Sri Lanka and New Zealand are set to take on each other in a two-match Test series starting September 18. Both Tests will be a part of the ongoing World Test Championship (WTC) cycle 2023-25.
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The two teams are in a must-win situation if they are to challenge for the top two spots and qualify for the WTC final in 2025. The top two in the table are currently India and Australia respectively who are also set to face each other in a five-match series for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy starting November.
The first Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand is scheduled to play at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. However, it will be a six-day long Test match unlike the usual five-day affairs, as per media reports.
Apparently, the match will have a rest day in between. The Sporting News explains why that is the case.
Why is SL vs NZ Test six-days long? Why is there a rest day in between?
The Sri Lankan presidential elections will be conducted on September 21 in Sri Lanka. And the first Test between SL and NZ is scheduled to start on September 18.
In such case, Day 4 would fall on September 21 which is the voting day for the elections.
Since the whole nation will be involved in the voting process including Sri Lankan players, board members, fans, etc. September 21 has been announced as a rest day for the first Test match.
So, after Day 3 of the Test on September 20, Day will only resume on September 22.
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Sri Lanka vs New Zealand complete Test schedule
Both the Test matches are set to be played at the Galle International Cricket Stadium. The second Test of the series will start on September 26.
| Fixture | Date | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| SL vs NZ 1st Test | Sept 18-23 | Galle |
| SL vs NZ 2nd Test | Sept 26-30 | Galle |
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