Sri Lanka vs New Zealand NZ in SL, 2 Tests, 2024 Full Scorecard

OUT! STUMPED! There is the final wicket. That's 9 for the game on debut for Nishan Peiris. Smart bowling. He sees Santner come down the track. Drags his length back and fires it outside off. Santner looks to cut but misses and the keeper does the rest. They take it upstairs but replays show that Santner was short. Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by an innings and 154 runs!

SIX! That is a strong hit. Nishan Peiris bowls it on off, Mitchell Santner steps out, gets to the pitch of it, and slams it magnificently well over the long on fence for a biggie.

Around off.  Blocked.

FOUR! Cut away! Shorter and outside off. Mitchell Santner hangs back and slaps it past point and this races away.

A wasteful nut to end! Down the leg side. Left alone.

The New Ball has been taken now as Prabath Jayasuriya tosses it up, around off. A little bit of turn, William O'Rourke leans forward and defends it.

Takes one now! Fuller and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one. William now has two balls to play out.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Slightly shorter and outside off. Santner hangs back and punches it past cover. There was a sweeper but it beats him.

Around off. Santner steps out and plays it back to the bowler.

Tossed up around off. Defended.

On the stumps. William pushes it back to the bowler.

Flatter and on middle. Blocked.

A full toss now, this is worked through mid-wicket for one.

Lovely stuff! Slows it up, lands it on middle and gets it to spin away. Santner is beaten again as he looks to defend.

Around off. Flatter. This is pushed to cover.

On middle. This lands and spins away. Santner looks to defend but is beaten.

On middle. Flatter. Defended.

Tossed up around off. William takes a good stride forward and plays it to covers.

Tossed up around middle. William defends.

William O'Rourke is the last batter in.

OUT! TIMBER! Prabath Jayasuriya strikes and Sri Lanka are now just one wicket away from a clean sweep! Touch short and outside off, it turns in a long way and also stays a tad low. Ajaz Patel looks to block it but the ball sneaks beneath his bat and clips the top of off pole.

Fuler one, on off, Mitchell Santner punches it to covers for one.

Fuller one, outside off, Mitchell Santner blocks it to mid off.

Lands it down leg, Ajaz Patel looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A loud appeal but the finger stays down. They decide not to review it. The replay later shows that there was an inside edge.

Short, on middle, Ajaz Patel defends it forward.

FOUR! Fine shot! Short, on middle, Ajaz Patel gets low and slogs it magnificently through square leg for a boundary.

Short, on middle, Ajaz Patel leans forward and blocks it well.

Fuller one, on off, Ajaz Patel defends it forward.

Dropped, a difficult one though! Quicker one, outside off, Ajaz Patel looks to block it but gets an outside edge. The ball carries low towards slips. The fielder makes an excellent attempt diving to his right but misses. Oh, something is brewing here!

NOT OUT! Was there a nick? The finger has stayed down. Prabath Jayasuriya sends it upstairs. Quicker one, outside off, Mitchell Santner looks to block it but misses and the catch is taken by the keeper. They refer for a possible caught behind. Ultra Edge shows no spike and Ball Tracking shows the impact was way outside off.

Fuller one, on off, Mitchell Santner moves forward and blocks it back.

Lands it outside off, Mitchell Santner taps it towards the fielder at slips.

Short, on off, Mitchell Santner blocks it soldily.

Fifty up for Mitchell Santner! Excellent knock. Short, on off, Mitchell Santner punches it through covers for a brace.

Short, on the stumps, Ajaz Patel flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Prabath Jayasuriya to bowl from the other end.

Some turn and bounce, outside off, Mitchell Santner looks to punch it but gets beaten.

Lands it down leg, Mitchell Santner looks to block it but wears it on his pads.

Fuller, on off, Mitchell Santner leans forward and blocks it to mid off.

Keeps it fuller, Ajaz Patel flicks it to square leg for one.

Full again, on off, Ajaz Patel blocks it back to the bowler.

Too full, on off, Ajaz Patel tapsnit to short covers.

Welcome back for the second session of Day 4. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel will resume their innings. Dhananjaya de Silva will start with the ball. Let's play...

... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...

Well, it now just seems a matter of time before the Lankans clean sweep this series by 2-0. The only question is how long it will take. Can Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel bat their way through another session? Or will the Lankans have their hands on the trophy before the tea break? Stay tuned, as we will be back soon after the Lunch Break in a short while...

New Zealand started with Blundell and Phillips at the crease, trailing by 179 runs. Blundell scored a brisk 60 before falling to Peiris, who later took Phillips for 78 runs, achieving his maiden 5-wicket haul in Tests. Tim Southee added quick runs before getting out. Mitchell Santner and Ajaz Patel are now trying to bolster the innings for the 9th wicket, and have survived two dropped catches as well, but they are way behind, still trailing, and a long way to go!

Another Sri Lankan session and now they are just two wickets short of a clean sweep of the series. They successfully claimed three wickets, though their objective of dismissing all five would have been more favorable for their overall momentum. Nishan Peiris was particularly effective, taking two crucial wickets by dismissing the set batters, Glenn Phillips and Tom Blundell. Additionally, Prabath Jayasuriya contributed to the bowling effort by removing Tim Southee.

On the stumps. This is pushed to the man at covers. That will be Lunch on Day 4.

Flatter and around off. Santner pushes it to covers.

Just an enquiry but not given! It is reviewed! It's pad first. Santner steps out. This is fired into off. He looks to defend but this clips the pad first and then hits the bat. NOT OUT! The impact is umpire's call. Not a bad review in the end.

Flatter and quicker, Santner looks to cut but this stays low and he missed.

On middle. Santner steps out and defends.

Fuller and on off. Patel drives it down the ground to long off and takes one.

Around off. Tossed up. Blocked.

This is even wider and outside off. Santner does not play at it. Wided.

Flatter and outside off. Santner leaves this alone.

On off. Pushed through. This is punched to cover again.

Flatter and around off. Santner pushes it to cover.

Fuller and on off. This is hit down to long off. No run taken.

Around off. Santner plays it out.

FOUR! Slammed down the ground! This is tossed up nicely around off. Patel hits it down the ground, wide of long on and this races away to the fence.

Fuller and on off. This is pushed to cover.

This lands outside off. Ajaz walks across and looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads.

Put down again! This is floated up outside off. This lands and spins back in. Santner looks to sweep, it goes off the top edge. Nishan Peiris from deep square leg runs but spills it. He lost his balance as he went to take it. A run taken.

Flatter and around off. Santner pushes it down to long off. Does not take the run again.

Tossed up on off. This is swept through square leg. He does not take the run.

Shorter and on off. This is pushed through covers for one.

Around off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

FOUR! Finds the gap! Now he uses his feet again. Santner stays leg side too and hits it wide of long off. Boundary.

SIX! That's a lovely shot. Santner steps out. He gets a little too close to the pitch of the ball but manages to whip it. It goes over the long on fence.

Fuller and on off. Santner pushes it to cover.

Tossed up on middle. Blocked.

Around off. Kept out.

SIX! That one goes over the fence! Out comes the slog sweep. This is tossed up on middle. Patel plays the slog sweep and this clears the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

Flatter and on middle. This is worked to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Up and over! Ajaz sees this tossed up ball, outside off. Patel lofts it over the mid on fielder. He manages to drag it with the turn and over the fielder for a boundary.

Down the leg side. Left alone.

Flatter and around off. Patel leans forward and defends.

Flatter and around off. Santner looks to cut but is beaten.

On middle. This is kept out.

SIX! Over the fence. Santner makes room as he steps out. This is lofted over the long off fence and it goes all the way.

FOUR! Whipped away! Santner steps out. Makes it into a full toss. This is worked through mid-wicket and this races away to the fence.

Santner steps out and makes it into a full toss. This is driven to cover.

Angled into the pads. Santner works it to square leg.

On the stumps. Patel pushes it to covers.

Around off. Blocked.

Shorter and around off. Ajaz looks to cut but chops it on the off side.

Fuller and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

Tossed up on around off. Santner defends.

Sharp turn! This lands outside off. In the rough. It spins back in sharply. Santner looks to flick but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Good leave! This is angled in, it lands just around off and then spins away. Patel shoulders arms to this one.

Quicker and on middle. Patel plays it back to the bowler.

A little too full this time. This is worked down to long on for one.

On middle. Pushes this one through. Santner yet again is solid in defense.

Slower through the air and around off. Santner keeps it out.

Flatter and around off. Santner pushes it to the man at cover.

