Sri Lanka Aim to Extend Winning Streak and Boost WTC Final Hopes

New Zealand has faced a tough challenge in Galle, losing their first five Test matches at the venue. Their losses have varied from heavy defeats by an innings and 16 runs, 202 runs, 10 wickets, and six wickets to a narrower margin of 63 runs in the most recent match. Despite these setbacks, New Zealand can take some solace in the fact that the margins of defeat have become slimmer over time. With a little more luck and determination, they hope to close the gap even further in the upcoming Test starting on Thursday. A victory in this match is crucial for New Zealand, as it would keep their hopes of reaching the World Test Championship (WTC) final alive. After this series, they face a challenging tour of India, which is widely regarded as one of the toughest in cricket.

In the first Test, New Zealand had moments where they seemed close to gaining an advantage. Daryl Mitchell was batting well on 57 when an unfortunate run-out on the second morning shifted momentum. If not for that incident, New Zealand might have built a stronger first-innings lead and put more pressure on Sri Lanka, especially on a turning Galle pitch. While Sri Lanka, playing in home conditions, excelled, New Zealand showcased their own talents, with players like Ajaz Patel, Mitchell, Will O’Rourke, and Rachin Ravindra making valuable contributions on a tricky surface.

Another victory at Galle would raise Sri Lanka’s WTC percentage points to 56, putting them within striking distance of Australia, who currently hold second place with 62.5 points.

Form Guide:

• Sri Lanka: WWLLW (most recent first)
• New Zealand: LLLWW

New Zealand is currently on a losing streak, but a win in the upcoming Test could be crucial to reviving their WTC campaign. Sri Lanka, however, are riding high on recent successes and will be looking to continue their good form.

In the Spotlight: Dinesh Chandimal and Kane Williamson

Dinesh Chandimal has been moved up the order to bat at No. 3, despite knowing that his record in that position hasn’t been impressive. Before the first Test, he had only one fifty in eight innings at No. 3. However, he accepted the challenge to help the team make other adjustments. The decision allowed Kamindu Mendis to move up to No. 5, while Kusal Mendis was dropped down to No. 7, where he took on the role of wicketkeeper-batter.

Chandimal responded well to his new position, scoring an important 61 in the second innings of the first Test. His batting partner, Dimuth Karunaratne, praised his positive approach at the crease. It’s worth noting that it’s not common for batters with Chandimal’s record—he has 15 Test centuries—to agree to a shift for less-experienced players. If he continues to perform well at No. 3, especially at a venue where he generally enjoys batting, he might gain more confidence for the upcoming challenges.

On the other side, Kane Williamson has been a key player for New Zealand over the past 15 years. His performance is often a strong indicator of New Zealand’s success—when Williamson scores runs, New Zealand tends to win. In matches they have won, Williamson averages an impressive 81.86. While this is mostly due to his strong record at home, it also holds true in Asia, where he averages 71.70 in the six matches New Zealand has won on the continent.

However, Galle has been tricky for Williamson. In six innings at this venue, he averages just 16.50. That said, his two best scores at Galle—55 and 30—came in the last match, suggesting that he might be on the verge of a significant performance.

Pitch and Conditions

It’s Galle, so a pitch that offers a lot of turn for spinners is expected. As seen in the first Test, fast bowlers like Will O’Rourke, Tim Southee, and Asitha Fernando could create footmarks outside the left-handers’ off stump (or right-handers’ leg stump) as the game progresses, making things tougher for the batters.

The match will also be played in southern Sri Lanka during September, so short and sharp rain showers are likely throughout the game.

Team News: Rathnayake and Peiris Join Sri Lanka XI

Despite their win in the first Test, Sri Lanka has made two changes to their lineup. Milan Rathnayake, who impressed during his debut tour in England, comes in for Lahiru Kumara, who went wicketless in the first match. They have also dropped Ramesh Mendis, who struggled with control, replacing him with 27-year-old debutant Nishan Peiris, another off-spinner with 172 first-class wickets at an average of 24.37.

Sri Lanka XI:

1. Dimuth Karunaratne
2. Pathum Nissanka
3. Dinesh Chandimal
4. Angelo Mathews
5. Kamindu Mendis
6. Dhananjaya de Silva (captain)
7. Kusal Mendis (wicketkeeper)
8. Milan Rathnayake
9. Prabath Jayasuriya
10. Nishan Peiris
11. Asitha Fernando

New Zealand, meanwhile, may consider one change to their side. Mitchell Santner, who struggled in the first Test with figures of 1 for 115 and two single-digit scores with the bat, might make way for Michael Bracewell. Bracewell’s off-spin could provide more control, and his all-around ability could strengthen New Zealand’s lower order.

New Zealand (possible XI):

1. Devon Conway
2. Tom Latham
3. Kane Williamson
4. Rachin Ravindra
5. Daryl Mitchell
6. Tom Blundell (wicketkeeper)
7. Glenn Phillips
8. Mitchell Santner/Michael Bracewell
9. Tim Southee (captain)
10. Ajaz Patel
11. Will O’Rourke

Stats and Trivia:

• Ajaz Patel has taken two of his five career five-wicket hauls at Galle, where he averages 22.35.
• Sri Lankan legend Roy Dias is the fastest Sri Lankan batter to reach 1,000 Test runs, achieving the feat in 23 innings. Kamindu Mendis is on track, with 822 runs from 12 innings so far.
• Prabath Jayasuriya could become the fastest bowler to reach 100 Test wickets if he takes 12 wickets in this match. The current record is held by George Lohmann, who did it in 16 matches in 1896. Of Jayasuriya’s 88 wickets, 62 have come at Galle.