Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2nd Test Day 1: Chandimal's 100 steers SL in commanding position

Right then, that is it from the riveting Test Series. The Lankans have clinched the series in some style. Dhananjaya de Silva collects the trophy and joins his team and they pose together for some pictures. Sri Lanka will now play a T20I series against the West Indies next month on Sunday, the 13th of October, at 1.30 pm GMT and New Zealand will have a Test Series against India next month as well on Wednesday, the 16th of October, at 4 am GMT. However, apart from these, there is plenty of cricketing action going around the world and you can switch tabs and enjoy that coverage as well. Until next time, folks, cheers!

Dhananjaya de Silva, the skipper of Sri Lanka, says he’s been lucky with the toss. Mentions Chandimal gives them a good balance and so does Kamindu batting at his position. States the bowlers were really good. Adds they have been working hard on their fielding and it is paying off.

Tim Southee, the skipper of New Zealand, says it’s not an easy place to come and play cricket. Mentions this game was a lot harder, they had their chances in the first game but could not capitalize. States they are looking forward to the series in India, it’s not going to be easy but they’ll try hard. There were some positives but still disappointed with the overall performance.

Prabath Jayasuriya is the Player of the Series for his exceptional bowling. He took 18 wickets in total. He says the newbie bowled well and hit the right lines and lengths consistently. Mentions the wicket in the previous Test offered more assistance. Adds that they try and keep the basics right and build pressure.

Kamindu Mendis is the Player of the Match for his impressive unbeaten 182. He says that he’s enjoying batting and he loves batting in his hometown. Credits Kusal and Chandimal for the way they batted too. States he bats with the same mind set everywhere and just makes a minor change. Ends by saying it’s a great pleasure to score 1000 runs and he’s looking to improve every day.

Stay tuned for the Presentation Ceremony...

Coming back on Day 4, the Kiwi batters, Glenn Phillips and Tom Blundell showed some intent and went after the bowlers. However, the Sri Lankan bowlers maintained their composure and executed their plans effectively. By sticking to a disciplined wicket-to-wicket line, they were able to create consistent pressure on the Kiwi batters. This strategy paid off in the opening session, as they got three wickets just before Lunch and finished the job soon in the second session of Day 4!

Coming to bat again on Day 3, they lost Tom Latham at the stroke of Lunch. Conway and Williamson were looking good after lunch but once Conway fell, wickets kept on tumbling, and soon they were 121/5 nearing the Tea Break. At the end of Day 3, they saw themselves reeling at 199/5 as Blundell and Phillips had taken an aggressive route.

In reply, New Zealand faced a dismal morning session, losing wickets rapidly as they struggled to cope with the pressure. The lower-order partnership between William O'Rourke and Santner momentarily halted the avalanche of wickets, but overall, the performance was lackluster. Sri Lanka, spearheaded by Prabath Jayasuriya's exceptional six-wicket haul, dominated the proceedings, while debutant Peiris provided valuable support by maintaining tight lines and minimizing scoring opportunities. They bundled out the Kiwis for a mere 88 and enforced a follow-on with New Zealand trailing by a mammoth 514!

Sri Lanka chose to bat first and boy, it worked wonders for them. They posted a formidable total with significant contributions from their batters, including three centuries, notably, Kusal's unbeaten 106 and Kamindu's impressive unbeaten 182. New Zealand's bowling struggled, particularly with Phillips leading the way with three wickets, having bowled a staggering 38 overs. The Lankans batted their way for almost 164 overs before they declared their innings at a whopping 602/5. 

End of another dominating performance by the Lankans! They have blown aside the Kiwis in both tests and have completed a clean sweep of 2-0. The first test was still slightly balanced, but more in favor of the home side, and the second test, though the wait was a bit longer than we thought, but was all Sri Lanka! They have beaten New Zealand by an innings and 154 runs!

81.4: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, 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!

81.3: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, 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. 

81.2: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Around off.  Blocked. 

81.1: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, FOUR! Cut away! Shorter and outside off. Mitchell Santner hangs back and slaps it past point and this races away. 