Loopy ball on the stumps. Patel defends.

Solid! Tossed up on off. Patel shows the full face of the bat and plays it back to the bowler.

Outside off. Patel covers his off pole and leaves this alone.

Tossed up on off. Patel leaned forward and keeps it out.

Flatter and around off. Santner pushes it to long off and takes one.

Santner walks across! He gets down on one knee and sweeps this from outside off. Through square leg for two.

That's a beauty to end! Quicker and around off. This lands and spins away. Patel lunges to defend but is beaten.

Quicker and around off. Patel pushes it to covers.

Angled into the pads. Patel works it to mid-wicket.

Dropped! That went to him quickly but should have been taken. Slows it up. Goes fuller and around off. Luring the batter into a drive. Patel looks to do so. This turns away. It goes off the outside edge to the left of second slip. The fielder spills it.

Attakcs the stumps. Patel lunges and keeps it out.

Flatter and on middle. Kept out.

Tossed up, on middle, Ajaz Patel flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Fuller one, on off, Ajaz Patel eases it to mid on.

Short, on middle, Ajaz Patel blocks it back.

Who walks out?

OUT! TIMBER! Tim Southee departs! The frustration of getting beaten on the two previous deliveries as Tim Southee comes down the track to play this one. The ball turns and beats his blade again and rattles over the stumps. New Zealand go eight down now and it seems just a matter of time now before its all over.

Short and wide, Tim Southee leaves it alone.

Short, on outside off, Tim Southee looks to play at it but gets beaten.

Too full, on middle, Mitchell Santner blocks it to mid off.

Some turn and bounce, on off, Mitchell Santner eases it to covers.

Full, on middle, Mitchell Santner blocks it to covers.

Too full, on off, Mitchell Santner eases it to mid off.

Lands it on off, Mitchell Santner taps it to the point fielder.

Too full, on middle, Mitchell Santner blocks it back.

Short, on off, Tim Southee blocks it soldily.

SIX! Excellent from Tim Southee! This one lands on off, Tim Southee again moves forward and lifts it magnificently over long off for a biggie.

Bowls it on off, Tim Southee eases it to mid off.

FOUR! Well played! Slower one, on middle, Tim Southee dances down the wicket and hammers it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Some turn and bounce, on middle, Tim Southee leans forward and blocks it.

Slower one, outside off, Mitchell Santner moves forward and eases it to mid off.

Short, on off, Tim Southee fends it to mid off.

Bowls it on off, Tim Southee eases it to mid off.

Tim Southee walks in.

OUT! TAKEN! The ploy of bowling it full has worked well and Nishan Peiris gets the big fish. He bowls it slower and fuller, luring Glenn Phillips to hit big. Glenn Phillips looks to go downtown but the ball goes off the toe end. Dimuth Karunaratne settles under and takes a good catch at long on.

Short, on off, Glenn Philips eases it to the left of the bowler.

Bowls it on off, Glenn Philips blocks it back.

Fuller one, on off, Glenn Philips eases it to mid off.

Short, just outside off, Mitchell Santner covers his line and leaves it alone.

Full, outside off, Mitchell Santner looks to sweep it but wears it on his pads.

Lands it outside off, Mitchell Santner leans forward to block it but gets beaten.

Too full, on off, Mitchell Santner eases it to mid off.

Quicker one, turning in, Mitchell leans forward to block it but miscues it to the left of the bowler.

Fuller one, on middle, Mitchell Santner eases it to short covers.

Fuller one, on middle, Glenn Philips eases it to the mid on fielder.

Slight halt! There seems to be some issue with the landing area. The ground staff is out in the middle to do the repair work. The crowd here in Galle is enjoying it. They are seen taking pictures with Angelo Mathews. It all looks fine now and we are good to go...

FOUR! Well timed stroke! On a length and on off, Glenn Philips hops a bit and punches it through point for a boundary.

Too full, on leg, Glenn Philips digs it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

On a length, angling in, Glenn Philips blocks it solidly.

Length, on off, Mitchell Santner punches it through covers for one. Glenn Philips wanted a second run but was sent back by Santner just in time.

On a length and outside off, Mitchell Santner looks to punch it but gets beaten.

Short, on middle, Glenn Philips blocks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

Bowls it down leg, Glenn Philips pads it away.

Too full, on middle, Glenn Philips blocks it to short leg.

SIX! In the slot and that has been dismissed! Lands it on middle, Glenn Philips stands tall and powers it downtown for a biggie.

Tossed up, on middle, Glenn Philips flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

Too full, on off, Mitchell Santner eases it to covers for one.

Drinks! New Zealand have lost Tom Blundell so far in the day and this seems to be the last batting pair. They cannot afford any more losses. They are still trailing by a whopping 246 with just 4 wickets in their bank. For Sri Lanka, the plan is simple, just take wickets! So how long can this duo bat? Their target will be to go in lunch without losing any wickets. Let's see how it pans out...

On a length and outside off, Mitchell Santner punches it to covers for one.

Oh! A yorker, just outside off, Mitchell Santner looks to block it but gets an inside edge. The ball just missed the off pole and rolls towards the right of the keeper.

Length again, outside off, Mitchell covers his line and leaves it alone.

On a length and outside off, Mitchell Santner leaves it alone.

Length, outside off and it keeps a tad low, Mitchell Santner looks to punch it but gets beaten.

Short and just outside off, Mitchell Santner leaves it alone.

Tossed up, on middle, Glenn Philips blocks it back to the bowler.

Too full, on off, Mitchell Santner eases it to covers for one.

Full, on off, Mitchell Santner taps it to point.

Short, on middle, Glenn Philips tucks it to mid-wicket for one. Fifty partnership up between this duo now!

Too full, on middle, Glenn Philips leans forward and blocks it back.

Lands it down leg, Glenn Philips looks to pull it but the ball clips his pads and rolls towards short fine. They collect two leg byes.

Another very full ball on middle. This is jammed back to the bowler.

On the off pole. Santner pushes it to covers.

A yorker on middle. Santner jams it out to covers.

Goes for the yorker outside off. Santner fails to put bat on ball.

On the shorter side. Santner waits and then guides it to point.

Good length and around off. Santner pushes it to mid off.

This lands on middle. Phillips plays it with the turn to mid-wicket.

Excellent fielding! Santner steps down the track. He drives it firmly towards long off. The fielder there dives full stretch to his right and keeps it to one. Top effort.

On the pads. This is worked down to fine leg for one.

FOUR! Hammered! He picked the length so quickly! On middle. Phillips rocks back and hammers it wide of deep mid-wicket. This one races away to the fence.

Around off. This is blocked.

Flatter and on middle. Phillips pushes it back to the bowler.

Fuller and on off. This is eased down to long off for one.

On middle. This is pushed back to the bowler.

Around off.  Blocked.

FOUR! Nicely played! The reverse sweep comes out. This is hit through point. The ball races away to the fence in no time.

Flatter and on the pads. Phillips works it to square leg.

Full and on the pads. This is worked to mid-wicket.

Around off. Floated up. Blocked.

FOUR! Off the outside edge! That went quickly. Flatter and outside off. Santner looks to cut. This goes off the outside edge, past the gully fielder who did not have enough time to react and down to the third man fence.

On middle. Defended.

On middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

FOUR! Off the outside edge! Flatter and outside off. Phillips rocks back and looks to cut. This goes past the outside edge and down to the third man fence.

Quicker and on middle. This is kept out.

On off. Santner leans forward and pushes it to cover.

Fires this one in. It is a little too short. This is pushed past cover for one.

Flatter and around off. A little bit of turn away. Phillips pushes it to cover.

FOUR! Risk free! This is way too full and on middle. Phillips lofts it over the bowler's head and this races away to the fence. He brings up his fifty in style. A fighting knock from him. Still a long way to go.

Lands it around off. Nicely tossed up. Phillips pushes it to cover.

Steps down the track and pushes it wide of the bowler. A quick run.

Pushes this one through. This is punched past cover for two.

On off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

Around off. Santner is solid in defense.

Three singles in three balls! On middle. Fuller. This is eased down to long on for one.

Santner gets off strike here! Flatter and on off. This lands and spins away. Santner looks to defend, this goes off the outer half to point for one.

On the pads. This is clipped through square leg for one. A single on the very first ball. That will get the left hander back on strike. A match-up Peiris would want.

Flatter and on middle. Santner plays it onto the ground.

Makes use of his feet this time but ends up yorking himself. This is jammed back to the bowler.

