NZ vs SL: Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 63 runs in the first Test, took the lead in the points table

Gaul: The two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and New Zealand is ongoing. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand in the first Test match. With the help of left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya's five wickets in the second innings and nine wickets in the match, Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by 63 runs in the first cricket Test here on Monday.

Chasing Sri Lanka's target of 275 runs, New Zealand needed 68 runs to win on the last day with only two wickets remaining. However, the visiting team lost its remaining two wickets after adding four runs in 3.4 overs and its innings was reduced to 211 runs.

Jayasuriya shines against New Zealand

Yesterday's unbeaten batsman Rachin Ravindra (92) added just one more run to his score before he was trapped LBW by Jayasuriya. Ravindra hit nine fours and a six in his 168-ball innings.

Rachin Ravindra stands between Sri Lanka and a win in the first Test with stumps drawn on Day 4.#WTC25 | #SLvNZ 📝: pic.twitter.com/7oYXi9tDm3

— ICC (@ICC) September 22, 2024

Read this also- Former Pakistani cricketer praised Indian bowlers, called them dangerous, watch video

Jayasuriya bowled William O'Rourke in the next over to give Sri Lanka the win and take five or more wickets in an innings for the eighth time in Test cricket. Ravindra missed a century but his 92 runs is the best score for New Zealand in Galle. He surpassed Ross Taylor who had scored 86 runs.

Sri Lanka reached third place

New Zealand has lost all five of its Tests in Galle and during this period, none of its batsmen could score a century. With this victory, Sri Lanka has reached the third position in the World Test Championship table. It is behind India and Australia. New Zealand, which started the series in third place, has slipped to fourth place.

Read this also- SA vs AFG: South Africa saved its honor, won the third ODI against Afghanistan

second test on thursday

Earlier, in reply to Sri Lanka's 305 runs in the first innings, New Zealand scored 340 runs in the first innings. Sri Lanka scored 309 runs in the second innings and gave the visiting team a target of 275 runs. The second and final Test of the two-match series will be played in Galle from Thursday.

Sri Lanka will be aiming to win their first Test series against New Zealand since 2009. Since then, there have been six series between the two teams, of which New Zealand has won four and two ended in a draw.

(With agency input)