Sri Lanka captain Dimuth Karunaratne scored a century to lead his team to a six-wicket win against New Zealand in the first test at Galle on Sunday. Sri Lanka successfully chased 268 following the heroics of the opening partnership set by Karunaratne and Lahiru Thirimanne.
Karunaratne, who hit an impressive 122 off 243 balls, put up a 161-run opening stand with Thirimanne (64 off 163 balls) to help Sri Lanka go 1-0 up in the two Test series.
New Zealand spinners claimed two wickets to try and prevent it from being a cakewalk but Karunaratne's ninth Test century effectively killed off the contest. Karunaratne hit six boundaries and one six before he was caught behind chasing a wide Tim Southee delivery.
ALSO READ
- WTC table explained: How South Africa's win over Sri Lanka and NZ's defeat to England change World Test Championships final scenario
- World Test Championship table after India's win over Australia at Perth explained: Has WTC Final qualification scenario changed?
- Kane Williamson will play England Tests, New Zealand confirm
Karunaratne and Thirimanne resumed play on day 5 on 133 for no loss. However, Thirimanne was trapped lbw on review off a Will Somerville delivery after the initial appeal was rejected.
After Kusal Mendis and Kusal Perera put in some work to seal the match, Angelo Mathews (28 not out) hit the winning run for the Lankans.
(With inputs from agencies)
