The slow left-arm orthodox Prabath Jayasuriya troubled the Blackcaps with his six-wicket haul helping the side to restrict New Zealand to a low total at Galle International Stadium.
Jayasuriya claimed the wickets of Devon Conway, Kane Williamson, Daryl Mitchell, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips and New Zealand captain Tim Southee and also completed his 8th five-wicket haul in the attempt.
Jayasuriya’s wicket-taking skills helped the side to secure a lead of 1-0 in the ongoing New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka 2024.
Sri Lanka bowled out New Zealand for 88 runs and the hosts took a healthy lead of 514 runs, the fifth-highest 1st innings lead in the history of Test cricket.
Earlier in the match, Sri Lanka posted a total of 602/5 declared when Dinesh Chandimal and Kamindu Mendis Scored 116 and 182* and Kusal Mendis 106* runs in the match.
Exceptional performance from Sri Lanka spinners sees New Zealand bowled out for a low total in Galle.#WTC25 | #SLvNZ 📝: https://t.co/gd8ro07Np2 pic.twitter.com/T4CBxVQzix
— ICC (@ICC) September 28, 2024
Prabath Jayasuriya began the test with 88 wickets from 15 matches, and now needs six more in the second innings to equal the record for the fastest bowler to 100 test wickets.
The record has stood since 1896 when England’s George Lohmann reached 100 wickets in his 16th test.
Resuming at 22-2 in their first innings, New Zealand’s batsmen barely put up a fight and their highest partnership was added by pair Mitchell Santner, who top scored with 29 and William O’Rourke for 2 runs.
Captain de Silva took five catches at first slip to tie the record for most in a test innings by a non-wicketkeeper which he achieved a feat with 15 others.
Nishan Peiris bagged three wickets for 33 runs while Ashitha Fernando picked a wicket in New Zealand’s first innings.
New Zealand started their second innings with Tom Latham and Devon Conway opened the innings. Nishan Peiris was sent out on a duck while Conway and Kane Williamson balanced the side despite the odds against them at Galle.
