Sri Lanka had a dominant performance on Sunday, defeating New Zealand by an innings and 154 runs in the final Test of the series at Galle International Stadium. Sri Lanka posted an imposing total of 602 runs in their first innings, thanks to brilliant knocks from Kamindu Mendis, Dinesh Chandimal, and Kusal Mendis.
In reply, New Zealand were bowled out for just 88, their lowest-ever Test score against Sri Lanka. Prabath Jayasuriya was the standout bowler, claiming six wickets. After enforcing the follow-on, New Zealand showed more resistance in their second innings. Valuable fifties from Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner helped them reach 360, but it wasn’t enough to avoid a heavy defeat. Debutant spinner Nishan Peiris shone with a five-wicket haul, sealing the match for Sri Lanka.
Updated WTC Points Table:
- India: 71.67
- Australia: 62.50
- Sri Lanka: 55.50
- England: 42.19
- Bangladesh: 39.29
- South Africa: 38.89
- New Zealand: 37.50
- Pakistan: 19.05
- West Indies: 18.52
This emphatic win secured Sri Lanka a 2-0 series victory and lifted them to third place in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table with a PCT of 55.50. India, with the highest PCT of 71.67, are likely to qualify for their third consecutive WTC final. Meanwhile, Australia, in second place, will face Sri Lanka in a crucial upcoming series that could decide the second finalist. New Zealand’s defeat leaves them seventh, effectively ending their WTC final hopes.
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