Sri Lanka secures 63-run victory over New Zealand in first Test at Galle

Sponsored Ad

Sri Lanka won the first Test against New Zealand at Galle International Stadium by 63 runs. Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya played a key role, taking five wickets in the second innings to close out New Zealand's chase. New Zealand, needing 275 for victory, were bowled out for 211, with Rachin Ravindra scoring 92 runs, the highest for his team.

On the final day, New Zealand required 68 more runs with two wickets in hand, but Jayasuriya dismissed Ravindra early in the second over, followed by the dismissal of William O'Rourke, securing the victory for Sri Lanka. Jayasuriya's five-wicket haul marked his eighth in Test cricket, with seven of those performances taking place at Galle.

Ravindra's 92 came off 98 balls, including nine fours and one six. However, his dismissal after a review confirmed he was trapped lbw by Jayasuriya was pivotal to Sri Lanka’s win. O'Rourke was bowled soon after, sealing the game.

Jayasuriya’s nine-wicket match performance earned him the player of the match award. The second Test match between the two teams will also take place in Galle, starting on Thursday.