Why the 2024 Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 1st Test Will Include a Rest Day

Deepak Kumar August 29, 2023

Sri Lanka is set to host New Zealand for a two-match Test series in September 2024 as part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 cycle. The first Test is scheduled from September 18 to September 23, while the second will take place from September 26 to September 30.

In an official statement released by Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) on Friday, August 23, details of the two Test matches were confirmed, with both games to be held at the Galle International Cricket Stadium (GICS). The statement also clarified why the first Sri Lanka-New Zealand Test will extend to September 23 instead of ending a day earlier.

According to SLC, “September 21 will serve as a rest day for the 1st Test match due to the Presidential Election of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.”

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2024 Test Series Schedule

1st Test: September 18-23, Galle (Rest Day on September 21)
2nd Test: September 26-30, Galle

Currently, the Sri Lankan cricket team is in England for a three-match Test series. The first Test is underway at Old Trafford, Manchester, where the visitors are struggling. After being bowled out for 236 in their first innings, Sri Lanka saw England post 358, with Jamie Smith scoring his maiden Test century.

In their second innings, Sri Lanka was 107-4 at tea on Day 3, with four wickets falling quickly. Dinesh Chandimal had to retire hurt, leaving Angelo Mathews to anchor the innings with a determined half-century as the final session began.

Sri Lanka vs New Zealand Test Record

Sri Lanka and New Zealand have faced each other 38 times in Test cricket, with the Kiwis winning 18 matches and Sri Lanka securing nine victories. Eleven Tests between the two teams have ended in a draw.

On home soil, Sri Lanka holds a slight advantage over New Zealand, having won seven out of 17 Tests, while the Kiwis have won five. Five matches have ended in a draw. The last time these two teams met in a Test series in Sri Lanka was in 2019, which ended in a 1-1 draw.