NZ beat SL by 423 runs | New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, Highlights And Cricket Score 2nd Test Match

So that is it from this game, that is it from the Test series as well. It all ended as one expected it to, the Kiwis take the series 1-0. Now though the two sides need to turn their attention to the 50-over format which begins on the 3rd of January with the first ODI being played in Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui at 1400 local (0100 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye!

Kane Williamson, the winning New Zealand captain says he did not know about the record and was reminded by a presenter regarding the same but says it is a fantastic achievement to win 4 series in a row. Adds it wasn't easy with the Sri Lankans showing a lot of fight but is really proud of how his boys gave their 100 percent and got over the line in the end. Applauds the batsmen for not just giving it away after scoring an 80 or a 100 and going on to make it really count. Reckons that at one point of time last morning, there was even some sense of 'deja vu' from the first Test as they failed to pick a wicket in the first session on Day 4. He feels that the bowlers really gave it their all on the penultimate day too, and the Angelo Mathews injury came to their help somewhat. Feels that playing at home is always really nice because they know the conditions well and even though the surfaces in these two Tests played a little different to what they expected, he says that these are the rigors of international cricket. Signs off by saying that he is tremendously proud of the 4 series wins in a row, an incredible achievement.

Dinesh Chandimal, captain of Sri Lanka feels disappointed on losing the match and series. Feels let down by their batting in the first innings. Says he is happy about their batting in the second innings though. Also adds that they are a young side and learning with every outing and getting better. Applauds his seamers for doing a really good job and says they need to focus on getting the work done as a whole team. Says that it will be a challenge with the upcoming tours and want to show good fight everywhere especially like the second innings in both games. Singles out Angelo Mathews for some praise to come out after injury and fight it out. Signs off by saying that the juniors in the team must look upto Mathews and learn from him.

The player of the match goes to Tim Southee for his all round contribution. He feels it is always great to win a Test match and even better when you contribute to the win. Says it was nice to get some runs and hang in there with Watling to help New Zealand to a decent score in their first dig. Adds that his body is holding up nicely and he feels amazing after a good summer of cricket. Feels there was good swing this morning with the overhead conditions and it helped them finish the game off early. Ends by saying he doesn't mind sharing the cherry with the others as long as the team is doing well.

The Kiwis then had a little more than 2 days to bowl the Lankans out whereas, the visitors had the same to chase 660. The former equation was the more likelier one and that is exactly what happened. Yes, Angelo Mathews' injury was a big blow but I do not think it would have made a difference to the outcome. Their skipper and Mendis did show some character with a 100-run stand but it was always going to be an uphill task, especially with Boult and Wagner on song. The two finished with 7 in total with Wagner taking 4 and Boult taking 3 to give the Kiwis a huge win. Stay tuned for the presentation.

From there on, the home side bossed the game. They then never gave the Lankans a sniff. Daddy tons from Latham and Nicholls and handy contributions from the rest saw them set Sri Lanka a massive target.

Then in reply, staring down a low first innings score, the visitors did lose early wickets but recovered well to end Day 1 on 88 for 4. However, Day 2 was where everything changed. The Lankans lost their last 6 wickets for just 16 runs. Trent Boult was the tormentor-in-chief as he picked all 6 and it took just around 3 overs for him to do so ensuring the hosts take a decent lead, 74 to be precise.

The scorecard suggests it is a comprehensive win for New Zealand but the Lankans had their chances. Especially in the first innings after they elected to bowl, they had the Kiwis reeling at 64-6 but failed to capitalize as the New Zealand lower order added 114 runs, courtesy a brilliant 108-run stand between Southee and Watling with the former scoring a half ton.

14 balls is all it took the Black Caps this morning. 2 for Boult and 1 for Wagner today as the Lankan tail was blown away by pace, swing and bounce. This was never in doubt though today morning but it would escalate so quickly, we did not expect that. Also, with the win, New Zealand take the series and win their fourth consecutive Test series.

Trent Boult to Dushmantha Chameera. OUT! Three reds and Chameera has to take the long walk back! Also the batsmen are seen shaking hands with the Kiwi players which means Angelo Mathews will not be coming out to bat. That is the end of the Test match and it is NEW ZEALAND WHO WIN IT BY 423 RUNS! Coming to the ball now, it is once again the in-dipper. It pitches around middle and leg and comes back in. Chameera looks to drive but misses to get hit on the pads. An appeal follows and the umpire raises the finger. Chameera, being the last man has to go for the review. He does so but replays show that the on-field call is the right one. THE KIWIS WIN THE SERIES 1-0.

Trent Boult to Dushmantha Chameera. Length delivery on off, Chameera drives it through mid off. Williamson chases it and stops it comfortably. The batsmen pick up a couple.

Neil Wagner to Lahiru Kumara. Left alone outside the off stump. The ball was on a full length and hits some sort of a crack and deviates away suddenly. Watling collects it well.

Neil Wagner to Dushmantha Chameera. Almost! On the pads this one, Chameera flicks it in the air towards fine leg. There was a leg slip present but the ball goes just wide of the fielder there.

Neil Wagner to Dushmantha Chameera. What happened here? The ball was on a short length and Chameera tried to duck and let it go but the ball didn't rise at all. The ball goes off the handle of Dushmantha's bat. Could've been painful if the ball had hit him on the glove.

Neil Wagner to Dushmantha Chameera. Bouncer on middle, Chameera ducks under the ball and lets it go.

Neil Wagner to Dilruwan Perera. OUT! Two in quick succession. Perera has been bounced out here by Wagner. New Zealand 1 away now? Effort ball on middle, Perera doesn't duck out of the way and tries to pull this one. He is not in control and the ball just goes in the air as far as Kane Williamson at square leg, who runs back and takes an easy catch. New Zealand all but home here. Perera falls after a good hand.

Neil Wagner to Dilruwan Perera. Outside off, short of a length delivery, Perera defends off the back foot.

Trent Boult to Dushmantha Chameera. Well outside off, left alone by the batsman at the last moment.

Trent Boult to Dushmantha Chameera. Slightly fuller just outside off, holds its line this time. Dushmantha defends well.

Trent Boult to Dushmantha Chameera. Length ball just outside off, Chameera defends this one with hard hands. The ball goes off the inside half of the bat on to the leg side.

Trent Boult to Suranga Lakmal. OUT! TIMBER! Beauty of a delivery. Good length delivery coming into the batsman, Boult swings into Lakmal who looks to keep it out but there was a big gap between bat and pad. It went through that and he got bowled. New Zealand are three away from victory if Mathews comes out to bat.

Trent Boult to Suranga Lakmal. Full toss on middle, Lakmal looks to flick it but it went of the inner half of the bat. It goes through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple.

Neil Wagner to Angelo Mathews. Good length delivery on off, Angelo defends off the back foot.

Neil Wagner to Dinesh Chandimal. FOUR! Classic straight drive from Dinesh Chandimal. Full on middle, Chandimal drives it straight past the bowler for a boundary.