Attacks the stumps again. Santner shows the full face of the bat and blocks.

Flatter and on middle. This is punched down to long on for one.

Nicely tossed up. Just around the off pole. Phillips pushes it to cover.

Floats it up on off. This is pushed back to the bowler.

Flatter this time. Slightly shorter in length. This is punched to the cover fielder.

Tossed up on off. Slower. Santner lunges and keeps it out.

Flatter and around off. This is pushed towards cover for one.

FOUR! Nice and very fine! On the pads. Phillips goes back and tickles it past the leg slip fielder. This races away to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

This lands around middle and a little bit of turn. Phillips works it on the leg side but short leg stops it.

Quicker and on the pads. Phillips works it to mid-wicket.

Pushes this one through! On middle. Defended.

Gives this air again and lands it on middle. Santner plays it back to the bowler.

Uses his feet. Fails to get to the pitch of the ball so defends it into the ground.

On middle. Santner leans forward and keeps it out.

Loopy ball on middle. This lands and spins back in. Santner looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads.

Good running! Fuller and around off. This is pushed with soft hands towards cover. Two taken.

This is angled into the pads. Phillips stays back and works it to mid-wicket.

Flatter and on middle. Blocked.

Fuller again this time. Santner works it to mid on for one.

Flatter and around off. This lands and spins away. Santner looks to defend. It goes off the outer half to point.

FOUR! Hit hard! Takes a few steps down the ground. He makes it into a full ball. This is drilled down to the long off fence for a boundary.

Flatter and around off. Santner defends.

Fuller and on middle. This is driven down the ground to long off for one.

Flatter and on middle. Santner defends it.

Nicely bowled! Floats it up again. This drifts into the pads. It lands and spins away. Phillips looks to flick, it goes off a soft leading edge, wide of the cover fielder for one.

Floats it up on off. This is pushed to the man at cover.

Tosses it up, gets it to drift back in from outside off.  Blocked back to the bowler.

Flatter and around off. This is guided to point.

Goes fuller again, on off, Mitchell Santner eases it to the right of the bowler.

Too full, on leg, Mitchell Santner digs it to mid off. A stifled appeal but turned down.

Too full, on middle, Mitchell Santner leans forward and blocks.

Mitchell Santner walks in.

OUT! LBW! Tom Blundell refers! Slightly shorter, on middle with a hint of turn. Tom Blundell looks for a reverse sweep but the ball turns and hits his front pad. A loud appeal and the finger goes up. Tom Blundell refers. Ultra Edge shows no sipke and Ball Tracking shows that it was clipping the leg pole. Umpire's call stands OUT!

FOUR! Excellent from Tom Blundell! Full, on middle, Tom Blundell gets low and plays a reverse sweep through backward point for a boundary.

Bowls it in middle, Tom Blundell defends it back to the bowler.

Full, on the stumps, Glenn eases it to point.

Short and wide, Tom Blundell cuts it to point for one.

Short, on off, Tom Blundell blocks it back to the bowler.

Full, on off, Tom Blundell moves forward and defends.

Short, on off, Tom Blundell blocks it forward.

Short, on off, Glenn Philips punches it to the cover fielder.

Full, on middle, Tom Blundell blocks it to the fielder at short leg.

Short, on middle, Glenn Philips flicks it to square leg for one.

Full, on off, Glenn Philips leans forward and blocks.

Errs it down leg, Tom Blundell tickles it fine for one.

FOUR! Well played! First boundary of the morning. Bowls it on off, Tom Blundell uses his feet and whips it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Tossed up, on off, Tom Blundell eases it to mid on.

Nishan Peiris to bowl from the opposite end.

Short, on off, Glenn Philips blocks it back.

Lands it on leg, Glenn Philips clips it fine for a brace.

Full, on off, Glenn Philips eases it to covers.

Some turn and bounce, on off, Tom Blundell steers it to point for one.

Bowls it on off, Tom Blundell blocks it to point.

200 on the board for New Zealand as Tom Blundell slaps it through covers for a brace.

We are all set to begin! The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips will resume their innings. Prabath Jayasuriya starts with the ball. Let's play...

Pitch Report - Russel Arnold is pitchside. He says that are some cracks in the middle and the bowlers will target that area. Says that the batters will look to come on the ball and play.

So as you all know, cricket is known for its unpredictability, often leading to unexpected twists and turns. Given New Zealand's past results and their potential to deliver, they can surely come up with something special, and if that is the case, we could be in for an exciting finish. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds for Day 4...

But for those who may need a reminder of New Zealand's resilience, let’s revisit a memorable Test match against India in Wellington back in February 2014. In that encounter, New Zealand was dismissed for a mere 192 in the 1st innings, while India responded with an impressive 438, leading by 246 runs at the end of Day 2. Just after lunch on Day 3, New Zealand found themselves reeling at 94 for 5, where everyone thought it was done and dusted. However, a remarkable partnership between BJ Watling and Brendon McCullum, totaling 352 runs, shifted the momentum. Brendon McCullum scored 302 runs in that innings. They later declared at 680/8 and tried to push India on the backfoot. The match extended into the final hour of Day 5, concluding in a draw, and New Zealand won the series 1-0!

On the other hand, New Zealand's abysmal performance with the bat and the ball has pushed them into a corner now, and from here on, they will have only one plan in mind, bat, bat, and bat. Survival will be on their agenda, especially in the morning session and it's going to be a tough fight for their batters on this spinning track.

Welcome everyone for Day 4 of this Test Match! After three days of action, Sri Lanka's exceptional work has handed them the advantage and now they are in a position to call the shots. Defeat has been deleted from their dictionary, as we all think, and now and they will aim for a clean sweep of this series.

... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...

What could be said about the Lankan bowlers. We all know how they have made Galle their fortress and today's performance was just another reason why they play their peak cricket here. Prabath Jayasuriya alongside the debutant, Nishan Peiris have run riot against the Kiwis and are now just 5 wickets away from registering a famous series win. New Zealand have to fight hard and the partnership between Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips have given them a lot of hope but can they resume similarly on Day 4. Join us at 4.15 am GMT for the action and earlier for the build up. Till then, cheers.

It was a turbulent start for the Kiwis with the bat on Day 3 and they completely lost the plot in that first session, getting bundled out for just 88 runs. They came back to bat with some intent and there was a good partnership between Devon Conway and Kane Williamson but they went into Tea with just 5 wickets remaining. Post Tea-break, Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips took on the bowlers and mustered up runs before eventually they had to go off for bad light.

Update - The inevitable has happened. It's STUMPS on Day 3 and the scary day for the Kiwis comes to an end. An unfortunate way to end proceedings on Day 3 but the light just didn't improve and play has been called off. It was another day of cricket that belonged completely to the hosts, Sri Lanka and they could have even wrapped up proceedings on Day 3 itself. As many as 13 wickets fell and the Lankans will be eager to sweep the Test series early on Day 4.

Update - 10.55 am GMT- The dark clouds have opened up and it has started to rain. Looks like we won't get anymore play but we wait for an official confirmation. Stay tuned.

UPDATE - 10.10 am GMT - Uh, oh! The players are going off the field! No rain at the moment but it has gotten pretty dark very soon and the umpires feel that the light isn't enough to continue with the play. For now, play has stopped due to bad light and hopefully, we will get a resumption soon, so, stick around.

Top comeback delivery from Nishan Peiris! Tossed up, on a length and around off, Glenn Phillips has a poke at it but this one turns and bounces a bit extra, beating the outside edge.

SIX! That has been muscled away over the ropes. Nishan Peiris lobs the ball up wider of the off stump, Glenn Phillips just plants his front leg across and smacks it against the turn and over wide long off for another biggie.

Beaten! Flatter one, on a length and outside off, Glenn Phillips looks to cut but this one stays a bit low and skids on to beat the bat.

Floated up around off, Blundell shimmies down the track and whips it away uppishly and wide of long on for a single.

Tossed up around off, Tom Blundell goes for the reverse again and has to fetch it a bit and gets it down to deep third for a couple of runs.

FOUR! Too full around off, Tom Blundell employs the reverse sweep well and firms it past point for a boundary.

Flatter one on middle, sliding on, nudged away to the leg side.

Slower and slightly shorter on middle and leg, Tom Blundell rocks back and uppishly plays it down to long on for a run.

Floated up on off, angling in, Glenn Phillips gets on the front foot and pushes it down to long off for one.

Loops this one up, full and wide of the off stump, driven firmly and along the ground but straight to covers.

