In a rare instance, there was no play on what would have been the fourth day of the Test. Rest days have been a feature of Test Cricket in the 20th century, but it was phased out due to the cramped calendar. The last rest day in Tests came in 2008 when Sri Lanka toured Bangladesh.

The game hung in the balance when day six began, with Sri Lanka slightly ahead. Rachin Ravindra Ravindra resumed on his overnight score of 91 with Ajaz Patel, who was yet to get off the mark. New Zealand needed 68 runs to script a famous win, but their only concern was Rachin running out of partners at the other end.

New Zealand’s hopes suffered a massive blow at the start of the day when Rachin was pinned lbw by Prabath Jayasuriya for 92 as New Zealand were reduced to 209-9. Jayasuriya struck again in his next over to bowl out New Zealand 63 runs short of their target of 275.

Sri Lanka clinch a thrilling win to go 1-0 ahead in the two-match Test series against New Zealand 👏 pic.twitter.com/nXw4Wsj3Rl

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) September 23, 2024

Kanindu, O'Rourke star in the first innings

In the first innings, Sri Lanka made 305, thanks to Kamindu Mendis, who continued with his rapid start to his career. Kamindu, promoted to No.5, scored a 173-ball 114, his fourth ton in his seventh Test. For New Zealand, Will O’Rouke (5-55) was the pick of the bowlers as he bowled a fiery spell in which several batters were hit on the body.

In response, New Zealand made 340. Tom Latham (70), Kane Williamson (55), Daryl Mitchell (57) and Glenn Phillips (49) all contributed to give the tourists a slender lead.

Karunaratne, Chandimal put Sri Lanka on top

Thereafter, Sri Lanka's batters took them into the ascendancy. Pathum Nissanka departed early, but Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal put on 147 runs for the second wicket. There was a mini-slide as they lost three wickets for 25 runs. Angelo Mathews (50) and captain Dhananjaya de Silva (40) ensured Sri Lanka finished close to their first innings score, at 309.

Barring Rachin and Tom Blundell (30), no New Zealand batters looked comfortable in their chase of 275. Jayasuriya picked up 5-68, bowling out the opposition for 211. He also took 4-136 in the second innings, earning him the Player of the Match award.

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