for Sri Lanka
Pathum Nissanka’s brief stay cut short by William O’Rourke
- Here’s the video

On Day 1 of the first Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, Blackcaps pacer William O’Rourke made a significant impact by dismissing both Sri Lankan opening batters early. Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to capitalize on favorable conditions. However, O’Rourke’s impressive bowling quickly turned the game in New Zealand’s favour. His skillful use of the new ball and precise execution of deliveries saw him take two crucial wickets, setting a challenging tone for the Sri Lankan batting lineup.

Early setback for Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s innings faced an immediate setback when opener Dimuth Karunaratne was dismissed for just 2 runs. O’Rourke, taking advantage of the early movement in the pitch, delivered a well-executed delivery that induced a thick edge off Karunaratne’s bat. The ball flew safely into the hands of wicketkeeper Tom Blundell, who made no mistake in completing the catch. Karunaratne’s departure after such a short stay at the crease set a worrying tone for Sri Lanka, leaving them in a precarious position as they struggled to build a solid foundation for their innings.

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Pathum Nissanka’s brief stay cut short by William O’Rourke

Pathum Nissanka, who had been in impressive form with a recent century in England, appeared to be a key figure for Sri Lanka in this match. He began his innings with confidence, scoring 27 runs off just 24 balls, including five well-placed boundaries. Nevertheless, O’Rourke’s relentless pressure and tactical acumen were evident when he targeted Nissanka with a series of deliveries that exploited the conditions effectively.

In the sixth over of the innings, O’Rourke unleashed a perfectly executed inswinging yorker, aimed to disrupt Nissanka’s rhythm. The ball swung sharply and struck Nissanka’s pads. The delivery was so precisely aimed that it uprooted the middle stump, sending Nissanka back to the pavilion with his innings cut short. The late swing of the ball caught Nissanka completely off guard, showcasing O’Rourke’s mastery of the conditions and his ability to deliver under pressure. This crucial breakthrough further compounded Sri Lanka’s struggles and highlighted O’Rourke’s role in New Zealand’s early dominance and reduced the hosts to 88/2 at lunch.