Flatter one on off, punched away off the back foot through covers for one.

This is lobbed up wide of the off stump, asking the batter to take him on. Tom Blundell comes down the pitch and hammers the drive straight to a catching cover.

Fired in at the stumps, Glenn Phillips comes forward and jams it back to the bowler.

Short again, angled wide of the off stump, cut away off the back foot and behind point for another double by Phillips.

Fractionally short around leg, Glenn Phillips goes on the back foot and works it away through square leg for a couple of runs.

Nagging length on middle and leg, Phillips yet again goes on the back foot and defends it out.

Darted in on middle, slanting across, Glenn Phillips rocks back to keep it out.

Bowled flatter and from around the stumps, attacking the pads, Phillips tucks it away to the leg side.

Tossed up full around off, just eased away down to long off for another single. 12 off that over and this partnership has moved on to 58 now.

Fuller one on middle and leg, Blundell comes forward and works it away in front of mid-wicket for a run.

Dropped short on off, Tom Blundell blocks it off the back foot.

FOUR! Straight up in the air but in the gap as well! Tossed up again on the stumps, Tom Blundell dances down the track and lifts the ball back up high over the bowler's head, and gets it one bounce over theropes for another boundary.

FOUR! Hammered away! Floated up on off, Tom Blundell skips down the pitch and swats it flat back over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Good use of the feet again by Tom Blundell. Tossed up outside off, Blundell comes forward and drives the full toss wide of long off for a couple of runs.

Ooh, turn and bounce now! Tossed up on a length around middle, Glenn Phillips looks to come forward but is taken aback by the sharp turn and extra bounce and wears the ball on the body.

Tossed up on middle, Tom Blundell drives it to the right of silly mid on and gets it through for one more.

Nicely flighted up on the stumps, a bit of drift on offer, Blundell flicks it away to the leg side.

Fractionally short on off, Phillips makes room and pushes it away wide of covers for a single.

SIX! Picked-up and dispatched! In the slot on middle, Glenn Phillips jus clears the front leg and hoicks it away over long on for a biggie.

Edged but safe! Flighted up outside off, it is the arm ball, Glenn Phillips jams it bat across and gets an outside edge that goes wide of Dhananjaya de Silva at first slip and the batters pick up a brace.

Too full this time, Glenn Phillips manages to drive it along the turf and down to long off for a single.

A bit fuller on off, driven to the right of short extra cover but the fielder there makes a fine stop.

On a dragged length and outside off, punched away off the back foot and straight to the man at short extra cover.

Drifted into the pads, Blundell shimmies down the pitch and flicks it away wide of mid on for a single.

Tossed up on off, Tom Blundell uses his feet to come down the pitch and punches it straight back at the bowler.

On a length and sliding into the pads, tucked away around the corner by Blundell.

Tossed up on middle, driven on the up and firmly too but the bowler makes a good stop down to his left.

Bowled from around the wicket and full as well, angling across off, another reverse sweep from Blundell down to deep third for a single.

Dropped short and outside off, Tom Blundell rocks back and pushes it through the cover region for a couple of runs more.

Flatter one on the stumps, punched away to the on side for a run.

Tossed up on off, turning in, Tom Blundell brings out the reverse and paddles it through backward square leg for one.

Held back a bit and dropped a tad shorter, Tom Blundell comes down the pitch but has to adjust and block it off.

Floated up on the pads, nudged away around the corner for a couple of handy runs. The 150 is up for New Zealand.

That's the one that can be the undoing of Glenn Phillips. Tossed up, full and on off, Phillips opts to play it off the back foot, allowing it to turn and turn it does. The ball grips and rips past the outside edge.

Nagging length around off, sliding on, Glenn Phillips backs away well to block it out.

Flighted up on off, a tad short and turning away, Glenn Phillips backs away to cut but miscues it badly.

Tossed up on off, Tom Blundell comes forward and drives it down to long off for a run.

Fractionally short around off, Glenn Phillips presses back and punches it sweetly through covers for three runs. Good effort from Milan Rathnayake there.

Comes from around the stumps now and looks to slide one across off, Tom Blundell blocks it off.

SIX! Tom Blundell knows he has nothing to lose here and smokes another one out of the park. Floated up on middle and leg, Blundell advances and backs away before whacking the ball a long way over cow corner for a biggie.

Slows it up, on a length and around middle, Tom Blundell backs away to pull but can't get it away.

On the shorter side and angling into leg, Glenn Phillips works it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket for a run.

Flatter one on off, patted away wide of covers for a quick single.

SIX! That is a brilliant shot! Tossed up on the stumps, Tom Blundell dances down the pitch and heaves the ball away wide of long on and gets it over the ropes for a biggie.

Maiden! A tad fuller on middle and leg, Glenn Phillips opts to block this one off the back foot as well.

Good length, on off and blocked off the back foot by Phillips.

Flighted up, full and outside off, Glenn Phillips sets up for the expansive drive but can't get it through the cover region.

Pushed through quicker, this one slides into middle, Phillips manages to block it off.

Too full around off, Glenn Phillips gets on the front foot to drive and jams it straight to short extra cover.

Drifted in on a nagging length onto the pads, Glenn Phillips goes back and defends it with a straight bat.

Prabath Jayasuriya to continue from the other end after the break.

Floated up, very full and around off, Tom Blundell leans on and blocks it wide of first slip.

Fuller now on off, Tom Blundell comes down the pitch and blocks it back to the bowler.

Bowled flatter again and onto middle and leg, Phillips goes back in his crease and works it past short leg for a single.

Quick and flat, darted into middle and leg, Glenn Phillips nudges it away off the back foot.

On the shorter side again at the stumps, tucked away off the back foot in front of short leg.

On the shorter side on off, drifting back in, Glenn Phillips blocks it off the back foot.

We are back for the final session on Day 3! The umpires are back out in the middle and so are the players of Sri Lanka. Tom Blundell and Glenn Phillips are set to resume their stay at the crease. It will be Nishan Peiris to begin proceedings with the ball after the Tea break. Let's play...

... DAY 3, SESSION 3 ...

Sri Lanka will hope their spinners can continue the good work and end this game today itself. New Zealand on the other hand, will want the remaining batters to show some fight. They're a long way away from avoiding an innings defeat. That's probably not in their mind at the moment, the first thing they'll be looking to do is bat on this day and ensure there's a Day 4. Will this be the last session of the game? Stay tuned as we will be back after the Tea Break in a short while...

All Lanka so far in this Test! They have managed to make quick work of the top order yet again. However, Conway and Williamson started off brightly in this session. They played with intent and managed to score quickly but once Conway fell, they lost wickets in heaps and the hosts are only five wickets away from a win. New Zealand finds themselves at 129 for the loss of 5 wickets, still trailing Sri Lanka by 385 runs as of now. They managed to score 126 runs in this session but suffered the setback of losing four crucial wickets.

Fuller and on off. This is pushed to mid off. That will be Tea Break on Day 3.

On middle. Jayasuriya keeps it out nicely.

On middle. Defended.

Around off. Floats it up. Blocked.

FOUR! Nicely played! Takes a few steps ahead and then drives it past cover. This one races away to the fence.

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

Fuller and on middle. This is worked to mid on for one.

Flatter again and on middle. Blundell pushes it back to the bowler.

Tossed up on middle. Kept out.

Angled into the pads. Blundell looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and lobs on the leg side.

On the shorter side again. This is pushed towards cover for one.

Flatter and on middle. This is pushed back to the bowler.

Phillips now nudges it towards mid on and gets to the other end.

On middle. This is worked down to long on for one.

Quicker and on the stumps. Blundell plays it to cover.

Blundell steps out. This is fired into the pads. Blundell looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads.

On the stumps. Quicker. Kept out.

Floats it up on off. Blocked.

Glenn Phillips walks in.

OUT! TIMBER! That's a beauty! That's an absolute beauty! How do you play that? Flatter, it is angled into middle from around the wicket. This lands and spins away sharply. Ravindra goes back to defend but there is just enough turn to beat the outside edge and hit the stumps.

And again, takes a nice stride forward and blocks this ball on the off pole.

Floats it up on middle. Ravindra leans forward and defends.

FOUR! Strong shot! Very full and on middle. Ravindra whips it past mid off and this races away. Nishan Peiris tried to stop it to his right but failed to do so.

Really slows it up and lands it on middle. Ravindra is solid in defense.

On the fuller side this time. Ravindra pushes it back to the bowler.

