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.

Follow live coverage of Sri Lanka vs New Zealand from the New Zealand in Sri Lanka 2024 today. The ICC Test Championship sees nine teams compete across a two-year cycle of matches before a two-team final decides the winner. The inaugural competition was won by New Zealand after a thrilling victory over India in June 2021.

Former captains Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal have combined for 147 to earn Sri Lanka a 202-run lead against New Zealand after three days of the first test in Galle.

The 1st Sri Lanka vs New Zealand test in Galle is scheduled to span six days, from September 18 to 23, with a break on September 21. The day 3 of the test match has ended on Friday and day 4 will be played on Sunday, with Monday being the day 5.

New Zealand were chasing 275 to win the first Test in Galle after spinner Ajaz Patel took 6-90 to dismiss Sri Lanka for 309 on day four on Sunday. Patel posted the best Test-bowling figures for a New Zealander on Sri Lankan soil since 1998,

New Zealand spinner Ajaz Patel claimed 6/90 versus Sri Lanka in the third innings of the first Test being held at Galle International Stadium, Galle. Sri Lanka resumed Day 4 on 237/4 before being bundled out for 309.

Lunch New Zealand 340 and 13 for 1 (Latham 5*, Williamson 4*, Asitha 1-5) need 262 runs to beat Sri Lanka 305 and 309 (Karunaratne 83, Mathews 50, Ajaz 6-90) Sri Lanka lost six wickets for 72 runs as New Zealand wrapped up the Lankan second innings inside the morning session on day four of this first Test in Galle.

New Zealand. William O'Rourke 3/45 (15) Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Live Score: Sri Lanka. Ramesh Mendis 0 (2) Angelo Mathews 4