Reaction on Twitter: Rachin Ravindra’s brave effort falls short as Prabath Jayasuriya wins Sri Lanka’s win over New Zealand in the first Test.

Sri Lanka he won New Zealand by 63 runs in a continued with the first Test match in Galle on Monday (September 23). The encounter had many notable performances, with the Sri Lankan spinner Prabath Jayasuriya emerging as the man of the match, taking eight wickets in both innings to claim the Man of the Match award. New Zealand, despite fighting brilliantly in their second innings, failed to reach 275 runs as Sri Lanka’s spin attack prevailed in the last over.

Kamindu Mendis strengthens Sri Lanka’s first innings with a crucial century

In Sri Lanka’s first innings, Kamindu Mendis he played a key role, hitting a patient 114 off 173 balls, which allowed the hosts to amass a score of 305. Sri Lanka have previously struggled with quick dismissals, losing both their openers, Pathum Nissanka (27) and Dimuth Karunaratne (2), within the first six overs. Dinesh Chandimal (30) and Angel Matthews (36) provided some stability, but it was Mendis’ relationship Kusal Mendis (50) which suggested Sri Lanka. New Zealand pacer William O’Rourke he was the pick of the bowlers, taking five wickets for 55 runs, supported Ajaz Patel’s two wickets.

Prabath Jayasuriya’s 4-Fer keeps Sri Lanka in contention

In reply, New Zealand posted 340, taking 35 runs thanks to important contributions from Tom Latham (70), Kane Williamson (55) and Daryl Mitchell (57). The visitors appeared to be well on their way to building an impressive first innings total, but Sri Lankan bowler Jayasuriya broke the crucial partnership, finishing with figures of 4 for 136. Ramesh Mendis added three wickets, while Dhananjaya de Silva It went in for two, as the hosts minimized the damage. New Zealand’s low profile quickly reversed itself after Mitchell’s dismissal, with Glenn Phillips stay undefeated in 49.

Dimuth Karunaratne leads the charge by reviving Sri Lanka’s second innings

Trailing by 35 runs, Sri Lanka’s second innings got off to a good start, led by the captain. Dimuth Karunaratnewho played a captain’s knock of 83. His collaboration with Dinesh Chandimal (61) was instrumental in guiding Sri Lanka to 309 in the second competitive innings. Ajaz were badly damaged with the ball, taking 6 wickets for 90 runs, but the resilience of the home side, especially from Mathews (50) and Dhananjaya de Silva (40), ensured that they set New Zealand a challenging target of 275 runs.

ALSO WATCH: Ajaz Patel’s six-wicket haul leads to Sri Lanka’s defeat against New Zealand on Day 4 of the first Test

Rachin Ravindra’s solo resistance is lacking for New Zealand

New Zealand’s chase started on a moving note, with Devon Conway he bowled 4 and Williamson bowled 30. Jayasuriya led Sri Lanka with his left-arm spin, taking 5 for 64 in the second innings, dismantling New Zealand’s batting line-up. Rachin Ravindra defiantly played for 92, but with little support from the middle and lower order, New Zealand scored 211 in 71.4 overs. Ramesh took three wickets, including the crucial header of Tim Southee (2). Ravindra’s dismissal of 209 set Sri Lanka up for victory, giving them a 1-0 lead in the series.

Here’s how netizens reacted:

Prabath Jayasuriya has 79 wickets in just 14 Test matches, that’s how Yasir Shah started his career.

You must say, Prabath Jayasuriya is Srilanka’s Ravichandran Ashwin.

– tachyphylaxis (@_babydoctor) September 23, 2024

SL wins ❤️
Prabath Jayasuriya has amazing numbers with SL that can put even the Indian team of Ashwin, Axar and Jadeja to shame.

72 wickets in 9 matches. 8 WPM

8 fifers & 2 10fers in 9 matches at home. Bradmanesque numbers.

Ashwin has 6WPM, Jadeja 4.8 WPM and Axar 4WPM

– ParteekNotPrateek (@randomcricfacts) September 23, 2024

8th fier for Pappa.

Sri Lanka won the match by 63 runs.

A great game to explore. Well done boys. #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/j4W0B07req

— Naveen Peiris (@_Naviya_) September 23, 2024

Always great to watch a hard fought test in Galle!
Back to back Test wins.
Well done team! 🇱🇰👏#SLvNZ

— Lasith Malinga (@malinga_ninety9) September 23, 2024

In the midst of election fever @OfficialSLC he played and had a great game at the Galle cricket grounds.. well done boys 👊

— Mahela Jayawardena (@MahelaJay) September 23, 2024

The hosts lead 1-0 in the series in Galle. Test 2 starts at the same venue on Thursday. Scorecard | #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/USMmLEkxnG

– BLACKCAPS (@BLACKCAPS) September 23, 2024

Sri Lanka WON by 63 runs and got a valuable 12 WTC points!!!

Prabath Jayasuriya for his 8th FIVE-FOR and 9 wickets in the match! #SLvNZ pic.twitter.com/gWpKjnFNwt

— ThePoppingCrease (@PoppingCreaseSA) September 23, 2024

Rachin Ravindra’s brilliant innings comes to an end 💥

Runs: 92
Balls: 168
4s/6s: 9/1#cricket #SLvNZ #rachindraravindra #newzealandcricket #CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/z8vpKj7YoT

– CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) September 23, 2024

Yes, it’s the same @BLACKCAPS he could easily win.

Some strange dismissals in both innings, including/especially Mitchell’s run out.

Rare/significant overseas test win, dismissed. https://t.co/uTF3L6maJp

— Michael Appleton (@michelappleton) September 23, 2024

NZ had their chances to win that test and blew them away. That’s too hard to take tbh.

— Sam[uel] Smith (@samuelsmith1988) September 23, 2024

A great effort by Rachin Ravindra in what has been an interesting, eye-opening experience in Galle. It was always going to be a tough ask today with only 2 wickets in hand.

Congratulations to Sri Lanka for their victory that keeps them alive in the 2023-25 ​​WTC.#SLvNZ

– CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) September 23, 2024

As much as I like Rachin Ravindra, his last 30-40 runs batting the tail was disgusting with no intention of scoring any quick runs and just farming the strike to Southee, Ajaz in a slump.

It took the game nowhere after NZ collapsed to 190

So it is good that he is fired #SLvNZ

– Renaissance (Sinlessan-II) (@SINLESSAN) September 23, 2024

ALSO WATCH: Tim Southee takes a flying catch to dismiss Pathum Nissanka on day 3 of the first Test