New Zealand win ‘incredible’ nailbiter against Sri Lanka in all-time Test thriller

The cricket world has been left stunned as New Zealand claimed a thrilling Test win over Sri Lanka by the barest of margins in wild scenes.

New Zealand have pulled off their second thrilling Test match win in a month, defeating Sri Lanka by the barest of margins.

In the first match of a two-Test series, a century from veteran Angelo Matthews put Sri Lanka in a strong position in Christchurch heading into the fourth innings.

Watch Australia’s Tour of India. Every Test & ODI live & ad-break free during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >

The Kiwis required 285 runs to win and they somehow chased down the total on the very last ball of the match in fading light.

Former captain Kane Williamson was a rock for New Zealand as he scored his 27th Test century, finishing unbeaten on 121.

After his partnership with Daryl Mitchell (81) was broken, Williamson quickly ran out of batting partners as Matt Henry was run out, setting up a thrilling finish.

In an epic climax, Williamson hit a boundary in the final over and needed one run off the last two balls to give New Zealand the win.

Sri Lankan paceman Asitha Fernando bowled two bouncers off the last two balls and Williamson couldn’t get bat on ball, giving him no choice but to run on the wicketkeeper’s arm for a quick single.

Paceman Neil Wagner sprinted to the strikers end where the ball missed the stumps, but Fernando hit the stumps at the other end.

Neil Wagner put his body on the line. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

Wagner and Kane Williamson celebrate an all-time thrilling win. (Photo by Sanka Vidanagama / AFP)

Williamson managed to scamper home and replays confirmed he just made his ground by 3cm to avoid a run out, sealing an epic two-wicket win.

WATCH THE THRILLING FINISH IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ABOVE

Winning the test on the final ball on day 5 and that too by the barest of margins!! Take a bow Williamson 🙌🏽 Congratulations @BLACKCAPS 👏🏽 #NZvSLpic.twitter.com/LXAfF5n6SA

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) March 13, 2023

Yet another way in which the Kiwis punch above their weight: Test match finishes.#NZvsSL

— Greg Baum (@GregBaum) March 13, 2023

A few weeks after winning a Test by one run, New Zealand have just won another one by 3cm. Incredible. #NZvSL

— Scott Bailey (@ScottBaileyAAP) March 13, 2023

KANE. WILLIAMSON.

TEST. CRICKET.

HOLY. SHIT.

— Andrew Gourdie (@AndrewGourdie) March 13, 2023

It was a heroic effort from Wagner, who sprinted to make his ground while nursing a bulging disc in his back and a torn hamstring on his 37th birthday.

Neil Wagner, who turned 37 today, and has a torn hamstring, with the best 0* (0) you will ever see. #NZvSL

— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) March 13, 2023

It’s New Zealand’s second thrilling Test match win in a matter of weeks after they defeated England by one run last month, becoming just the fourth team in Test history to win a match after being forced to follow on.

This latest result means Australia and India have qualified for June’s World Test Championship Final at The Oval, as Sri Lanka now cannot leapfrog India in the standings.

New Zealand won the first edition of the World Test Championship but there will be a new winner this year.