Sri Lanka secured a 63-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Galle, taking a 1-0 lead in the series, thanks to a brilliant performance by spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. It took just 22 balls on the final morning for Sri Lanka to wrap up the game, with Jayasuriya claiming the last two wickets to dismiss New Zealand for 211.
New Zealand entered the final day needing 68 runs to win, with two wickets in hand and Rachin Ravindra unbeaten on 91. However, Jayasuriya quickly ended their hopes by trapping Ravindra leg-before with a delivery that straightened off the leg stump. Despite a review, Ravindra was dismissed, dashing New Zealand’s chances.
Jayasuriya continued to apply pressure and soon dismissed William O’Rourke, sealing his five-wicket haul and the win for Sri Lanka. His figures of 5/68, combined with Ramesh Mendis’ 3/83, were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s triumph.
Brief Scores:
Sri Lanka 305 & 309 (Dimuth Karunaratne 83; Ajaz Patel 6/90)
New Zealand 340 & 211 (Rachin Ravindra 92; Prabath Jayasuriya 5/68, Ramesh Mendis 3/83)
Sri Lanka won by 63 runs.