Pushes this through on middle. Blundell yet again stays back and plays it onto the ground.

On middle. Fuller. This is worked to mid on.

Flatter and around off. Blundell pushes it to cover.

Good leave in the end! Slower and around off. This lands and spins away just a touch. Blundell shoulders arms to this one.

Slower and around off. Brings it back in with the arm. Defended off the back foot.

Takes a couple of big strides forward. Stays leg side of the delivery and then pushes it wide of cover for one.

Outside off. Ravindra waits and guides it past point for one.

This is tossed up nicely and around off. Ravindra lunges and plays it back to the bowler.

On middle. Blundell works it through square leg and takes one.

On middle. Kept out.

Fuller and on off. This is driven through covers for one.

Tossed up on off. Blocked.

OUT! TAKEN! Is that a bump ball? They have gone upstairs to check. Do Sri Lanka have another one? Yes, they do! OUT! Fuller and on middle. Mitchell flicks. It goes quickly to short leg where it is taken. Three in quick time now. New Zealand in massive trouble.

On middle. Blocked.

On middle. Kept out.

Shorter and around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

On middle. This is played back to the bowler.

Slower and on middle. Ravindra keeps it out.

A single as this is pushed down to long on.

On middle. Kept out.

Around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

On middle. Quicker. Blocked.

OUT! That's another fine, fine catch and Sri Lanka have two in quick succession. This is tossed up on middle. Williamson looks to whip it uppishly in the mid-wicket region. He hits it a lot straighter than he would have liked. Ramesh Mendis, the sub, runs to his night and takes it brilliantly.

Flatter and on middle. Williamson goes back and keeps it out.

Fuller and on middle. This is worked down to long on. A run taken.

Around off. Kept out.

Fuller and on middle. This is worked down to long on for one.

Around off. Blocked.

Angled into the pads. Ravindra sweeps but to mid-wicket.

Flatter and on off. Defended.

On the stumps. Blocked.

On middle. This is eased down to long on for one.

Takes one now as this is worked through square leg.

Angled into the pads. This is swept but to square leg.

On off. This is pushed to cover.

FOUR! Cut away! Shorter and outside off. This is cut past point and this races away.

Around off.  Blocked.

A loud shout but not given! Sri Lanka review. Seems to be going down leg. NOT OUT! That's clipping the leg pole. Not such a bad review in the end! On the pads. Ravindra looks to flick but misses to get hit on the pads.

Williamson looks to play the paddle scoop. This goes off the toe end but wide of short leg. A run taken.

Fuller and on off. This is pushed through mid off for one.

On middle. This is pushed down to long on for one.

On middle. Williamson works it through square leg and takes two.

OUT! TAKEN! That's a fine catch! Conway falls and it is Dhananjaya de Silva who gets it. He was varying his pace brilliantly. Thai time he slows it up. Bowls it full and around off. Conway looks to go inside out. This one holds in the surface and also turns away. Ends up lobbing it over cover. Chandimal runs back and takes it nicely.

Slower and on off. This lands and spins away. Conway waits and then guides it to point.

On middle. This is worked down to long on for one.

Flatter and outside off. This one skids through. Williamson looks to push but is beaten.

On middle. Kept out.

Around off. This is guided through point for one.

On the pads. This is pushed down to long on for one.

On middle. Quicker. Blocked.

Now looks to play the reverse sweep. This is very full and on middle. Jammed out.

A loud appeal and the finger is raised! Conway reviews. Replays show there is an inside edge! NOT OUT! Conway survives! On middle. Conway looks to play the paddle sweep but gets an inside edge onto the pads. Good use of the review.

Angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

Flatter and on off. Blocked.!

Flatter and around off. Conway looks to sweep again. This time he misses and is hit on the pad. Impact is outside off.

Outside off. Slower. Conway looks to sweep but misses.

FOUR! Now the conventional sweep! This is floated up outside off. It is hit hard through mid-wicket.

FOUR! Conway plays the reverse sweep again. This is around off. He plays it fine on the off side and it races away.

Tossed up around off. Kept out.

On middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

Fuller and on off. Conway strokes it to cover.

Outside off. Left alone.

FOUR! A little too full and put away! Outside off. This is driven past cover and the ball goes to the fence.

On off. Conway is solid in defense.!

On the stumps. Defended.

Around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

FOUR! Drilled! Steps out. Gets to the pitch of it and hammers it past mid off. Hard hit.

A run taken now as this is tucked on the leg side.

Another sweep. This time it is hit to the right of the fielder at deep square leg. Two.

On middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

Three! On the pads. Williamson sweeps it through mid-wicket. Long chase for the fielder in the deep. Three in the end.

Anglrd into middle. Williamson works it to mid-wicket.

Slight halt! Kane Williamson seems to be struggling with some issues and the physio is out in the middle to have a check. He looks fine now and we are good to go...

On the stumps. Conway shows the full face of the bat and keeps it out.

Around off. Good length. Defended well.

Goes well wide outside off. Left alone.

Length and around off. Blocked.

Shorter and around off. This is guided past point for one.

Around off. Conway guides it through point and takes one.

On middle. Williamson works it through mid-wicket. Takes two.

Down the leg side. Left alone.

On middle. Blocked.

Good stop! A full toss now. The reverse sweep is played. The fielder at backward point dives and keeps it down to one.

Yet again shapes up to sweep. This is tossed up outside off and spins back in. Conway defend it somehow in the end.

On the pads. This is swept through square leg for one.

Fuller and on off. This is guided past point for one more.

On off. Williamson pushes it to cover.

Back of a length and on middle. Defended.

Around off. Williamson guides it to point.

On the off pole. Kept out.

Length and around off. Kept out.

Conway looks to sweep. This is too full and outside off. He ends up jamming it out on the the off side.

Around off. This is pushed to cover.

Well wide outside off. Left alone.

Two! On the pads. Conway works it fine on the leg side. Takes two. Brilliant work in the deep.

This is swept. It is played with the angle through square leg for one.

Tossed up on off. Defended.!

Angled into the pads. Conway flicks it to mid-wicket.

On middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

Around off. Defended.

Beaten! Slightly loose. Not a delivery you could drive on. It is length and outside off. Williamson is beaten as he looks to do so.

FOUR! Deft! That's nicely played! Length and around off. It lands and moves away. Williamson plays it with soft hands. Just opens the face of the bat. He gets it past gully and down to the third man fence.

Runs continue to come! Length and around off. Williamson pushes it past cover for two.

Around off. Quicker. Kept out.

FOUR! Beats the fielder! The reverse sweep comes out. He plays it wide of the point fielder and this races away. 50 up for the Kiwis and in quick time.

On middle. This is worked towards square leg for one.

On middle. This is swept through square leg for one.

Anglrd into the pads. This is worked fine on the leg side. Two taken.

Slower through the air and on middle. Conway plays it back to the bowler.

FOUR! Swept! Williamson is batting with intent! Around off. He drags this through mid-wicket and it races away.

Oj middle. Kept out.

Around off. Shortish. This is pushed to cover.

Tossed up on off. Williamson pushes it to cover.

Conway plays the sweep. He hits it through square leg and takes one.

Angled into the pads. This is nudged to mid-wicket.

Flatter and on middle. Williamson defends.

On middle. This is flicked but to mid-wicket.

Around off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

Tossed up, around off. Kept out.

FOUR! The sweep comes out and it is nailed! On middle. This is hit through square leg. Boundary.

Length and on off. Blocked.

Tossed up, on middle and leg, Kane Williamson lunges and blocks it to the leg side.

FOUR! Well played! Fuller on, on middle, Kane Williamson uses his feet and lifts it magnificently over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Tossed up, on middle, Kane Williamson blocks it soldily.

Full, on middle, Kane Williamson moves forward and blocks it back.

Full, on middle, Devon Conway plays a reverse sweep through point for one.

Short, on middle, Kane Williamson punches it to covers for one.

Lands it outside off, Devon Conway taps it to mid off.

Full, on off, Devon Conway blocks it forward.

FOUR MORE! Excellent from Devon Conway! Fuller on, on middle, Devon Conway picks it well and sweeps it through backward square leg for another boundary.

FOUR! Well played! Too full, on middle, Devon Conway gets low and plays a reverse sweep in the gap through backward point for a boundary.

Too full, on middle, Devon Conway plays a reverse sweep to the point fielder.

Loopy, on middle, Kane Williamson flicks it over mid-wicket for one.

Too full, outside off, Devon Conway blocks it to point.

