Sri Lanka Wins Test, Climbs to Third in World Test Championship

News Today: Sri Lanka wins Test match and climbs World Test Championship table

Sri Lanka secured a crucial 63-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test match in Galle yesterday, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The win also propelled Sri Lanka to third place on the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, keeping their hopes alive for a spot in the WTC final.

The match wrapped up quickly on the final morning, with Sri Lanka taking just 15 minutes to claim the last two New Zealand wickets. Prabath Jayasuriya was instrumental in the victory, finishing with figures of 5 for 68 in the second innings and match figures of 9 for 204. This was his eighth five-wicket haul and his seventh in Galle, earning him the Player-of-the-Match award.

New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra, who fought valiantly the previous day, fell for 92 after facing just eight deliveries on the final day. Jayasuriya’s arm ball trapped him in front, and a review confirmed it was pitching in line. The remaining hopes of a New Zealand comeback were dashed when Will O’Rourke was bowled by Jayasuriya for his fifth wicket.

O’Rourke, despite the loss, had an impressive outing with eight wickets, matching Ajaz Patel’s tally in the game.

Sri Lanka’s victory not only boosts their WTC campaign but also puts pressure on New Zealand, who face tough upcoming series against India and England. With only a two-day break, both teams will quickly turn their focus to the second Test, starting Thursday.