Sri Lanka and New Zealand are set to face off in the second Test of the two-match Test series, as part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle.
After an impressive 63-run victory in the first Test at Galle, Sri Lanka now leads the series and has strengthened its position in the WTC standings.
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The second match at Galle is expected to be an exciting encounter, with both teams vying for valuable WTC points.
Ahead of the upcoming Test, let's take a closer look at the pitch conditions, records, and notable statistics from the iconic Galle International Stadium.
How many Test matches has Galle International Stadium hosted?
The Galle International Stadium has hosted a total of 45 Test matches so far. 24 of these matches have been won by the team batting first, while 15 have been won by the team batting second.
| Team | Won |
|---|---|
| Batting First | 24 |
| Batting Second | 15 |
| Draw | 6 |
How many spectators can Galle International Stadium hold?
Galle International Stadium has a seating capacity of about 35,000 spectators.
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Galle International Stadium: Pitch Report
Galle International Stadium is known for its spin-friendly conditions. Over the years, the pitch has favoured spinners more as the game progresses, making it challenging for teams batting last.
The initial few days may offer less spin, but as the game progresses and cracks begin to appear, spinners dominate.
This trend was evident in the recent matches, including Sri Lanka's win in the first Test against New Zealand.
Galle International Stadium: Average scores and toss results in Tests
| Average first innings score in Chepauk | 364 |
|---|---|
| Matches won after batting first | 24 |
| Matches won by chasing team | 15 |
What happened in the previous Test match at Galle International Stadium?
In the last match at Galle, Sri Lanka secured a 63-run victory in the first Test. This win gave Sri Lanka a 1-0 lead in the two-match series and moved them up to third place in the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, overtaking New Zealand.
Prabath Jayasuriya was the key player for Sri Lanka, taking 5 wickets for 68 runs in the second innings, marking his eighth five-wicket haul, and his seventh at Galle. His overall match figures were 9 for 204, earning him the Player of the Match award.
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What is the highest team total at Galle International Stadium?
The highest Test total at the Galle International Stadium was posted by Bangladesh in 2013. In response to Sri Lanka’s first-innings total of 570/4, Bangladesh scored 638, powered by a double century from Mushfiqur Rahim. The match ended in a draw.
What is the lowest team total at Galle International Stadium?
The lowest total at this venue was registered by South Africa in 2018. Chasing 352 for victory, the Proteas were bowled out for a mere 73 runs, as Sri Lanka claimed a convincing 278-run win.
Which batter has scored the most runs at Galle International Stadium?
Sri Lankan cricket legend Mahela Jayawardene holds the record for most runs at this venue. He amassed 2,382 runs at an impressive average of 70.05, including seven centuries and 12 fifties. His highest score at Galle is 237, which he achieved against South Africa in 2004.
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Which bowler has taken the most wickets at Galle International Stadium?
The top wicket-taker at Galle International Stadium is Muttiah Muralitharan. The legendary off-spinner claimed 111 wickets at an average of 18.50, including several match-winning performances. His dominance at this venue is unparalleled in Test cricket.
What is the highest individual score at Galle International Stadium?
Chris Gayle holds the record for the highest individual score at Galle. The West Indian opener scored 333 runs against Sri Lanka in 2010, a monumental innings that included 34 boundaries and nine sixes.
What are the best bowling figures in an innings at Galle International Stadium?
The best bowling figures in an innings at this ground belong to Muttiah Muralitharan, who took 7/46 against England in 2003. His outstanding performance helped Sri Lanka secure a commanding position in the match.
What are the best bowling figures in a match at Galle International Stadium?
Muralitharan also holds the record for the best match figures at Galle. He took 13/171 against South Africa in 2000, leading Sri Lanka to a victory by an innings and 15 runs.
Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2nd Test: Betting odds
According to Dafabet, Sri Lanka are the favorites to win the 2nd Test match against New Zealand.
| Team | Betting odds |
| Sri Lanka | 1.613 |
| New Zealand | 1.26 |
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