80.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to William O'Rourke, A wasteful nut to end! Down the leg side. Left alone. 

80.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to William O'Rourke, 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.

80.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Takes one now! Fuller and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one. William now has two balls to play out. 

80.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, FOUR! Lovely shot! Slightly shorter and outside off. Santner hangs back and punches it past cover. There was a sweeper but it beats him. 

80.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Around off. Santner steps out and plays it back to the bowler. 

80.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Tossed up around off. Defended. 

79.6: Nishan Peiris to William O'Rourke, On the stumps. William pushes it back to the bowler.

79.5: Nishan Peiris to William O'Rourke, Flatter and on middle. Blocked. 

79.4: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, A full toss now, this is worked through mid-wicket for one. 

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

79.2: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Around off. Flatter. This is pushed to cover. 

79.1: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, On middle. This lands and spins away. Santner looks to defend but is beaten. 

78.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to William O'Rourke, On middle. Flatter. Defended. 

78.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to William O'Rourke, Tossed up around off. William takes a good stride forward and plays it to covers. 

78.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to William O'Rourke, Tossed up around middle. William defends. 

William O'Rourke is the last batter in.

78.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, 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. 

78.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Fuler one, on off, Mitchell Santner punches it to covers for one.

78.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Fuller one, outside off, Mitchell Santner blocks it to mid off.

77.6: Nishan Peiris to Ajaz Patel, 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.

77.5: Nishan Peiris to Ajaz Patel, Short, on middle, Ajaz Patel defends it forward.

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

77.3: Nishan Peiris to Ajaz Patel, Short, on middle, Ajaz Patel leans forward and blocks it well.

77.2: Nishan Peiris to Ajaz Patel, Fuller one, on off, Ajaz Patel defends it forward.

77.1: Nishan Peiris to Ajaz Patel, 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!

76.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, 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.

76.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Fuller one, on off, Mitchell Santner moves forward and blocks it back.

76.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Lands it outside off, Mitchell Santner taps it towards the fielder at slips.

76.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Short, on off, Mitchell Santner blocks it soldily.

76.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Fifty up for Mitchell Santner! Excellent knock. Short, on off, Mitchell Santner punches it through covers for a brace.

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

Prabath Jayasuriya to bowl from the other end.

75.6: Dhananjaya de Silva to Mitchell Santner, Some turn and bounce, outside off, Mitchell Santner looks to punch it but gets beaten.

75.5: Dhananjaya de Silva to Mitchell Santner, Lands it down leg, Mitchell Santner looks to block it but wears it on his pads.

75.4: Dhananjaya de Silva to Mitchell Santner, Fuller, on off, Mitchell Santner leans forward and blocks it to mid off.

75.3: Dhananjaya de Silva to Ajaz Patel, Keeps it fuller, Ajaz Patel flicks it to square leg for one.

75.2: Dhananjaya de Silva to Ajaz Patel, Full again, on off, Ajaz Patel blocks it back to the bowler.

75.1: Dhananjaya de Silva to Ajaz Patel, 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.

74.6: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, On the stumps. This is pushed to the man at covers. That will be Lunch on Day 4.

74.5: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Flatter and around off. Santner pushes it to covers. 

74.4: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, 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. 

74.3: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Flatter and quicker, Santner looks to cut but this stays low and he missed. 

74.2: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, On middle. Santner steps out and defends. 

74.1: Nishan Peiris to Ajaz Patel, Fuller and on off. Patel drives it down the ground to long off and takes one. 

73.6: Dhananjaya de Silva to Mitchell Santner, Around off. Tossed up. Blocked. 

73.6: Dhananjaya de Silva to Mitchell Santner, This is even wider and outside off. Santner does not play at it. Wided. 

73.5: Dhananjaya de Silva to Mitchell Santner, Flatter and outside off. Santner leaves this alone. 

73.4: Dhananjaya de Silva to Mitchell Santner, On off. Pushed through. This is punched to cover again. 

73.3: Dhananjaya de Silva to Mitchell Santner, Flatter and around off. Santner pushes it to cover. 

