Karunaratne, Chandimal lift Sri Lanka’s lead over New Zealand

Sri Lanka took control of the first Test against New Zealand on day three in Galle, thanks to a vital 147-run stand between Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal.

The hosts closed the day at 237-4, with a commanding lead of 202 runs, positioning themselves well to set a challenging fourth-innings target for the visitors.

Skipper Karunaratne was in fine form, scoring 83 runs while capitalizing on New Zealand’s wayward bowling. His assertive batting put the pressure on the opposition, forcing them to adopt defensive field settings. Chandimal played a more measured innings, adding 61 to the partnership.

Speaking after the day’s play, Karunaratne said, “In Galle, I stick to my game plan. Sweeps and reverse sweeps are crucial on this surface. We’re aiming for a lead of 300 or 350, which would make it tough for them in the fourth innings.”

The partnership was broken after tea when Ajaz Patel produced a sharply turning delivery that bowled Karunaratne as he attempted a sweep.

Chandimal was dismissed soon after, flicking a delivery from young pacer William O’Rourke to Tom Latham at leg gully.

O’Rourke impressed with three wickets for the day, including Pathum Nissanka and Kamindu Mendis, who was dismissed for 13 after a century in the first innings.

New Zealand, resuming their innings at 255-4, quickly lost their remaining wickets despite a brisk 49 off 50 balls from wicketkeeper Glenn Phillips.

Reflecting on the day, Phillips noted, “It’s a well-balanced Test wicket with assistance for both spinners and seamers.

We would have liked a bigger lead, but even a small lead helps.”

New Zealand posted a first-innings total of 298, marking the first time they’ve surpassed 300 in Galle, where they have struggled historically.

Tom Latham top-scored with 70, while Daryl Mitchell contributed 57 before being run out after a risky single.

For Sri Lanka, spinners Ramesh Mendis and Prabath Jayasuriya played key roles. Jayasuriya took four wickets, including the vital scalp of Latham, while Mendis claimed three, helping Sri Lanka regain momentum with the new ball.

Sri Lanka will resume their innings on Sunday after a rest day on Saturday, which coincides with the country’s presidential election.

Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva, both unbeaten on 34, will look to build the lead further and set a formidable target for New Zealand.