New Zealand v Sri Lanka: WTC hopes on the line in first Test

Day five of the first Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka could well have long-lasting impacts on the 2023-25 World Test Championship, with both sides desperately seeking a win on Monday in Galle.

As it stands, New Zealand require 68 runs to win, while Sri Lanka need just two more wickets to seal the victory on the final day.

Cricket bookmakers have Sri Lanka as overwhelming favourites at -2000 to win, while the Black Caps are at long odds of +900.

When play resumes on day five, Rachin Ravindra will be at the crease on 91 runs from 158 balls.

Alongside him will be No.10 Ajaz Patel, who is yet to score from the 15 deliveries he has faced.

The visitors find themselves in this position after the Sri Lankan spinners gutted them from 152/4 to 207/8 late on day four.

Tom Latham (28), Kane Williamson (30) and Tom Blundell (30) all got starts, but Ravindra is the only Kiwi batsman who has been able to weather the onslaught from Ramesh Mendis (3/83) and Prabath Jayasuriya (3/66).

The pitch is deteriorating, giving plenty of purchase for the host side’s spinners.

Cricket betting sites are not even confident that New Zealand will add much to their overnight score.

The tourists will be on 207/8 when plays resumes, but Bovada has the line for the innings total set at 229.5 runs.

With tough away Tests to come, a loss for either side would be devastating to their chances of reaching the WTC final next June.

The Kiwis sit third in the overall standings, while Sri Lanka are right behind in fourth.

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