Sri Lanka celebrated a dominant victory in the first Test against New Zealand at Galle, securing a 63-run triumph on the final morning. Prabath Jayasuriya’s exceptional bowling performance proved to be the difference, as he claimed five wickets in the second innings to seal the win for the hosts.
Set a target of 275 for victory, New Zealand were bowled out for 211 less than 15 minutes after play resumed from overnight. The Black Caps’ hopes rested largely on Rachin Ravindra, who battled valiantly on a turning pitch, eventually reaching a magnificent 92. Ravindra’s knock was the highest by a New Zealander at the Galle ground, surpassing Ross Taylor’s 89 in 2019. However, despite his heroic efforts, Ravindra’s dismissal in the morning session proved to be the turning point.
Jayasuriya, who had already taken nine wickets across the match, trapped Ravindra in front while attempting to defend on the back foot. Jayasuriya then brought the match to a close by dismissing rookie fast bowler William O’Rourke for a duck. O’Rourke, despite his impressive performance with eight match wickets including a five-wicket haul in the first innings, couldn’t prevent New Zealand’s defeat.
On the Sri Lankan side, Ajaz Patel’s 6-90 in the second innings was a noteworthy performance. This was the best figures by a New Zealand bowler in Sri Lanka since Daniel Vettori’s 6-64 in Colombo in 1998. The second and final match of the series will be held at the same venue in Galle, starting on Thursday. This promises to be an exciting encounter as both teams look to secure the series victory.