73.2: Dhananjaya de Silva to Mitchell Santner, Fuller and on off. This is hit down to long off. No run taken. 

73.1: Dhananjaya de Silva to Mitchell Santner, Around off. Santner plays it out. 

72.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, 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. 

72.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, Fuller and on off. This is pushed to cover. 

72.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, This lands outside off. Ajaz walks across and looks to sweep but misses to get hit on the pads. 

72.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, 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. 

72.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Flatter and around off. Santner pushes it down to long off. Does not take the run again. 

72.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Tossed up on off. This is swept through square leg. He does not take the run. 

71.6: Nishan Peiris to Ajaz Patel, Shorter and on off. This is pushed through covers for one. 

71.5: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Around off. This is pushed down to long off for one. 

71.4: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, FOUR! Finds the gap! Now he uses his feet again. Santner stays leg side too and hits it wide of long off. Boundary. 

71.3: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, 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. 

71.2: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Fuller and on off. Santner pushes it to cover. 

71.1: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Tossed up on middle. Blocked. 

70.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, Around off. Kept out. 

70.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, 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. 

70.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, Flatter and on middle. This is worked to mid-wicket. 

70.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, 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. 

70.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, Down the leg side. Left alone. 

70.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, Flatter and around off. Patel leans forward and defends. 

69.6: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Flatter and around off. Santner looks to cut but is beaten. 

69.5: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, On middle. This is kept out. 

69.4: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, 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. 

69.3: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, 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. 

69.2: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Santner steps out and makes it into a full toss. This is driven to cover. 

69.1: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Angled into the pads. Santner works it to square leg. 

68.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, On the stumps. Patel pushes it to covers. 

68.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, Around off. Blocked. 

68.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, Shorter and around off. Ajaz looks to cut but chops it on the off side. 

68.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Fuller and on off. This is pushed down to long off for one. 

68.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Tossed up on around off. Santner defends. 

68.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, 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. 

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

67.5: Nishan Peiris to Ajaz Patel, Quicker and on middle. Patel plays it back to the bowler. 

67.4: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, A little too full this time. This is worked down to long on for one. 

67.3: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, On middle. Pushes this one through. Santner yet again is solid in defense. 

67.2: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Slower through the air and around off. Santner keeps it out. 

67.1: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Flatter and around off. Santner pushes it to the man at cover. 

66.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, Loopy ball on the stumps. Patel defends. 

66.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, Solid! Tossed up on off. Patel shows the full face of the bat and plays it back to the bowler. 

66.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, Outside off. Patel covers his off pole and leaves this alone. 

66.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, Tossed up on off. Patel leaned forward and keeps it out. 

66.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Flatter and around off. Santner pushes it to long off and takes one.

66.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Santner walks across! He gets down on one knee and sweeps this from outside off. Through square leg for two. 

65.6: Nishan Peiris to Ajaz Patel, That's a beauty to end! Quicker and around off. This lands and spins away. Patel lunges to defend but is beaten. 

65.5: Nishan Peiris to Ajaz Patel, Quicker and around off. Patel pushes it to covers.

65.4: Nishan Peiris to Ajaz Patel, Angled into the pads. Patel works it to mid-wicket. 

65.3: Nishan Peiris to Ajaz Patel, 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. 

65.2: Nishan Peiris to Ajaz Patel, Attakcs the stumps. Patel lunges and keeps it out. 

65.1: Nishan Peiris to Ajaz Patel, Flatter and on middle. Kept out. 

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

64.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, Fuller one, on off, Ajaz Patel eases it to mid on.

64.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Ajaz Patel, Short, on middle, Ajaz Patel blocks it back.

Who walks out?

64.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tim Southee, 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.

64.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tim Southee, Short and wide, Tim Southee leaves it alone.

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

63.6: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Too full, on middle, Mitchell Santner blocks it to mid off.

63.5: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Some turn and bounce, on off, Mitchell Santner eases it to covers.

63.4: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Full, on middle, Mitchell Santner blocks it to covers.

