Sri Lanka claimed a thrilling victory over New Zealand in the first Test match at Galle, moving up to No. 3 in the 2023-25 World Test Championship standings.

The hosts secured a 63-run win on Monday after setting a second-inning target of 309, thanks to half-centuries from Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, and Angelo Mathews.

New Zealand, needing 274 to win, struggled at 96-6, but Rachin Ravindra played a defiant knock of 92. Despite his efforts, the Black Caps resumed play on Monday needing 68 runs with two wickets left.

Prabath Jayasuriya quickly dismissed Ravindra and William O’Rourke in just over two overs, sealing the win for Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s points percentage (PCT) rose to 50, with 48 points from eight matches in the World Test Championship, having won four and lost four. Previously in fourth place, Sri Lanka jumped to third, overtaking Bangladesh, who had lost to India in Chennai. They now trail only India and Australia in the standings.

World Test Championship Standings

New Zealand have dropped to fourth place with a PCT of 42.85. They have won three out of seven Tests in the current WTC, with four losses.

The next match in the series will be held on September 26 at the same venue.

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