New Zealand and Sri Lanka set up a thrilling contest in Galle

Sri Lanka positioned themselves for a potential series lead in Galle after a strong performance on the penultimate day, leaving New Zealand in a tough spot. Chasing 275 to win, the visitors struggled to maintain momentum, with only Rachin Ravindra making a significant impact. The young left-hander remained unbeaten on 91 at the stumps, but with New Zealand down to their last two wickets and still needing 68 runs, Sri Lanka will back themselves to wrap up the match quickly.

An eventful day 4 as Rachin Ravindra keeps New Zealand alive in the first Test against Sri Lanka

Earlier on day 4, New Zealand propelled their chances to track back in the match as Ajaz Patel dismissed Angelo Mathews and ended his partnership with Dhananjaya de Silva. At that stage, Sri Lanka's lead was just 215, but a quickfire start from Kusal Mendis pushed it past 250. Mendis was soon dismissed by Ajaz, and New Zealand's bowlers capitalized by tearing through Sri Lanka's lower order. Ajaz claimed Mathews' wicket after a well-played fifty and went on to take six wickets, as Sri Lanka was bowled out for 309.

In reply, New Zealand had a steady start despite losing Devon Conway early, who endured a double failure in this match. Kane Williamson initially looked in control, striking a six and a few boundaries off Prabath Jayasuriya. But Jayasuriya ultimately got the better of Williamson with a ball that spun sharply, leaving him stumped. Tom Latham's resistance also ended when Dhananjaya de Silva trapped him, and although Rachin Ravindra and Daryl Mitchell formed a small partnership, Sri Lanka kept chipping away at the batting lineup.

Mitchell’s dismissal just before the Tea break was a setback, but New Zealand rallied with a partnership between Ravindra and Tom Blundell. The pair exploited Sri Lanka's pace attack, hitting three boundaries off one over from Lahiru Kumara, and Blundell's growing confidence saw him also take on Ramesh Mendis. However, momentum shifted again when Jayasuriya bowled Blundell around his legs, and soon after, Glenn Phillips' wicket further dented New Zealand's chances. Phillips had made an impact in the first innings but couldn’t replicate that, edging Jayasuriya to the slips for his third wicket.

With New Zealand now down to four wickets and still over 100 runs away, Ravindra became their key hope. He passed fifty and opened up with some aggressive shots, targeting Dhananjaya de Silva for a six and two boundaries, while Mitchell Santner tried to hold his end. Santner’s stay was brief, though, as Ramesh Mendis dismissed him and followed up with Tim Southee’s wicket shortly after. Heading into the fifth day, New Zealand still needed 68 runs on a spin-friendly pitch, leaving Ravindra with a massive challenge to pull off an unlikely win.