• Sri Lanka have triumphed over New Zealand by 63 runs in the first Test match at Galle.

  • Prabath Jayasuriya was named Player of the Match for his exceptional bowling.

Twitter reactions: Rachin Ravindra’s brave effort falls short as Prabath Jayasuriya seals win for Sri Lanka over New Zealand in the 1st Test
New Zealand and Sri Lanka (Image Source: X)

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Sri Lanka triumphed over New Zealand by 63 runs in a closely contested first Test match at Galle on Monday (September 23). The encounter saw several noteworthy individual performances, with Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya emerging as the standout player, claiming eight wickets across both innings to earn the Player of the Match accolade. New Zealand, despite fighting valiantly in their second innings, fell short of their 275-run target as Sri Lanka’s spin attack dominated the final stages.

Kamindu Mendis anchors Sri Lanka’s first innings with a crucial century

In Sri Lanka’s first innings, Kamindu Mendis played a pivotal role, scoring a patient 114 off 173 balls, enabling the hosts to post a respectable total of 305. Kamindu’s knock was marked by his composure and ability to fend off a probing New Zealand bowling attack. Sri Lanka had earlier struggled with quick dismissals, losing both openers, Pathum Nissanka (27) and Dimuth Karunaratne (2), within the first six overs. Dinesh Chandimal (30) and Angelo Mathews (36) provided some stability, but it was Mendis’ partnership with Kusal Mendis (50) that lifted Sri Lanka. New Zealand pacer William O’Rourke was the pick of the bowlers, claiming five wickets for 55 runs, supported by Ajaz Patel’s two wickets.

Prabath Jayasuriya’s 4-Fer keeps Sri Lanka in contention

In response, New Zealand posted 340, taking a 35-run lead thanks to crucial contributions from Tom Latham (70), Kane Williamson (55) and Daryl Mitchell (57). The visitors appeared well on their way to building a formidable first-innings total, but Sri Lankan spinner Jayasuriya broke key partnerships, finishing with figures of 4 for 136. Ramesh Mendis added three wickets, while Dhananjaya de Silva chipped in with two, as the hosts limited the damage. New Zealand’s lower order collapsed swiftly after Mitchell’s dismissal, with Glenn Phillips remaining unbeaten on 49.

Dimuth Karunaratne leads second innings revival for Sri Lanka

Trailing by 35 runs, Sri Lanka’s second innings saw a steady start, led by skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, who played a captain’s knock of 83. His partnership with Dinesh Chandimal (61) was instrumental in steering Sri Lanka towards a competitive second-innings total of 309. Ajaz wreaked havoc with the ball, taking 6 wickets for 90 runs, but the hosts’ middle-order resilience, particularly from Mathews (50) and Dhananjaya de Silva (40), ensured they set New Zealand a challenging target of 275 runs.

Also WATCH: Ajaz Patels six-wicket haul leads to Sri Lanka’s collapse against New Zealand on Day 4 of the 1st Test

Rachin Ravindra’s lone resistance falls short for New Zealand

New Zealand’s chase started on a shaky note, with Devon Conway bowled for 4 and Williamson stumped for 30. Jayasuriya led Sri Lanka’s charge with his left-arm spin, claiming 5 for 64 in the second innings, dismantling New Zealand’s batting lineup. Rachin Ravindra played a defiant knock of 92, but with minimal support from the middle and lower order, New Zealand collapsed for 211 in 71.4 overs. Ramesh picked up three wickets, including the crucial scalp of Tim Southee (2). Ravindra’s dismissal at 209 sealed the victory for Sri Lanka, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.

Here’s how netizens reacted:

Also WATCH: Tim Southee takes a flying catch to dismiss Pathum Nissanka on Day 3 of the 1st Test

 

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