Galle, Sep 29 (Reporter) Sri Lanka secured a dominant innings and 154-run victory over New Zealand in the second Test on Day 4 in Galle, sealing a 2-0 series whitewash. Despite battling half-centuries from Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner in New Zealand’s second innings, the tourists could not prevent Sri Lanka from completing the win. After being bowled out for a dismal 88 in their first innings, New Zealand were forced to follow on. Their second innings saw a much-improved effort, but they still folded for 360, well short of Sri Lanka's imposing 602/5 declared. Debutant spinner Nishan Peiris was the star for the hosts, claiming 6 for 170, while Prabath Jayasuriya added three more wickets to his first-innings haul of six. Resuming on 199/5, New Zealand’s hopes of salvaging the match rested on the shoulders of Blundell and Phillips. Blundell brought up his half-century early in the day, but he was trapped lbw by Peiris for 60. Phillips and Santner provided resistance, with Phillips also reaching his fifty before falling for 51, caught at long-on after a risky shot off Peiris. Santner, who played positively throughout, brought up his half-century and found support from Ajaz Patel as the pair put together a 53-run partnership. But it was too little too late for the visitors, as Peiris claimed his sixth wicket, stumping Santner for 67 to end New Zealand’s innings and the match. Sri Lanka’s comprehensive victory was set up by a commanding first-innings batting performance. Kamindu Mendis led the charge with a career-best 182 not out, supported by Dinesh Chandimal (116) and Kusal Mendis (106 N.O.), while Angelo Mathews chipped in with 88. Their total of 602/5 declared proved insurmountable for New Zealand, who struggled to find their rhythm throughout the series. With this win, Sri Lanka climbed to third place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings, strengthening their chances of qualifying for the final next year. New Zealand, on the other hand, were left to reflect on a disappointing series, having been outplayed in all departments by a dominant Sri Lankan side. Brief scores: Sri Lanka 602/5 decl (Kamindu Mendis 182 not out, Dinesh Chandimal 116, Kusal Mendis 106 not out; Glenn Phillips 3-141) beat New Zealand 88 (Mitchell Santner 29; Prabath Jayasuriya 6-42, Nishan Peiris 3-33) & 360 f/o (Glenn Phillips 78, Mitchell Santner 67, Devon Conway 61, Tom Blundell 60; Nishan Peiris 6-170, Prabath Jayasuriya 3-139) by an innings & 154 runs...////...