63.3: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Too full, on off, Mitchell Santner eases it to mid off.

63.2: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Lands it on off, Mitchell Santner taps it to the point fielder.

63.1: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Too full, on middle, Mitchell Santner blocks it back.

62.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tim Southee, Short, on off, Tim Southee blocks it soldily.

62.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tim Southee, 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.

62.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tim Southee, Bowls it on off, Tim Southee eases it to mid off.

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

62.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tim Southee, Some turn and bounce, on middle, Tim Southee leans forward and blocks it.

62.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Slower one, outside off, Mitchell Santner moves forward and eases it to mid off.

61.6: Nishan Peiris to Tim Southee, Short, on off, Tim Southee fends it to mid off.

61.5: Nishan Peiris to Tim Southee, Bowls it on off, Tim Southee eases it to mid off.

Tim Southee walks in.

61.4: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, 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.

61.3: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Short, on off, Glenn Philips eases it to the left of the bowler.

61.2: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Bowls it on off, Glenn Philips blocks it back.

61.1: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Fuller one, on off, Glenn Philips eases it to mid off.

60.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Short, just outside off, Mitchell Santner covers his line and leaves it alone.

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

60.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Lands it outside off, Mitchell Santner leans forward to block it but gets beaten.

60.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Too full, on off, Mitchell Santner eases it to mid off.

60.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Quicker one, turning in, Mitchell leans forward to block it but miscues it to the left of the bowler.

60.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Fuller one, on middle, Mitchell Santner eases it to short covers.

59.6: Asitha Fernando to Glenn Phillips, 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...

59.5: Asitha Fernando to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Well timed stroke! On a length and on off, Glenn Philips hops a bit and punches it through point for a boundary.

59.4: Asitha Fernando to Glenn Phillips, Too full, on leg, Glenn Philips digs it to the fielder at short mid-wicket. 

59.3: Asitha Fernando to Glenn Phillips, On a length, angling in, Glenn Philips blocks it solidly.

59.2: Asitha Fernando to Mitchell Santner, 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.

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

58.6: Dhananjaya de Silva to Glenn Phillips, Short, on middle, Glenn Philips blocks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

58.5: Dhananjaya de Silva to Glenn Phillips, Bowls it down leg, Glenn Philips pads it away.

58.4: Dhananjaya de Silva to Glenn Phillips, Too full, on middle, Glenn Philips blocks it to short leg.

58.3: Dhananjaya de Silva to Glenn Phillips, SIX! In the slot and that has been dismissed! Lands it on middle, Glenn Philips stands tall and powers it downtown for a biggie.

58.2: Dhananjaya de Silva to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up, on middle, Glenn Philips flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

58.1: Dhananjaya de Silva to Mitchell Santner, 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...

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

57.5: Asitha Fernando to Mitchell Santner, 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.

57.4: Asitha Fernando to Mitchell Santner, Length again, outside off, Mitchell covers his line and leaves it alone.

57.3: Asitha Fernando to Mitchell Santner, On a length and outside off, Mitchell Santner leaves it alone.

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

57.1: Asitha Fernando to Mitchell Santner, Short and just outside off, Mitchell Santner leaves it alone.

56.6: Dhananjaya de Silva to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up, on middle, Glenn Philips blocks it back to the bowler.

56.5: Dhananjaya de Silva to Mitchell Santner, Too full, on off, Mitchell Santner eases it to covers for one.

56.4: Dhananjaya de Silva to Mitchell Santner, Full, on off, Mitchell Santner taps it to point.

56.3: Dhananjaya de Silva to Glenn Phillips, Short, on middle, Glenn Philips tucks it to mid-wicket for one. Fifty partnership up between this duo now!

56.2: Dhananjaya de Silva to Glenn Phillips, Too full, on middle, Glenn Philips leans forward and blocks it back.

56.1: Dhananjaya de Silva to Glenn Phillips, 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.

55.6: Asitha Fernando to Mitchell Santner, Another very full ball on middle. This is jammed back to the bowler. 

55.5: Asitha Fernando to Mitchell Santner, On the off pole. Santner pushes it to covers. 

