Sri Lanka stayed on course for victory against New Zealand in the opening test in Galle despite Rachin Ravindra's unbeaten 91 on Sunday.

New Zealand Skipper Tim Southee acknowledges the team's efforts and highlights positive takeaways despite a tough loss to Sri Lanka in the first Test match at the Galle International Stadium.

Sri Lanka is close to winning the Galle Test against New Zealand despite Rachin Ravindra's unbeaten 91. Chasing a target of 275, New Zealand finished day four at 207-8 due to Sri Lankan spinners' efforts.

Sri Lanka won against New Zealand by 63 runs in the first test match held in Galle, thus taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. New Zealand, chasing a target of 275 runs, was bowled out for 211 with Rachin Ravindra top-scoring for them.

By Caroline Chepkorir Prabath Jayasuriya shined as Sri Lanka secured 63 runs against New Zealand in the first of the two Test series at the Galle International

Sri Lanka beat New Zealand in the 1st Test of the two-match series in Galle on Monday (September 23). In pursuit of 275 in the fourth innings, Blackcaps' Rachin Ravindra made a valiant 92 but his innings went in vain as none of the other Kiwi batters managed to put their hand up with Tom Blundell emerging as the second highest scorer with 30 runs and as many as 7 batters not even managing to breach the double-figure mark.

So, the equation is very clear. Sri Lanka need 2 wickets in their fortress while New Zealand need 68 more runs to win. All eyes will be on Rachin Ravindra once again who will fight for a good sleep today but might sleep peacefully if he successfully gets New Zealand over the line somehow with a small tail alongside him.