Fri Sep 20 12:40:12 UTC 2024: ## Black Caps Stumble in Galle, Facing Uphill Battle in First Test
**Galle, Sri Lanka:** The New Zealand cricket team’s promising lead in the first test against Sri Lanka evaporated on day three, leaving them facing an uphill battle to avoid their fifth consecutive defeat in Galle.
After a strong start, the Black Caps suffered a dramatic collapse in the afternoon session, losing four wickets for just 13 runs. The runout of Daryl Mitchell (57), a crucial moment in the collapse, proved particularly costly. Mitchell, caught off guard by a call for a run from Glenn Phillips (49), was dismissed by a pinpoint throw from Ramesh Mendis.
This collapse left New Zealand trailing by 202 runs with six wickets remaining.
Earlier in the day, Sri Lanka’s Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal hit half-centuries in a commanding 147-run partnership for the second wicket. Their strong performance came on a pitch offering less turn than previous days, a development that will be of concern for the Black Caps bowlers.
With the exception of Will O’Rourke, who took 3-37, the New Zealand bowling attack struggled to make inroads.
New Zealand’s poor performance comes after they have never won a test series in the subcontinent since 2008. They have only once successfully chased more than 200 runs in Asia, against Bangladesh in 2008.
The match is now paused due to the Sri Lankan presidential election, with the players returning to their respective electorates.
With the task of chasing down a massive target now looming, the Black Caps will be hoping for a dramatic turnaround in their fortunes when play resumes on Sunday.
First Piper 