New Zealand versus Sri Lanka Test Series, 2024

1st Test

Day-4 Morning Session Highlights:

Sri Lanka has made an early breakthrough following Ajaz’s six-wicket haul

At The Lunch of Day-4:

Sri Lanka scored 305 (1st Innings) and 309 (2nd Innings), where as New Zealand scored 340 (1st Innings) and 13/1 (2nd Innings).

So, finally Sri Lanka lead by 262 runs.

New Zealand mounted a strong comeback in the morning session, largely thanks to a stellar performance from Ajaz Patel (6-90), who dismantled Sri Lanka’s middle and lower order.

Resuming the day at 237/4, the hosts could only add 72 runs to their overnight total as Ajaz took advantage of the pitch, which began to show concerning signs of wear.

The collapse began with Dhananjaya de Silva, who was stumped while attempting to counter Ajaz’s bowling.

Kusal Mendis then found himself caught in two minds, inadvertently chopping a delivery onto the stumps, while Angelo Mathews edged a ball to slip.

This was the perfect start New Zealand needed, and Ajaz ensured that the tail failed to wag much, with Mitchell Santner providing solid support as he claimed the final wicket of Prabath Jayasuriya, wrapping up the innings.

The target of 275 runs loomed large, considering the challenges posed by Galle’s pitch and its history.

Just before lunch, New Zealand suffered a significant setback with the dismissal of Devon Conway, who dragged a delivery from Asitha Fernando onto his stumps, giving the Lankans a timely boost to end the session.

The hosts nearly claimed a second wicket, but Kusal Mendis was unable to hold onto a difficult chance off the final ball of the session.