Cricket

New Zealand's hopes of reaching the World Test Championship final hang in the balance as they prepare for the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. The Black Caps have lost all five Tests in Galle, but their margins of defeat have narrowed with each outing.Sri Lanka, on the other hand, are brimming with confidence after consecutive Test victories under interim coach Sanath Jayasuriya. They have made two changes to their XI, bringing in Milan Rathnayake and Nishan Peiris for Lahiru Kumara and Ramesh Mendis.New Zealand may consider replacing Mitchell Santner with Michael Bracewell, who bowled more threateningly in the first Test. The pitch is expected to be another rank turner, with Will O'Rourke, Tim Southee, and Asitha Fernando likely to create significant footmarks.Dinesh Chandimal has been asked to move up to No. 3 for Sri Lanka, while Kane Williamson's record in Galle is modest. However, Williamson's runs have been a key predictor of New Zealand's success over the past 15 years.Sri Lanka's Prabath Jayasuriya has an outside chance of becoming the equal-fastest bowler to reach 100 Test wickets, while Ajaz Patel has a strong record in Galle with two five-wicket hauls.New Zealand need a win to keep their WTC final hopes alive, while Sri Lanka can move closer to Australia in the standings with another victory. The match is expected to be a close contest on a challenging pitch.

New Zealand's recent Test match in Galle against Sri Lanka ended in a narrow 63-run defeat, marking their fifth consecutive loss at the venue. However, two players emerged as bright spots for the Kiwis: seamer Will O'Rourke and batter Rachin Ravindra.O'Rourke, making his first appearance in the subcontinent, impressed with his pace and accuracy. Despite the dry conditions, he consistently bowled at speeds of 140kph and sent down short deliveries that troubled the Sri Lankan batters. His eight wickets for 104 runs, including six top-order dismissals, earned him praise from captain Tim Southee."Will's had a very short Test career so far, and he's certainly announced himself," Southee said. "He's got the skills to have a very good Test career. For him to come to his first Test in the subcontinent and walk away with a very impressive eight wickets for the match is nothing short of special."Ravindra, on the other hand, showcased his batting prowess with a gritty 92 in the fourth innings. Facing a challenging pitch and a tall target of 275, he played with composure and determination. His ability to punish loose deliveries and keep the scoreboard ticking impressed Southee."Rachin kept us in the hunt with that chase," Southee said. "It was a great knock in those conditions. It's not easy to bat - the ball was spinning, and doing all sorts [of things]. For a young guy without a lot of experience in this part of the world to go out and get 90-odd was great signs for him as well."Despite the loss, Southee identified the team's batting collapse on the third morning as a turning point. After reaching 255 for 4 overnight, New Zealand lost six wickets for 71 runs, allowing Sri Lanka to gain a crucial advantage."The last four or five fell for not many, and there was an opportunity to get a bigger first-innings lead," Southee said. "If we were able to press on and get more of a lead, things could have been different."Overall, the match highlighted the potential of O'Rourke and Ravindra while also exposing areas for improvement in New Zealand's batting. As they prepare for the next Test, the Kiwis will look to build on the positives and address the shortcomings that led to their defeat in Galle.

India's dominance in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 cycle continues unabated as they extended their lead at the summit with a resounding 280-run victory over Bangladesh in Chennai. The triumph solidifies their position as the team to beat, with a percentage of 71.67%.Ravichandran Ashwin was the architect of India's success, earning Player of the Match honors for his all-round brilliance. His century in the first innings and six-wicket haul in the second proved decisive. Bangladesh, chasing a mammoth target of 515, were bowled out for 234, with Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja sharing the spoils.The victory propelled India to 12 crucial WTC points, further cementing their grip on the top spot. Bangladesh, on the other hand, slipped to sixth in the standings with a percentage of 39.29%.Meanwhile, Sri Lanka boosted their chances of reaching the WTC final with a thrilling 63-run victory over New Zealand in Galle. Dhananjaya de Silva's side now occupies third place with a 50% win rate, putting them in contention for a top-two finish.Prabath Jayasuriya emerged as the hero for Sri Lanka, claiming match figures of 9-204 and earning the Player of the Match award. His tactical brilliance in holding off bowling New Zealand out on the fourth day allowed the bowlers to return refreshed on the final day.Sri Lanka's victory has made them a strong contender for a spot in the WTC final. With a potential maximum percentage of 69.23%, they need a clean sweep against South Africa and a 2-0 series win over Australia at home to secure their place.The race for the final two spots in the WTC finale at Lord's is heating up, with India, Sri Lanka, and England all in contention. The upcoming series will be crucial in determining who will join Australia, the current table-toppers, in the battle for the coveted trophy.

