Prabath Jayasuriya’s fifer leads Sri Lanka to a 63-run win over New Zealand in Galle, as the Black Caps fall short on the final morning of the 1st Test.
Sri Lanka Clinch 63-Run Victory over New Zealand in 1st Test, Thanks to Prabath Jayasuriya’s Five-Wicket Haul
Sri Lanka secured a remarkable 63-run victory over New Zealand on the final morning of the 1st Test in Galle, largely thanks to a stellar performance from left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya. Jayasuriya took five wickets in the second innings, helping bowl out New Zealand for 211 as they chased a target of 275 to win.
The match resumed on Day 5 with the Black Caps at 180/5, with hopes resting on Rachin Ravindra, who had been battling hard on a tricky, turning pitch. Ravindra top-scored with a fighting 92 but couldn’t find enough support from the rest of the batting lineup, as New Zealand lost their final five wickets in just 15 minutes after play began on Monday morning.
Jayasuriya, who had already wreaked havoc on New Zealand’s batting order, continued his magic on Day 5, quickly wrapping up the tail. His figures of 5-78 were instrumental in Sri Lanka’s victory, as the visitors struggled to cope with the spin-friendly conditions at Galle, where they had previously lost all four Test matches.
New Zealand’s collapse began with Ravindra’s dismissal, leaving the lower order with little chance of chasing down the target. None of the remaining batters managed to get into double figures, as Jayasuriya kept things tight and let the pitch do the rest.
Sri Lanka’s win gave them a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, with the team taking immense confidence from the result. Jayasuriya’s brilliant fifer not only secured the win but also reaffirmed his status as a key player in Sri Lanka’s Test setup.
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