Sri Lanka triumphed over New Zealand by 63 runs in a closely contested first Test match at Galle on Monday (September 23). The encounter saw several noteworthy individual performances, with Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya emerging as the standout player, claiming eight wickets across both innings to earn the Player of the Match accolade. New Zealand, despite fighting valiantly in their second innings, fell short of their 275-run target as Sri Lanka’s spin attack dominated the final stages.

Kamindu Mendis anchors Sri Lanka’s first innings with a crucial century

In Sri Lanka’s first innings, Kamindu Mendis played a pivotal role, scoring a patient 114 off 173 balls, enabling the hosts to post a respectable total of 305. Kamindu’s knock was marked by his composure and ability to fend off a probing New Zealand bowling attack. Sri Lanka had earlier struggled with quick dismissals, losing both openers, Pathum Nissanka (27) and Dimuth Karunaratne (2), within the first six overs. Dinesh Chandimal (30) and Angelo Mathews (36) provided some stability, but it was Mendis’ partnership with Kusal Mendis (50) that lifted Sri Lanka. New Zealand pacer William O’Rourke was the pick of the bowlers, claiming five wickets for 55 runs, supported by Ajaz Patel’s two wickets.

Prabath Jayasuriya’s 4-Fer keeps Sri Lanka in contention

In response, New Zealand posted 340, taking a 35-run lead thanks to crucial contributions from Tom Latham (70), Kane Williamson (55) and Daryl Mitchell (57). The visitors appeared well on their way to building a formidable first-innings total, but Sri Lankan spinner Jayasuriya broke key partnerships, finishing with figures of 4 for 136. Ramesh Mendis added three wickets, while Dhananjaya de Silva chipped in with two, as the hosts limited the damage. New Zealand’s lower order collapsed swiftly after Mitchell’s dismissal, with Glenn Phillips remaining unbeaten on 49.

Dimuth Karunaratne leads second innings revival for Sri Lanka

Trailing by 35 runs, Sri Lanka’s second innings saw a steady start, led by skipper Dimuth Karunaratne, who played a captain’s knock of 83. His partnership with Dinesh Chandimal (61) was instrumental in steering Sri Lanka towards a competitive second-innings total of 309. Ajaz wreaked havoc with the ball, taking 6 wickets for 90 runs, but the hosts’ middle-order resilience, particularly from Mathews (50) and Dhananjaya de Silva (40), ensured they set New Zealand a challenging target of 275 runs.

Also WATCH: Ajaz Patels six-wicket haul leads to Sri Lanka’s collapse against New Zealand on Day 4 of the 1st Test

Rachin Ravindra’s lone resistance falls short for New Zealand

New Zealand’s chase started on a shaky note, with 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, dismantling New Zealand’s batting lineup. Rachin Ravindra played a defiant knock of 92, but with minimal support from the middle and lower order, New Zealand collapsed for 211 in 71.4 overs. Ramesh picked up three wickets, including the crucial scalp of Tim Southee (2). Ravindra’s dismissal at 209 sealed the victory for Sri Lanka, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.

Here’s how netizens reacted:

Prabath Jayasuriya has 79 wickets in just 14 test matches, that’s how Yasir Shah started his career.

Must say, Prabath Jayasuriya is the Ravichandran Ashwin of Srilanka.

— tachyphylaxis (@_babydoctor) September 23, 2024

SL wins ❤️
Prabath Jayasuriya has 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 fifers & 2 10fers in 9 matches at home. Bradmanesque numbers.

Ashwin has a 6WPM, Jadeja 4.8 WPM & Axar 4WPM

— ParteekNotPrateek (@randomcricfacts) September 23, 2024

8th fifer for Pappa.

Sri Lanka won the match by 63 runs.

Great test match. Well played boys. #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/j4W0B07req

— Naveen Peiris (@_Naviya_) September 23, 2024

Always a treat watching a hard-fought Test at Galle!
Back to back Test wins.
Well played Team! 🇱🇰👏#SLvNZ

— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) September 23, 2024

Among the election fever @OfficialSLC played and executed a perfect game at Galle cricket grounds.. well played guys 👊

— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) September 23, 2024

The hosts take a 1-0 lead in the series at Galle. Test 2 starts at the same venue on Thursday. Scorecard | https://t.co/GKXGrmg9k6 #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/USMmLEkxnG

— BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 23, 2024

Sri Lanka WIN by 63 runs and get 12 crucial 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 magnificent innings comes to an end 💥

Runs: 92
Balls: 168
4s/6s: 9/1#cricket #SLvNZ #rachindraravindra #newzealandcricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/z8vpKj7YoT

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 23, 2024

Yes, a match @BLACKCAPS could easily have won.

Some maddening dismissals in both innings, including / especially the Mitchell run out.

A rare / valuable overseas Test victory, squandered. https://t.co/uTF3L6maJp

— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton) September 23, 2024

NZ had their chances to win that test and they threw them away. That’s quite hard to take tbh.

— Sam[uel] Smith (@samuelsmith1988) September 23, 2024

Great effort by Rachin Ravindra in what was an exciting, see-sawing Test at Galle. It was always going to be a tough ask today with just 2 wickets in hand.

Congratulations to Sri Lanka on their victory which keeps them alive in the 2023-25 WTC.#SLvNZ

— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) September 23, 2024

As much I like Rachin Ravindra,his last 30-40 runs batting with the tail was disgusting with no intention to score quick & just farming the strike to Southee, Ajaz in a deteriorating pitch

Was taking the game nowhere after NZ crossed 190

So it’s good he got dismissed #SLvNZ

— Renessan (Sinlessan-II) (@SINLESSAN) September 23, 2024

Also WATCH: Tim Southee takes a flying catch to dismiss Pathum Nissanka on Day 3 of the 1st Test

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