Needing 68 runs to win with two wickets in hand on day five of the first Test match, New Zealand could add five runs, with Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya claiming the last two victims to hand Sri Lanka a 63-run win on Monday in Galle. Rachin Ravindra was the last hope for New Zealand in their chase but young star could score (1) run before being sent back on the morning of day five.
Earlier, after opting to bat first, Sri Lanka posted a total of (305), with Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis firing (114) and (50) respectively. New Zealand responded strongly in their first innings, amassing (340) runs, on the back of formidable knocks from Tom Latham (70), Kane Williamson (55) and Daryl Mitchell (57).
In their second innings, Sri Lanka fought back, scoring (309) and setting a target of (275) for New Zealand. The standout performer was Prabath Jayasuriya, whose incredibly powerful bowling toppled New Zealand’s batting lineup, earning him five wickets as New Zealand were bowled out for (211).