Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st Test, Check LIVE Score & Updates From Day 1’s Play

The first Test match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand is underway in Galle. Sri Lanka’s captain, Dhananjaya de Silva, chose to bat first. This move aimed to set the stage for the series.

But, New Zealand’s fast bowlers quickly made their mark. William O’Rourke took two wickets in a row. This left Sri Lanka struggling at 27/2.

Despite these early challenges, Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews fought back. Mathews had to leave the field after getting hit on his finger. But, Kamindu Mendis stepped up and played well, helping Sri Lanka reach 88/2 at Lunch.

Key Takeaways

• Sri Lanka captain Dhananjaya de Silva won the toss and opted to bat first in the 1st Test against New Zealand in Galle.
• The Kiwi pacers made early inroads, with William O’Rourke claiming two quick wickets to reduce Sri Lanka to 27/2.
• Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews forged a crucial partnership to steady the innings for the hosts.
• Kamindu Mendis played some aggressive shots to help Sri Lanka reach 88/2 at Lunch on Day 1.
• The match is expected to be a closely contested affair as both teams look to gain the upper hand in the series.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand: Match Summary

Day 1 Session 1 Updates

The first Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand started with Sri Lanka batting first. Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne gave a strong start, scoring 42 runs. But, New Zealand’s William O’Rourke quickly got rid of both, with Nissanka scoring 27 and Karunaratne with 15.

Then, Dinesh Chandimal and Angelo Mathews steadied the ship, adding 39 runs. Mathews had to retire hurt after getting hit, but Chandimal kept going, scoring 30 off 67 balls.

Kamindu Mendis joined Chandimal, and they added more runs. By Lunch, Sri Lanka was at 88/2. The Galle pitch was helping the seamers at first but is expected to get easier for batsmen as the day goes on.

“The pitch in Galle seemed to have some assistance for the seamers initially, but is expected to flatten out as the day progresses, potentially making it easier for the batters.”

Sri Lanka is happy with their start, thanks to Chandimal and Mendis. New Zealand is pleased with their bowling, especially O’Rourke, who took 2/39 by the end of the session.

Key Performers and Highlights

The first day of the Test match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand was filled with standout performances. Dinesh Chandimal made a solid 30 runs off 67 balls. Kamindu Mendis then scored 19* off 22 balls, helping Sri Lanka recover after losing early wickets.

New Zealand’s debutant pacer, William O’Rourke, took 2 key wickets, affecting Sri Lanka’s start. Spinner Ajaz Patel bowled well, giving away only 19 runs in 10 overs. The Galle pitch favored seamers at first but is expected to become more batting-friendly as the game goes on.

Here are the day’s key highlights:

• Dinesh Chandimal scored a gritty 30 off 67 balls, stabilizing the Sri Lankan innings.
• Kamindu Mendis contributed a brisk 19* off 22 balls, providing the much-needed impetus.
• Debutant pacer William O’Rourke impressed with 2 crucial wickets for New Zealand.
• Spinner Ajaz Patel bowled economically, conceding just 19 runs in his 10 overs.
• The Galle pitch assisted the seamers early on but is expected to become more batting-friendly as the match progresses.