SIX! Massive hit! Touch short and on middle, Devon Conway dances down the wicket and heaves it magnificently over cow corner for a biggie.

Too full, on middle, Devon Conway leans forward and blocks it solidly.

Quicker one, on off, Devon Conway blocks it forward.

FOUR! Excellent shot! Half volley, outside off, Devon Conway moves forward and lofts it elegantly over mid off for a boundary.

Fuller one, on off, Kane Williamson flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Prabath Jayasuriya to bowl from the opposite end.

Too full, on off, Devon Conway leans forward and blocks it.

FOUR! Fine shot! Lands it full and on middle, Devon Conway gets low and sweeps it magnificently through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Full, on middle, Devon Conway plays a reverse sweep but finds the fielder at point.

Lands it outside off, Devon Conway taps it to point.

Fuller one, slower too. Devon Conway moves forward and blocks it.

Tossed up, on middle and leg, Devon Conway blocks it back.

We are back for the second session of Day 3. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Kane Williamson and Devon Conway will resume their innings. Nishan Peiris to start with the ball. Let's play...

... DAY 3, SESSION 2 ...

After nearly two days in the field, New Zealand resumed batting on Day 2's evening but faced a swift collapse in the first session of Day 3, losing all remaining wickets to spin. Only three players managed to reach double figures, with Mitchell Santner leading the scorecard at 29 as the number 9 batsman. They were put to bat again and Tom Latham departed soon with New Zealand in a precocious position, trailing by 511 runs with 9 wickets in their bank. Will the Lankans bundle out the New Zealand at Day 3 itself? Or will the visitors show some grit and bat their way out? Stay tuned to find out as we will be back after the Lunch Break in a short while...

In the previous innings, Sri Lanka's bowling attack, led by Prabath Jayasuriya, proved dominant, with Jayasuriya claiming 6 wickets for 42 runs, marking his five-wicket haul. Debutant Nishan Peiris also made a strong impression with 3 wickets for 33 runs. They enforced a follow on and Nishan Peiris managed to pick the wicket of Tom Latham.

Another session that belonged to the Lankans and this was indeed the best of all. They managed to pick 9 wickets for just a mere 69 runs! Sri Lanka opted to enforce the follow-on, which was the best decision as they were leading by 514 runs. They didn't allow the Kiwi batters to take a break.

Too full, on off, Kane Williamson eases it to the mid off fielder. That will be Lunch on Day 3.

Too full, on middle, Kane Williamson blocks it solidly.

Lands it on off, Devon Conway taps it to point for one.

Short, on middle, Kane Williamson tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Lands it on middle, Devon Conway pushes it to mid on for one.

Fuller one, outside off, Devon Conway looks to block it but gets beaten.

Kane Williamson walks in. Prabath Jayasuriya to bowl from the opposite end.

OUT! TAKEN! Nishan Peiris strikes before lunch and New Zealand continue to crumble! This one comes with the arm, on middle, Tom Latham leans forward and looks to block it but gets an inside edge. It carries towards Pathum Nissanka at short leg who takes a sharp catch.

Fuller one, on off, Tom Latham defends it forward.

Slower one, outside off, Tom Latham leaves it again.

Fuller one, on off, Tom Latham eases it to the mid off fielder.

Another one outside off, Tom Latham leaves again.

Short and wide, Tom Latham leaves it alone.

SIX! Dismissed! Rachin Ravindra serves it in the slot. Full and around off. Kamindu Mendis moves down the wicket and tonks it downtown for a biggie. 600 up for the Lankans! They have declared for a mammoth 602!

Full, on off, Kamindu Mendis drives it but finds teh fielder at covers.

Quicker one, on off, Kamindu Mendis pushes it to mid off.

Lands it on off, Kamindu Mendis flicks it to mid-wicket for a brace.

Drinks! A brilliant partnership has developed between the the dup of K. Mendise's, Kamindu and Kusal. The right-hand and left-hand combination has contributed 192 runs for the sixth wicket, with Kamindu notching 150 runs and Kusal reaching his century in a positive manner. A declaration seems likely now, with just an hour of play remaining.

Short, on off, Kamindu Mendis punches it to mid off for one.

Lands it on off, Kamindu Mendis flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

Full, on off, Kusal Mendis tucks it to mid-wikcet for one.

SIX! Up and over! HUNDRED UP FOR KUSAL MENDIS! What a knock. Glenn Phillips digs in a short delivery around off, Kusal Mendis moves forward and plunders it over long on for a biggie.

Too full, on off, Kusal Mendis drills it down the ground. The ball deflects off Glenn Phillips towards covers. No run!

Short and wide, Kusal Mendis cuts it through point for a brace. He moves to 99 now!

Bowls fuller, on middle, Kusal Mendis sweeps it through mid-wicket for one more.

Short, on leg, Kamindu Mendis flicks it to backward square leg for one.

Lands it on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis turns it through mid-wicket for one. He moves to 96 now!

Too full, on off, Kusal Mendis flicks it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

Quicker, shorter, and outside off. Kamindu Mendis punches it to mid off for one.

Full, on off, Kamindu Mendis plays a reverse sweep through point for a brace.

This is pushed through, on a nagging length, Kamindu Mendis pats it wide of cover and retains the strike with a single.

Tossed up, full and on off, Kusal Mendis gets across and sweeps it up and over short square leg for a run. Moves to 95.

Full and on off, Kamindu Mendis pushes it wide of cover and gets to the other end.

A touch fuller, turning in, outside off, Kusal Mendis rocks back and cuts it wide of backward point for a run.

Keeps it away from the batter's reach, full and turning in, outside off, Kusal Mendis makes the leave.

Looped up, full and on off, Kusal Mendis digs it out down the deck.

Very full, on off, Kamindu Mendis jams it out back to the bowler. The new ball is now available for New Zealand.

Short and on off, Kusal Mendis pats it down to long on and moves to 93 with this single.

Pushed through, short and wide on off, Kusal Mendis cuts well but can't get it past Devon Conway at point.

Slower and shorter, turning away, on off, Kusal Mendis dabs it with an angled bat in front of backward point.

Flatter and fuller, on off, Kamindu Mendis reverse sweeps it to deep backward point for one.

A hint of away turn, short and on off, Kusal Mendis punches it down to deep cover and gets to the other end. The stand moves to 170.

A loud shout of 'catch' from Daryl but it falls well in front! Full and angling in, on off, Kamindu Mendis looks to go over cover but slices it well in front of the man in the deep. A couple of runs taken. We have had 10 overs since Tea in which Sri Lanka have scored 52 runs.

Length delivery, on off, Kusal Mendis eases it down to long off and gets to the other end.

On a length, on off, Kamindu Mendis drives it aerially but well wide of the bowler. It goes over the umpire's head and the batters cross.

SIX! Picked up beautifully! Daryl strays it on the pads, on a back of a length, Kamindu Mendis stays inside the line of the ball and swats it over the leaping fielder at deep backward square leg for a six.

Angling away, on off, Kamindu Mendis drives it on the up towards cover where the captain Tim Southee dives to his right and saves at least a couple of runs for his side.

On a length, on the pads, Kusal Mendis whips it off his pads to deep backward square leg. Kusal moves to 90 with this single.

Edged but there is no slip! Shorter and quicker, on off, Kusal Mendis pokes at the delivery but it spins away a bit to catch the outside edge. It races through short third as Tom Latham goes after it. Latham dives in the direction of the ropes and pulls it back, saving a run for his side.

Tossed up, full and on off, Kusal Mendis eases the drive down the deck where Rachin Ravindra dives to his left to make the stop.

Short and on off, Kamindu Mendis taps it off the back foot to deep point for one.

Half a shout for LBW but the umpire remains unmoved! The impact looked outside off there but Tim Southee has taken the review with a couple of seconds left on the timer. Turning in from over the wicket, on a nagging length, around off, Kamindu Mendis reaches out in front for the reverse but misses and wears it on the side of his front thigh. The UltraEdge shows no bat and as expected, the impact is outside off on Ball Tracking. New Zealand have lost all their reviews now.

Looped up, full and on off, Kamindu Mendis drives it wide of cover and collects a brace.

A bit of a hesitation but they make it! This goes straight on with the arm, short and on off, Kusal Mendis taps it with soft hands and calls Kamindu through for a quick single.

Angling away, on a length, on off, Kamindu Mendis pushes it along the carpet in front of cover. Daryl receives his first official warning for running in the danger area.

Bends his back and digs it in short, over off, Kamindu Mendis ducks and lets it go.

