Sept 23, V7N - Sri Lanka positioned themselves for a potential victory in the opening Test against New Zealand in Galle, despite Rachin Ravindra's unbeaten 91 on Sunday. Chasing a target of 275, New Zealand struggled against the Sri Lankan spinners on a challenging day four pitch. Prabath Jayasuriya (3-66) and Romesh Mendis (3-83) led the attack, leaving the visitors at 207-8 at stumps, still 68 runs short of their target.

Ravindra's resilient knock, featuring nine fours and a six, kept New Zealand's hopes alive, but he ran out of partners as wickets fell regularly. Ajaz Patel, who has yet to score, joined him at the crease and faced 15 deliveries without opening his account.

Earlier in the day, Patel had shone with the ball, dismantling Sri Lanka's lower order as they posted 309 all out. Resuming on 237-4 after a rest day due to the presidential election, Sri Lanka saw a collapse in which their last six wickets added only 72 runs. Patel claimed five of the final six wickets, ending with impressive figures of 6-90.

New Zealand's chase got off to a shaky start with Devon Conway falling early, and although Tom Latham (28), Kane Williamson (30), and Tom Blundell (30) provided some resistance, none were able to build significant innings.

While the target remains within reach for New Zealand, Sri Lanka will rely on their spinners to finish the job on the final day.

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