On December 20, 2024, Sri Lanka secured a place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s cricketing history. With a convincing win over New Zealand in the second Test in Wellington, Sri Lanka climbed to second place in the WTC points table, joining table-toppers India in the summit clash scheduled for June 2025 at Lord’s Cricket Ground.
Sri Lanka’s journey to the final has been nothing short of remarkable. Starting the WTC 2023-25 cycle as underdogs, the team has consistently punched above its weight. The decisive victory against New Zealand exemplified their growth under the leadership of captain Dimuth Karunaratne and coach Chris Silverwood. In Wellington, Sri Lanka dominated in all departments, with standout performances from their bowling spearhead Dushmantha Chameera and batting sensation Angelo Mathews, whose century in the first innings set the tone for the match.
This historic achievement has brought immense joy to Sri Lankan cricket fans. For a country that has faced numerous challenges, both on and off the field, reaching the WTC Final is a testament to the resilience and dedication of the players and management. Cricket holds a special place in Sri Lanka’s culture, and this moment has sparked nationwide celebrations, with fans taking to social media to express their pride and excitement.
Sri Lanka’s qualification came at the expense of heavyweights Australia, England, and South Africa, all of whom were strong contenders but failed to maintain consistency. Australia’s campaign, in particular, was marred by key injuries and unexpected losses, while England and South Africa struggled to capitalize on crucial moments in their matches. Sri Lanka’s ability to seize opportunities and perform under pressure set them apart in this tightly contested WTC cycle.
From a tactical perspective, Sri Lanka will rely heavily on their spinners, especially Prabath Jayasuriya, who has been in outstanding form throughout the WTC cycle. The conditions at Lord’s, traditionally favoring swing and seam bowling, could also play into the hands of their pace duo, Chameera and Lahiru Kumara. On the batting front, Karunaratne and Mathews will be key figures, supported by the young and dynamic Kusal Mendis.