FOUR! Lovely shot! Daryl bowls it full, on middle, Kamindu Mendis shows the full face of the bat and gets his weight on the front foot. Times the drive and beats the sprinting Kane Williamson at long on to his right for a boundary.

Full and on off, Kusal Mendis drives it through mid off and gets to the other end.

150 for Kamindu Mendis! It has been a treat to watch him bat and this is his second 150-plus score in Test cricket. Full and wide on off, Kamindu Mendis sees the width on offer and throws his hands at the delivery. Drills it hard to deep cover and picks up a single. Just a raise of the bat from Kamindu to celebrate the landmark.

Daryl goes very wide of the crease on the around-the-wicket angle, full and at the stumps, Kamindu Mendis defends it with a straight bat.

Fired in, full and on off, Kamindu Mendis steers it past backward point for a run. Moves to 149 does Kamindu.

Shorter and on middle, Kamindu Mendis hangs back and pats it back to the bowler.

Very full, on off, Kamindu Mendis squeezes it out in front of cover.

Nicely tossed up and Rachin slowed it up resulting in a bit of turn. Kamindu Mendis goes for the drive but gets an inside edge on the leg side.

Quicker through the air, fuller as well from over the wicket, on off, Kamindu Mendis dabs it with soft hands in front of cover.

Rachin starts with a half-tracker, outside off, Kusal Mendis frees his arms and cuts it to deep cover for a single.

Fuller and angling into the pads, Kusal Mendis gets his bat out in front of the front pad and knocks it to long on for a run.

Errs in line does Daryl, on the pads, on a length, Kamindu Mendis glances it down to deep fine leg and crosses over.

This is on a hard length, on off, Kusal Mendis taps it with a straight bat to long off for a run.

Outside off, on a short of a length, Kusal Mendis glides it on the bounce to backward point.

FOUR! Short and punished! Mitchell tries to bang it into the deck but does not get it high enough to trouble the batter. Kusal Mendis gets his weight on the back foot and pulls it hard to deep square leg. Mitchell Santner gets to his right and dives but ends up diving over the ball and concedes a boundary.

Starts from around the wicket and lands it on a back of a length, around off, Kamindu Mendis waits on it and steers it down with an open bat face down to deep third for a single.

Daryl Mitchell comes into the attack.

Very full from Southee, on off and middle, Kusal Mendis firms the drive down the deck where Southee gets low to his right and makes the stop.

At 129 kph, full and outside off, Kusal Mendis defends it right under his eyes.

Slightly fuller, around the off-stump line, Kusal Mendis lets the ball come to him and steers it to backward point.

Bowled from wide of the crease, short and wide on off, Kamindu Mendis cuts it to deep cover and takes the single. Moves to 146 does Kamindu.

Comes from around the wicket for the left-hander and pulls the length back, on middle, Kamindu Mendis waits on the back foot and nudges it to mid-wicket.

A hint of tail back into the right-hander, full and on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis brings his wrists into play and clips it through square leg for a single.

Fuller and flatter, outside off, Kusal Mendis drags it from outside off and whips it to wide long on for a single.

Looped up, full and on off, Kamindu Mendis knocks it to long off and takes a single.

Short again, on off, Kusal Mendis punches it down to long on and gets to the other end.

Short and turning away, on off, Kamindu Mendis dabs it along the carpet to deep point for one.

Tossed up, full and on off, Kusal Mendis presses forward and eases the drive down to long on for one.

Drops it short and a bit quick, on off, Kusal Mendis rocks on the back foot and pats it back to the bowler.

Good length, angling in, Kamindu Mendis covers his line and blocks it to point.

Too full, on off, Kamindu Mendis blocks it to the point fielder.

Oh! Length in the channel and this one shapes away late. Kamindu Mendis wafts at it and is beaten all ends up.

Short and wide, Kamindu Mendis punches it through covers for one.

Change of pace! Short and outside off, Kamindu Mendis leaves it alone.

Length, on off, Kusal Mendis eases it to covers for one.

Short, on off, Kusal Mendis punches it wide of cover for a single.

Short and wide, Kusal Mendis taps it to mid off. Dot.

Quicker one, on off, Kusal Mendis eases it to the cover fielder.

Short and on off, Kamindu Mendis steers it past point for a single.

FOUR! Innovative and effective! On a nagging length, slower through the air, on off, Kamindu Mendis brings out the reverse and hits it over backward point for a boundary.

Tossed up, full and on off, Kamindu Mendis gets on the front foot and pushes it to cover.

Glenn Phillips to bowl from the opposite end.

Around the sixth stump line, on a good length, Kusal Mendis lets the ball come to him and guides it to backward point.

Width on offer on off, on a short of a length, Kamindu Mendis punches it square to deep point and takes a single.

Goes wide of the crease on the around-the-wicket angle, on a length, attacking the stumps, Kamindu Mendis gets right behind the line of the ball and defends it down the deck.

A bit too straight, on the pads, on a hard length, Kusal Mendis turns this one through square leg and gets to the other end.

A touch fuller at 127 kph, on off, Kusal Mendis presses forward and times the drive to cover.

Angling in from over the wicket, on a back of a length, on off, Kusal Mendis hangs on the back foot and stabs it down with a straight bat.

We are back for the final session of the day. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Kamindu Mendis and Kusal Mendis will continue their innings. Tim Southee to bowl. Let's play...

... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...

For New Zealand, it has been hard work, their bowlers have toiled really hard on a wicket which is just not offering a lot of assistance. They’ll be hoping to pick a few wickets in the next session and keep Sri Lanka below 600. Join us for the third session in a bit.

A wicket-less session for the hosts and they continue to pile the misery on the visitors! Both Kusal and Kamindu went about things quite slowly for most of the session. Kamindu got yet another ton whereas Kusal notched up a half ton. However, as the session come towards the end, both upped the ante and have stretched their score to over 500. We believe, we’ll be seeing some fire works after the break and the declaration won’t be far away.

Pushed through by Phillips, on a nagging length, on the pads, Kamindu Mendis turns it off his pads to the left of square leg. He wants a single but gets sent back by Kusal. That will be TEA on DAY 2!

Fires it in does Phillips, full and at the stumps, Kamindu Mendis gets his bat out in front to defend. Last ball before Tea coming up.

Goes slightly wide of the crease on the over-the-wicket angle and slows it up a bit, full and on off, Kusal Mendis gets a good stride in and eases the drive to long on for one.

Darted in from around the wicket, full and on the pads, Kamindu Mendis tickles it behind square on the leg side for a single.

Floated up, full and around off, Kusal Mendis lunges and wrists it to mid-wicket.

Mendis calls 'two' and gets it! Phillips drops it short and wide on off, Kusal Mendis rocks on the back foot quickly and cuts it to the left of deep cover. Rachin Ravindra runs around and mops it up. Two runs taken.

On a back of a length, on off, Kamindu Mendis hangs back and cuts it on the bounce to backward point.

Around off. This is guided to point.

Serves it on a back of a length, in the channel on off, Kusal Mendis opens the bat face and runs it down to deep third for a single.

Another one on a good length. On the off pole too. Mendis pushes it to cover.

Another one on a good length. Mendis stays back and with soft hands plays it to point.

Length and around off. Mendis plays it to cover.

Fuller and on middle. This is worked down to long on for one.

Slower and around off. Mendis pushes it to cover for one.

Down the leg side. Mendis looks to flick but misses.

Around off. This is pushed past cover for one.

Goes short and on the pads. Mendis pulls it through square leg and takes two.

Flatter and around off. Mendis stays back and guides it to point.

Another one outside the off pole. Mendis is happy to leave it alone.

Well wide outside off. Easy leave.

Length again and around off. Mendis pushes it to cover.

Outside off. Mendis waits and then guides it down to third man for one.

Good length again and around off. Mendis shows the full face and keeps it out.

Angled into middle. Blocked.

On middle. Mendis works it to mid-wicket.

Outside off. Kusal now plays it past point and gets to the other end.

On off. Mendis pushes it past cover and takes one.

Angled into the pads. Mendis waits and then works it fine on the leg side. Takes two.

Shorter and on middle. This is pulled down to long on for one.

Flatter and on middle. Mendis plays it back to the bowler.

On middle. This is worked to mid-wicket.

Around off. Mendis pushes it through covers for one.

Tossed up on off. Defended.

That just did not come out well. This is way too short and outside off. Mendis cuts but to point.

