Sri Lanka Eyes Enhanced Performance After Galle Victory Over New Zealand

Sri Lanka's cricket team, led by skipper Dhananjaya de Silva, seeks improvement in batting and bowling despite their 63-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test match at Galle International Stadium. Key contributions came from Dimuth Karunaratne, Dinesh Chandimal, and Player of the Match Prabath Jayasuriya.

Sri Lanka, under the leadership of skipper Dhananjaya de Silva, is aiming for better performance after their recent 63-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Galle International Stadium. De Silva emphasized the need to improve both batting and bowling despite the triumphant outcome.

At the post-match presentation, Dhananjaya commended Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal for their crucial partnership, which proved pivotal in securing the win. 'We have the ability to win Tests and the boys are delivering now. Big partnerships always help win Tests in Galle, but we can improve in both our batting and bowling,' Dhananjaya noted.

Dhananjaya also explained his unexpected bowling role, citing Ramesh Mendis' off day as the reason. 'Our lower-order batting stats are the lowest, and that's something to work on. I wasn't planning to bowl, but Ramesh wasn't at his best, and I think I can contribute by taking wickets,' he added.

Earlier, Prabath Jayasuriya's pivotal removal of Rachin Ravindra helped Sri Lanka regain control. His five-wicket haul in the final innings and overall figures of 9/204 earned him the Player of the Match title.

The match began with Sri Lanka opting to bat first, amassing 305 runs thanks to Kamindu Mendis' 114. New Zealand responded with 340, led by Tom Latham's 70 and Kane Williamson's 55. In the second innings, Karunaratne's 83 and Chandimal's 61 helped set a 275-run target for New Zealand, who eventually fell short, bowled out for 211 runs.

(With inputs from agencies.)