SL vs NZ [WATCH]: Tim Southee takes a flying catch to dismiss Pathum Nissanka on Day 3 of the 1st Test

Tim Southee’s brilliance in the field was on full display when he took a breathtaking catch to dismiss Pathum Nissanka on Day 3 of the 1st Test in Galle. This moment of exceptional skill occurred at a critical juncture in the match, marking a crucial breakthrough for New Zealand as they aimed to tighten their grip on Sri Lanka in the second innings.

Tim Southee’s reflexes shine in Pathum Nissanka’s dismissal

Nissanka’s dismissal came in the 2.5th over of Sri Lanka’s second innings when William O’Rourke delivered a back-of-a-length ball just outside off. The ball reared up unexpectedly, catching Nissanka off guard as it clipped the shoulder of his bat. The ball was angling away, seemingly heading past the slip cordon, but Southee, stationed at second slip, reacted instantly. He dived full-length to his right, stretching his arm out to complete an extraordinary one-handed catch just inches off the ground. The sheer athleticism and quick reflexes Southee displayed in pulling off this catch were exceptional, giving New Zealand a vital early wicket.

Here’s the video:

Plucked out of thin air 🔝

Sensational from Tim Southee 👏 🔥#SonySportsNetwork #SLvNZ #TimSouthee pic.twitter.com/iu2TiyscOM

— Sony Sports Network (@SonySportsNetwk) September 20, 2024

Also WATCH: William O’Rourke rattles Pathum Nissanka’s stumps with an inswinging yorker on Day 1 of first Test

New Zealand’s resilient batting on Day 3 against Sri Lanka

New Zealand’s batting on Day 3 was a mix of steady contributions and crucial partnerships. With Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell added valuable runs after Tom Latham‘s solid 70 on the second day, stabilizing the innings. On the third morning, Glenn Phillips played an impactful role lower down the order, scoring an unbeaten 49 to stretch New Zealand’s total to 340. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, their determined approach ensured a slender lead of 35 runs.

Earlier, Sri Lanka’s first innings ended at 305, with Kamindu Mendis top-scoring with a resilient 114, supported by Kusal Mendis‘ 50. O’Rourke was the standout bowler for New Zealand, taking five wickets. Sri Lanka have begun their second innings, reaching 32/1 at lunch, still trailing by 3 runs as Day 3 progresses. The match is finely poised, with both teams looking to gain the upper hand.

Also WATCH: Glenn Phillips bowls an ripper to dismiss Dhananjaya de Silva on Day 1 of the first Test