Sri Lanka's relentless bowling attack, led by Prabath Jayasuriya's exceptional performance, secured a resounding 63-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Galle. The triumph marks a significant milestone for Sri Lanka, propelling them to third place in the World Test Championship (WTC) standings.Jayasuriya, the left-arm spinner, was the architect of Sri Lanka's triumph, claiming a match-winning haul of 9 for 204. His eight-wicket haul in the second innings, including a five-wicket burst on the final morning, proved decisive in dismantling New Zealand's resistance.After Sri Lanka posted a formidable 305 in their first innings, New Zealand responded with a competitive 340, thanks to a gritty 70 from Tom Latham. However, Sri Lanka's bowlers, including Ramesh Mendis and Jayasuriya, kept the pressure on, restricting New Zealand's lead to just 35 runs.In their second innings, Sri Lanka amassed 309, with Dimuth Karunaratne contributing a crucial 83. New Zealand's bowlers, led by Ajaz Patel and Will O'Rourke, fought back, but Sri Lanka's batting depth proved too strong.With a target of 275, New Zealand began the final day with hope, but Jayasuriya's early strike against Rachin Ravindra (92) shattered their momentum. O'Rourke's dismissal shortly after sealed New Zealand's fate, handing Sri Lanka a comprehensive victory.O'Rourke, despite his disappointment, emerged as a standout performer for New Zealand, claiming eight wickets in the match. However, it was Jayasuriya's brilliance that ultimately proved the difference, earning him the Player-of-the-Match award.The result has significant implications for both teams in the WTC. Sri Lanka's victory keeps their hopes of reaching the final alive, while New Zealand's defeat complicates their path to qualification.With just a two-day break, the two teams will reconvene in Galle for the second Test, starting on Thursday. Sri Lanka will be aiming to seal the series, while New Zealand will be desperate to bounce back and level the contest.

Ajaz Patel, New Zealand's enigmatic spinner, has carved a unique niche as an "Asia specialist," excelling in the subcontinent despite limited opportunities at home. With 70 Test wickets at an impressive average of 28.50, Patel has played in only 17 of the 45 Tests New Zealand has contested since his debut.New Zealand's preference for seam-bowling at home has restricted Patel's chances, as they often opt for spinners who offer more with the bat. However, in Asia, Patel has flourished, playing over 70% of his Tests on the continent.Sri Lanka has been a particularly fruitful hunting ground for Patel, where he has claimed two five-wicket hauls, including a recent 6 for 90 in Galle. Only Richard Hadlee has taken more than one five-wicket haul on the island for New Zealand.Despite his impressive record, Patel admits to some frustration at his limited opportunities. However, he remains driven by a hunger to prove himself. "Every time you do get an opportunity, you're pretty hungry," he said.Patel's success in Asia stems from his ability to exploit the conditions. "As a spinner, you have the luxury of the ball doing a little more in these conditions," he explained. "It can be challenging as well, because you're up against good players of spin."Control is crucial for Patel, but he also adapts to the unique conditions at each venue. At Galle, he utilized the breeze to his advantage, hanging the ball up and letting the wind bring it down.Patel has also benefited from the guidance of Rangana Herath, Sri Lanka's spin consultant. Herath, who has taken 102 Test wickets at Galle, has shared his knowledge and insights with Patel."It's awesome having Rangana in our side," Patel said. "He's someone I grew up watching bowl. He's helped me tackle different angles, different fields, and different mindsets."Patel's success in Asia highlights his adaptability and skill as a spinner. Despite limited opportunities at home, he has carved a unique niche for himself as New Zealand's "Asia specialist."

New Zealand's hopes of a historic victory against Sri Lanka in the first Test in Galle were kept alive by Rachin Ravindra's unbeaten 91 on Sunday. The tourists need 68 more runs with two wickets remaining after day four, setting up a thrilling finish on Monday.Ravindra's knock, the highest by a New Zealander at the Galle International Stadium, has given the Black Caps a glimmer of hope after they were set a target of 275. However, the left-hander has lacked support from his teammates, with Kane Williamson and Tom Blundell the only other batsmen to reach 30.Sri Lanka's spinners have dominated the match, with Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya taking three wickets each on a sharply turning pitch. Mendis dismissed Williamson for 30, while Jayasuriya bowled Blundell for 30 to break a 56-run partnership that had threatened to take the game away from the hosts.Earlier, Ajaz Patel's six-wicket haul helped restrict Sri Lanka to 309 in their first innings. Patel's figures of 6-90 were the best by a New Zealand bowler in Sri Lanka since Daniel Vettori's 6-64 in Colombo in 1998.Dimuth Karunaratne top-scored for Sri Lanka with 83, while Angelo Matthews made 50. The match had a rest day on Saturday due to Sri Lanka's presidential elections, but fans returned after lunch when the curfew was lifted.The second and final match of the series will be held at the same venue from Thursday.

