Sri Lanka defeated New Zealand by 63 runs in the first Test in Galle | cricket

Jayasuriya took both wickets as Sri Lanka wrapped up New Zealand's innings within four overs on the final day of the Test match in Galle.

Left-arm spinner Prabath Jayasuriya took two overs to flatten New Zealand's tail and complete a five-wicket haul as Sri Lanka secured a 63-run win in the first Test match at the Galle International Stadium.

Chasing 275 points to win, New Zealand were on the hunt for 211 points on Monday despite Rachin Ravindra's valiant 92 points.

Jayasuriya (5-68) picked up his eighth five-wicket haul, seven of them in his lucky hunting ground in Galle.

“The win in England boosted our morale,” said home captain Dhananjaya de Silva, referring to the friendly win at The Oval earlier this month.

“We have the ability to win Tests and the boys are delivering now.”

Prabath Jayasuriya's five-wicket haul ensures a memorable win for Sri Lanka over New Zealand 👏

🇱🇰 takes a 1-0 lead in the series 🔥#WTC25 | #SLvNZ 📝: https://t.co/PHqmvlAFRP pic.twitter.com/xGbPuc7B7l

– ICC (@ICC) September 23, 2024

New Zealand began the final day needing 68 runs for a memorable win with two wickets in hand, but Sri Lanka needed just four overs to clinch victory.

New Zealand's slim chances vanished in the second over of the day when Jayasuriya ended Ravindra's outstanding knock, which included nine fours and a six.

The batter frantically checked the LBW decision but replays confirmed that Ravindra was straight ahead.

Jayasuriya bowled William O'Rourke in his next over to seal Sri Lanka's victory by beating the batsman's defensive shot on an arm ball.

“It's difficult but a good Test match all round,” said New Zealand captain Tim Southee.

“We can take a lot of positives from this, but of course it’s disappointing that we come out of it on the wrong side.”

Jayasuriya's match haul of nine wickets earned him the Player of the Match award while Ramesh Mendis claimed three wickets in the second innings.

“I like this Galle pitch,” Jayasuriya said.

“I just focus on bowling a consistent line and length, focus on that and get the results.”

The second Test, also in Galle, begins on Thursday.