SIX! Out of here! Mendis is on the charge here! 500 up for Lanka. Yet again the slog sweep is out. This is on middle. He hits it with the angle and it goes over the mid-wicket fence.

Angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

FOUR! 14 from the last three balls. Fifty up for Mendis too. This is another lovely shot. Outside off. Flatter. Mendis waits and then guides it past short third man for a boundary.

SIX! That's big! That is trademark Mendis. This is tossed up outside off and he brings the slog sweep out. He drags it over the mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

FOUR! Up and over! Mendis steps out. He stays leg side of the ball and lofts this over cover for a boundary.

Outside off. Phillips pushes it past cover and takes one.

On middle. Quicker. Blocked.

Flatter and on off. Mendis pushes it to cover.

Slower and outside off. Mendis guides it towards short third man for one.

Outside off. This is guided past point for one.

Around off. Mendis blocks.

Nicely played! Around off. Mendis goes down on one knee and plays the paddle scoop. It goes nice and fine and towards fine leg. Three taken.

Quicker and on the stumps. Mendis pushes it back to the bowler.

Flatter and on middle. Kamindu works it with the turn to mid-wicket.

On the pads. Mendis tucks it to square leg.

FOUR! Hammered! That was a hit-me ball. Way too short and on the body. Mendis slams it through mid-wicket and this races away.

Down the leg side this time. Mendis leaves it alone.

Slower and outside off. Left alone.

On the pads. The sweep is out. This is hit through square leg for one.

Flatter and on off. Mendis pushes it to cover.

On middle. Defended.

Quicker this time and around off. Mendis pushes it to cover.

Flatter and around off. Mendis blocks.

Two more! 14 from the last 4 balls. Outside off. Mendis drives it wide of cover for a couple.

Flatter and on middle. Mendis stays back and works it through mid-wicket. Easy two again.

FOUR! Kusal now joins the act! The two may have decided to step on the gas now. Mendis steps out. He does not get to the pitch of it but lifts it down the ground.  Both mid on and mid off are in the ring so it's a safe option and he gets a boundary.

SIX! All the way! Kamindu steps out yet again. Gets to the pitch of the ball and this time hits it in the air. He hits it well enough so clears the long on fence for a biggie.

Flatter and on off. Mendis stays back and pushes it to covers.

Fuller and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one.

The one that goes on with the arm. Mendis looks to defend but is beaten. The keeper only makes a half stop. A bye taken.

Slightly shorter and on off. This is guided past cover for one more.

Gives it air and lands it on off. Mendis pushes it to cover.

On the off pole. This is played to cover.

On the stumps. A little bit of extra bounce. Blocked.

Around off. Flatter. Blocked.

Fuller and on middle. Mendis seemed like going for the sweep at first but then just eases it down to long on for one. Fifty run stand between the two. The question here is, when are they going to up the ante now?

Angled into middle. Mendis hangs back and plays it back to the bowler.

Flatter and around off. Kusal guides it to point.

Good comeback! Pushes it through. Outside off. Mendis plays for the turn and is beaten.

FOUR! That's a good shot. Makes use of his feet. Gets to the pitch of it and lofts it over mid off for a boundary.

Flatter and around off. Kamindu pushes it to covers.

Fuller and on off. Mendis pushes it down to long off and gets to the other end.

Loopy ball and on the stumps. Mendis plays it with a straight bat to cover.

Tossed up on off. Mendis shows the full face of the bat and strokes it to covers.

Flatter and on middle. Mendis defends.

Another defensive stroke to this delivery on middle. Still happy to go along slowly. No signs of upping the ante as of now.

On the stumps. Mendis leans forward and keeps it out.

Pushes this one through and lands it on off. Blocked.

Angled into the pads. This is swept through square leg for one.

Nicely bowled again! The ball has started to turn a lot more now. Slower and around off. This lands and spins away. Mendis looks to push at it but is beaten.

DRINKS!

Outside off. Mendis does not play a shot at it.

TAKEN! Kamindu is out of here or is he? He's reviewed it straightaway! NOT OUT! The sound was of the ball hitting the pad. Flatter and outside off. Mendis goes back and looks to defend but does so inside the line. It goes past the outside edge, flicks the pad and the keeper takes it. The impact too was outside off.

FOUR.BYES! Stumping chance goes abeggging! Mendis steps out. This lands outside off. Mendis does not get to the pitch of it. This lands and turns away. Sneaks between the bat and pad as he looks to drive, it goes over the stumps. The keeper does not take it and it goes down to the fine leg fence.

This time he takes one as he eases this filler ball on off down to long off.

Nicely tossed up and around off. Mendis drives but to cover.

Flatter and shorter. Outside off. Kamindu pushes it through covers and takes one.

Around off. Slower through the air. Mendis pushes it to covers.

Nice and slow, wide outside off. The tempter as they call it. Left alone.

Kusal misses out! This is short and outside off. Mendis cuts but to point.

Fuller this time and around off. This is pushed down to long off and gets to the other end.

Nice and fine! A little too straight. Kamindu works it fine on the leg side and grabs two.

Angled into the pads. Mendis hangs back and works it through square leg for one.

A run finally for Kusal! This is way too full and outside off. He plays it through covers and takes one.

Around off. Quicker. Blocked.

Fires this just outside off. Mendis waits and then guides it to point.

And again, into the pads, he gently nudges it to square leg.

Quicker and on middle. Mendis hangs back and defends. He's happy to take his time here is Mendis. Still to see some intent from him.

Slightly fuller and outside off. Mendis guides it through point and takes one.

Maiden again by Santner! Around off. On the quicker side. Defended.

Quicker now and attacks the off pole. Kusal plays it with the full face of the bat to cover.

Slows it up this time. Gives it air and lands it just outside off. A little bit of turn away. Kusal leaves it alone.

Flatter this time! This lands on middle and holds its line just a touch. Blocked.

Pushes it through again and on middle. Mendis goes back and plays it back to the bowler.!

Goes wide of the crease and angles it into the middle pole. Kusal shows the full face of the bat and blocks.

Fuller and around off. Kusal pushes it down to long off for one.

Quicker and on middle. Kusal lunges and pushes it back to the bowler.

Slightly shorter again and on off. Kusal stays back and guides it to point.

Flatter, pushes this one through and around off. Defended.

Fuller this time, gives it a little more air, this is worked down to long on for one.

Flatter this time and around off. Kamindu hangs back and pushes it to cover.

On the stumps. Blocked.

Flatter and around off. This is pushed to cover.

Tossed up on off. Defended.

Around off. Blocked.

Kamindu gets off strike! Plays the paddle scoop. It goes towards fine leg for one.

Flatter and on middle. Mendis plays it to cover.

Flatter and around off. Mendis pushes it past cover and takes one.

On middle. Blocked.

Around off. This is guided to point.

On the stumps. Blocked.

Fuller and on middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

Around off. Flatter. Blocked.

A loud shout but not given! New Zealand review. Maybe bouncing a little too much. Looks close. It has hit the back pad. Turning too much? We will see. NOT OUT! Turning way too much. Review lost. This is slower. It lands outside off and spins back in. Mendis looks to drive but misses and is hit on the pad.

On off. This is pushed through covers for one.

Around off. Blocked.

Flatter and on off. This is pushed to cover.

That is a beauty! A lot slower. Gets it to drift back in, lands it around off and gets it to turn away. Mendis looks to defend but is beaten.

Slower and on middle. This is driven back to the bowler.

FOUR! Swept away nicely! Down the leg side. Mendis plays the sweep. Fine and this races away. He'll be a playing a few more shots now we believe since he's got to his ton.

On the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

Around off. Kept out.

Outside off. Mendis guides it through point for one.

On middle. Defended.

Flatter and around off. Mendis keeps it out.

A maiden then by Santner! On middle. Mendis works it to mid-wicket.

Around off. Mendis defends.

Floats it up this time. Lands it on middle. Kept out.

Angled into the pads. Kusal works it to square leg.

Fires it on off. Mendis guides it to point.

Quicker and on the stumps. Kusal stays back and keeps it out.

Flatter and around off. Mendis waits and guides it to point for one.

FOUR! Down the ground! Top shot. Good use of the feet. Gets to the pitch of the ball and hits it over the bowler's head for a boundary.

Angled into the pads. Mendis works it through square leg and takes one. Brings up his 100 too. He's going through a golden patch. Outstanding.

Angled into the pads. Mendis works it to mid-wicket.

Quicker and outside off. Mendis guides it to point.

Flatter and on middle. Mendis stays back and defends.