New Zealand's bowlers dominated the morning session on day four of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, setting the visitors a target of 275 to win. Ajaz Patel starred with a five-wicket haul, while William O'Rourke chipped in with three wickets.Sri Lanka resumed on 233 for 4, with Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva looking to build a solid partnership. However, Ajaz struck early, having de Silva stumped for 30. Kusal Mendis joined Mathews at the crease, and the pair put on a quick-fire 36-run stand.But the introduction of the second new ball proved decisive. Mendis was dismissed for 22, shouldering arms to an Ajaz delivery that deflected onto his stumps. Mathews reached his half-century but was soon dismissed for 50, edging an attempted forward defense to first slip.Ajaz continued to wreak havoc, trapping Ramesh Mendis in front for 14 and then getting Lahiru Kumara caught at mid-off for 1. Prabath Jayasuriya offered some resistance with a couple of boundaries, but Mitchell Santner ended his cameo with a caught-and-bowled dismissal.New Zealand lost the wicket of Devon Conway before lunch, but Tom Latham and Kane Williamson saw them through to the break without further damage. The visitors need 262 runs to win with two sessions remaining on day four.

Sri Lanka's Dinesh Chandimal and Dimuth Karunaratne forged a formidable partnership to propel the hosts to a commanding lead in the first Test against New Zealand in Galle. The duo's 147-run alliance helped Sri Lanka establish a 202-run advantage at stumps on day three.Karunaratne, who scored 83, displayed his prowess by punishing loose deliveries and forcing New Zealand to spread the field. Chandimal, who contributed 61, adopted a more conservative approach. "When you play in Galle, there is a way I play, and I back that style," Karunaratne explained. "Sweeps and reverse sweeps are the best way forward on that wicket."New Zealand's Ajaz Patel broke the deadlock after tea, dismissing Karunaratne with a sharply spinning delivery. Chandimal followed suit in the next over, falling victim to rookie William O'Rourke's temptation. O'Rourke, who had already impressed with a five-wicket haul in the first innings, also accounted for Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis.New Zealand resumed on 255-4 but lost their remaining wickets quickly, despite a valiant effort from wicketkeeper Glenn Phillips (49). "It is a very good Test wicket," Phillips said. "There is a lot of assistance for spinners, and seamers can come into play as well."Sri Lanka drew first blood in the morning when Tom Blundell was given out caught after a review. Daryl Mitchell posted a half-century for New Zealand, but was eventually run out. The second new ball proved advantageous for Sri Lanka, with Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya finding bounce. Jayasuriya claimed four wickets, including that of top-scorer Tom Latham (70), while Ramesh bagged three.Saturday will see a rest day between the sides as Sri Lanka holds a presidential election, with play to resume on Sunday.

The 2008 Commonwealth Bank Tri-Series was a highly anticipated cricket tournament featuring India, Australia, and Sri Lanka. India, fresh off their inaugural T20 World Cup victory in 2007, was determined to make a statement in this series.The opening match of the ODI series pitted the ODI Champions, Australia, against the T20 Champions, India. India opted to bat first, facing a formidable Australian bowling attack led by Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, and Nathan Bracken.India's batting lineup boasted the likes of Virender Sehwag, Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, Gautam Gambhir, and Rohit Sharma. However, the Indian openers fell early to Bracken and Lee. Lee then dismissed Tendulkar through a hit wicket, leaving India reeling at 28/3.Rohit Sharma and Gautam Gambhir steadied the innings, taking the score to 92 before Gambhir was dismissed. Manoj Tiwari, playing his first international ODI in Australia, joined Sharma at the crease.Sharma soon fell to Lee, bringing MS Dhoni to bat alongside Tiwari. Tiwari faced a baptism of fire, encountering a barrage of short-pitched deliveries from Lee. The first ball he faced was a 145 km/h bouncer, followed by another at 144 km/h. Tiwari managed to block the third ball, a 149.2 km/h delivery, but ducked under the fourth.The fifth delivery, bowled at 145 km/h, was hit towards point, but Michael Clarke dived to stop it, allowing Tiwari to grab a single. In the subsequent over, Tiwari faced another bouncer from Lee and ducked it. The next ball, a yorker, broke through his defense as his leg did not move, resulting in his dismissal.Tiwari faced 16 balls and scored 2 runs before being bowled by Lee. The match was later interrupted by rain and eventually washed out.Despite the disappointing result, India's performance in the Tri-Series was a testament to their resilience and determination. The team showed great character in fighting back after a poor start, and they will be looking to build on this experience in future tournaments.