Sri Lanka's Early Edge in Test Against New Zealand Amid Presidential Elections

Sri Lanka made an early breakthrough against New Zealand in the first test, setting a target of 275 runs. Seamer Asitha Fernando dismissed Devon Conway for four. Ajaz Patel claimed six wickets for New Zealand. The match, held in Galle, is played behind closed doors due to presidential elections and a nationwide curfew.

Sri Lanka found an early breakthrough after setting New Zealand a target of 275 runs to win the first test as the tourists took lunch on day four at 13-1, needing a further 262 runs on Sunday.

Seamer Asitha Fernando quickly found his stride and a way through the defenses of left-handed opener Devon Conway, dismissing the opener for four. Sri Lanka nearly made it a double breakthrough before the interval, but spinner Prabath's delivery was ultimately dropped by wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis.

Earlier in the day, left-arm spinner Ajaz Patel claimed six wickets for 90 runs, effectively running through Sri Lanka's lower order while bowling unchanged from the City End. This marks the best bowling figures by a New Zealander in Sri Lanka since Daniel Vettori's six for 64 in 1998.

The hosts, resuming at 237-4, saw captain Dhananjaya de Silva and Angelo Mathews dismissed after good starts. The innings ended quickly as Mitchell Santner claimed the final wicket. Due to nationwide curfew imposed during the presidential elections, the fourth day's play is continuing behind closed doors in Galle.

(With inputs from agencies.)