Sri Lanka’s hopes of qualifying for the ICC World Test Championship 2023 final were dashed as New Zealand emerged victorious in a last-ball, two-wicket win in Christchurch. The win, sealed by Kane Williamson’s match-winning bye off the final ball, ended Sri Lanka’s chances of finishing in the top two positions in the ICC World Test Championship standings. As a result, India will now play Australia in the final of the event at The Oval in London from June 7-11.
Rain added to the uncertainty on the dramatic day in Christchurch as Sri Lanka and New Zealand battled in the first Test. The match saw multiple scenarios seeming equally likely at various points. With nine wickets in hand and needing 257 runs on the truncated day, New Zealand began in a cautious manner. However, Daryl Mitchell and Kane Williamson soon picked up the pace to accelerate the run rate.
