Sri Lanka secures historic Test series win over New Zealand with dominant performance in Galle

In a remarkable display of spin bowling, debutant off-spinner Nishan Peiris claimed six wickets, leading Sri Lanka to their first Test series victory against New Zealand in 15 years. The hosts sealed the series with an emphatic win by an innings and 154 runs in the second Test on Sunday.

New Zealand, facing a follow-on after Sri Lanka's mammoth 602-5 declared, were bowled out for 360 in their second innings before tea on day four. Peiris, aged 27, showcased his talent alongside fellow spinner Prabath Jayasuriya, who took 6-42 in the first innings, dismantling the visitors for a mere 88 runs.

Despite New Zealand’s lower order showing resilience after resuming at 199-5, Tom Blundell, Glenn Phillips, and Mitchell Santner all contributed half-centuries. Peiris struck early, trapping Blundell lbw for 60 and ending a promising 95-run partnership with Phillips. Santner fought valiantly, crafting a 64-run stand for the seventh wicket before Phillips fell for 78, giving Peiris his maiden five-wicket haul.

Santner’s determined effort continued as he partnered with Ajaz Patel for a stubborn ninth-wicket stand of 53. However, his resistance was finally broken when he was stumped by Kusal Mendis off Peiris's bowling, departing for 67.

Sri Lanka's victory was nearly secured earlier in the day, but a series of dropped catches delayed the inevitable. Kamindu Mendis missed a chance from Patel at two runs, and Peiris also shelled a chance from Santner at 36.

This win follows Sri Lanka's narrow victory in the opening match of the series, where they triumphed by 63 runs. The series win marks Sri Lanka's first against New Zealand since their 2-0 home victory in 2009. The result leaves New Zealand winless in six Test matches at Galle, where Sunday’s total of 360 is their highest innings score at the venue.