Sri Lanka won over New Zealand by 63 runs in a a closely contested first test match Monday (September 23) in Galle. The match saw some notable individual performances by the Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya He emerged as the standout player claiming eight wickets in both innings to win the Man of the Match award. New Zealand, despite fighting valiantly in their second innings, fell short of their 275-run target as Sri Lanka’s spin attack dominated the latter stages.
Kamindu Mendis anchors Sri Lanka’s first innings with a decisive century
In Sri Lanka’s first innings, Kamindu Mendis played a key role, hitting a patient 114 off 173 balls, allowing the hosts to concede a respectable total of 305 balls. Kamindu’s knock was highlighted by his composure and ability to overcome the New Zealand bowling attack. Sri Lanka have previously struggled with quick dismissals, losing both their openers. Pathum Nissanka (27) and Dimuth Karunaratne (2), within the first six. Dinesh Chandimal (30) and Angelo Mathews (36) provided some stability but it was Mendis’s partnership Kusal Mendis (50) Raised Sri Lanka. New Zealand pacer William O’Rourke He chose the bowlers who claimed five wickets for 55 runs supported by Ajaz Patel’etc. two doors.
Prabath Jayasuriya’s 4-Fer keeps Sri Lanka in the fight
In reply, New Zealand posted 340, leading by 35 runs thanks to crucial contributions. Tom Latham (70), Kane Williamson (55) and Daryl Mitchell (57). The visitors looked well on their way to building a huge first innings total, but Sri Lankan spinner Jayasuriya broke key partnerships with figures of 4 for 136. Ramesh Mendis and added three doors Dhananjaya de Silva chipped in with two as the hosts limited the damage. New Zealand’s lower order crumbled rapidly after Mitchell’s dismissal Glenn Phillips He remained unbeaten in 49.
Dimuth Karunaratne leads a second innings revival for Sri Lanka
Trailing by 35 runs, Sri Lanka’s second innings saw a steady start led by the captain. Dimuth Karunaratnewho played 83 captain’s innings. His partnership Dinesh Chandimal (61) Was instrumental in guiding Sri Lanka to a competitive second innings total of 309. Ajaz batted with the ball taking 6 wickets for 90 runs, but the hosts’ mid-level resilience, especially Mathews (50) and Dhananjaya de Silva (40), set New Zealand a tough target of 275 runs.
Also WATCH: Ajaz Patels leads Sri Lanka’s collapse against New Zealand on Day 4 of 1st Test.
Rachin Ravindra’s lone wicket is missing for New Zealand
New Zealand’s chase started on a shaky note 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, demolishing the New Zealand batting order. Rachin Ravindra Challenged for 92, but with minimal support from the middle and lower order, New Zealand collapsed to 211 in 71.4 overs. Ramesh took three wickets including a major scalp Tim Southee (2). Ravindra’s dismissal on 209 sealed victory for Sri Lanka and took a 1-0 lead in the series.
Here’s how netizens reacted:
Prabath Jayasuriya scored 79 in just 14 Test matches, which is how Yasir Shah started his career.
I must say that Prabath Jayasuriya is the Ravichandran Ashwin of Sri Lanka.
— tachyphylaxis (@_babydoctor) September 23, 2024
SL winner ❤️
Prabath Jayasuriya has put up some phenomenal numbers in SL that would put even the Indian trio of Ashwin, Axar and Jadeja to shame.72 wickets in 9 matches. 8 WPM
8 fivers and 2 10fers in 9 home matches. Bradmanesque numbers.
Ashwin has 6WPM, Jadeja 4.8 WPM and Akhar 4WPM
— ParteekNotPrateek (@randomcricfacts) September 23, 2024
8th fife for my father.
Sri Lanka won the match by 63 runs.
A great test match. Well played boys. #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/j4W0B07req
— Naveen Peiris (@_Naviya_) September 23, 2024
Always a treat to watch a hard-fought Test in Galle!
Back to back Test wins.
Well played Team! 🇱🇰👏#SLvNZ— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) September 23, 2024
Amid election fever @OfficialSLC Brilliant game and execution at the Galle cricket ground..well played guys 👊
— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) September 23, 2024
The hosts took a 1-0 lead in the series in Galle. Test 2 starts on Thursday at the same venue. Account card | https://t.co/GKXGrmg9k6 #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/USMmLEkxnG
— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 23, 2024
Sri Lanka STAY by 63 runs and win 12 vital WTC points!!!
Prabath Jayasuriya with his 8th FIVE-FOR and 9 wickets in the match! #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/gWpKjnFNwt
— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) September 23, 2024
Rachin Ravindra’s spectacular innings comes to an end 💥
Run: 92
Balls: 168
4s/6s: 9/1#cricket #SLvNZ #rachindraravindra #newzealandcricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/z8vpKj7YoT— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 23, 2024
Yes, the match @BLACKCAPS could easily win.
Some crazy dismissals in both innings, including/especially Mitchell running out.
A rare / valuable overseas Test win, wasted. https://t.co/uTF3L6maJp
— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton) September 23, 2024
NZ had chances to win this test and they blew them. It’s pretty hard to accept tbh.
— Sam(uel) Smith (@samuelsmith1988) September 23, 2024
Great effort by Rachin Ravindra in an interesting, seesaw test at Galle. With just 2 wickets in hand today was always going to be a tough ask.
Congratulations to Sri Lanka on their victory in the 2023-25 WC.#SLvNZ
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) September 23, 2024
I like Rachin Ravindra a lot, his last 30-40 runs off the tail was disgusting as he had no intention of scoring early and on a pitch that was just deteriorating, Southee hit Ajaz.
After NZ 190 was taking the game nowhere
Well, he was fired #SLvNZ
— Renaissance (Sinlessan-II) (@SINLESSAN) September 23, 2024
