Sri Lanka won the toss and opted to bat after winning the toss in the first test against New Zealand at the Galle International Stadium.
In a dramatic morning session in Galle, New Zealand fast bowler William O’Rourke was the standout performer, dismissing both Sri Lankan openers and forcing Angelo Mathews to retire hurt. As a result, Sri Lanka reached lunch at 88 for 2, with Dinesh Chandimal unbeaten on 30 and Kamindu Mendis at 13 not out.
William O’Rourke castled Pathum Nissanka after getting Dimuth Karunaratne to edge behind!
O’Rourke, making just his third Test appearance, made a significant impact with his pace and precision on a day marked by challenging conditions. The right-arm fast bowler, who consistently hit high speeds in the 140s, exploited a pitch that was unusually green and offered substantial bounce. His aggressive approach and ability to maintain a probing length proved decisive.
Despite some initial resistance from Pathum Nissanka, who had a few uneasy moments, O’Rourke soon made his mark. He quickly removed Dimuth Karunaratne with a well-placed short delivery that seamed away, leading to an edge caught by the wicketkeeper. Nissanka initially handled the pressure well, but O’Rourke had the final word, dismissing him with a late inswinging yorker that crashed into the base of the off-stump.
The session saw its fair share of intensity as O’Rourke’s relentless pace and precision kept Sri Lankan batsmen on edge. Although Nissanka’s early aggression saw Sri Lanka’s run rate briefly touch six, O’Rourke’s strategic use of short deliveries set up his eventual dismissal. The right-hander, who had struck five boundaries in his 25-ball 27, was sent back just as he looked to assert himself.
In addition to his impressive scalps, O’Rourke was responsible for another crucial moment: a short delivery that struck Angelo Mathews on his right index finger. Mathews, who had scored 12 off 55 balls, was visibly in discomfort and had to leave the field. However, Sri Lanka’s team manager, Mahinda Halangoda, reassured that Mathews is expected to return to bat after receiving initial treatment.
The morning session had seen Sri Lanka win the toss and opt to bat, but O’Rourke’s early breakthroughs significantly slowed their progress. With the innings restricted by New Zealand’s disciplined bowling, the partnership between Chandimal and Mathews, which yielded 39 runs off 109 deliveries, showcased a cautious approach from the Sri Lankan side.
As the day progresses, the focus will be on how Chandimal and Mendis navigate the challenging conditions and the impact of Mathews’ potential return. New Zealand’s early advantage sets the stage for an intriguing contest as they seek to capitalize on their strong start.