New Zealand defeat Sri Lanka in first Test in Christchurch

New Zealand claimed a comprehensive eight-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the first Test in Christchurch on Monday.

The Black Caps chased down the target of 105 for the loss of two wickets in just under 31 overs to go 1-0 up in the two-match series and cap 2014 as their best year in Test history with five wins from nine matches. Kane Williamson (31 not out) and Ross Taylor (39no) steered the hosts to victory as New Zealand scored 107 for two in their second innings following the loss of openers Tom Latham and Hamish Rutherford.

Sri Lanka had started the day 10 runs behind New Zealand’s first-innings total of 441, on 293 for five in their second innings after being made to follow on.

Sri Lanka captain Angelo Mathews resumed his overnight score of 53, and his ability to stay at the crease was crucial if the visitors were to stave off defeat.

However, he fell for 66 as he narrowly edged behind to BJ Watling off the bowling of Tim Southee (four for 91) in the morning session after nightwatchman Tharindu Kaushal (12) had given the bowler his first scalp of the day. Southee also accounted for Dhammika Prasad (four), five runs after the dismissal of Mathews, to leave Sri Lanka on the brink before Mark Craig saw off Prasanna Jayawardene for 23 and Trent Boult (four for 100) wrapped things up by removing Suranga Lakmal (16).

It meant Brendon McCullum’s side were set a total of 105 for victory, and despite the loss of Latham in the sixth over for 17 and Rutherford (10) shortly afterwards to leave New Zealand on 43 for two, New Zealand eased to victory.

The second Test match between the two sides starts on January 3rd in Wellington.