55.4: Asitha Fernando to Mitchell Santner, A yorker on middle. Santner jams it out to covers. 

55.3: Asitha Fernando to Mitchell Santner, Goes for the yorker outside off. Santner fails to put bat on ball. 

55.2: Asitha Fernando to Mitchell Santner, On the shorter side. Santner waits and then guides it to point. 

55.1: Asitha Fernando to Mitchell Santner, Good length and around off. Santner pushes it to mid off. 

54.6: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, This lands on middle. Phillips plays it with the turn to mid-wicket. 

54.5: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, 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. 

54.4: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, On the pads. This is worked down to fine leg for one.

54.3: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, 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. 

54.2: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Around off. This is blocked. 

54.1: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Flatter and on middle. Phillips pushes it back to the bowler. 

53.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Fuller and on off. This is eased down to long off for one. 

53.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, On middle. This is pushed back to the bowler. 

53.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Around off.  Blocked. 

53.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, FOUR! Nicely played! The reverse sweep comes out. This is hit through point. The ball races away to the fence in no time. 

53.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Flatter and on the pads. Phillips works it to square leg. 

53.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Full and on the pads. This is worked to mid-wicket. 

52.6: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Around off. Floated up. Blocked. 

52.5: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, 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. 

52.4: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, On middle. Defended. 

52.3: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, On middle. This is worked through square leg for one. 

52.2: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, 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. 

52.1: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Quicker and on middle. This is kept out. 

51.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, On off. Santner leans forward and pushes it to cover. 

51.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Fires this one in. It is a little too short. This is pushed past cover for one. 

51.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Flatter and around off. A little bit of turn away. Phillips pushes it to cover.

51.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, 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. 

51.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Lands it around off. Nicely tossed up. Phillips pushes it to cover. 

51.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Steps down the track and pushes it wide of the bowler. A quick run.

50.6: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Pushes this one through. This is punched past cover for two. 

50.5: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, On off. This is pushed down to long off for one. 

50.4: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Around off. Santner is solid in defense. 

50.3: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Three singles in three balls! On middle. Fuller. This is eased down to long on for one. 

50.2: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, 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. 

50.1: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, 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. 

49.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Flatter and on middle. Santner plays it onto the ground.

49.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Makes use of his feet this time but ends up yorking himself. This is jammed back to the bowler. 

49.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Attacks the stumps again. Santner shows the full face of the bat and blocks.

49.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Flatter and on middle. This is punched down to long on for one. 

49.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Nicely tossed up. Just around the off pole. Phillips pushes it to cover. 

49.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Floats it up on off. This is pushed back to the bowler. 

48.6: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Flatter this time. Slightly shorter in length. This is punched to the cover fielder. 

48.5: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Tossed up on off. Slower. Santner lunges and keeps it out. 

48.4: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Flatter and around off. This is pushed towards cover for one.

48.3: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, 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. 

48.2: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, This lands around middle and a little bit of turn. Phillips works it on the leg side but short leg stops it. 

48.1: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Quicker and on the pads. Phillips works it to mid-wicket.

47.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Pushes this one through! On middle. Defended.

47.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Gives this air again and lands it on middle. Santner plays it back to the bowler.

47.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Uses his feet. Fails to get to the pitch of the ball so defends it into the ground. 

47.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, On middle. Santner leans forward and keeps it out. 

47.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Loopy ball on middle. This lands and spins back in. Santner looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads.

47.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Good running! Fuller and around off. This is pushed with soft hands towards cover. Two taken. 

46.6: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, This is angled into the pads. Phillips stays back and works it to mid-wicket. 

46.5: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Flatter and on middle. Blocked.

46.4: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Fuller again this time. Santner works it to mid on for one. 

46.3: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Flatter and around off. This lands and spins away. Santner looks to defend. It goes off the outer half to point. 

46.2: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, 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. 

46.1: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Flatter and around off. Santner defends. 

45.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Fuller and on middle. This is driven down the ground to long off for one. 

45.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Mitchell Santner, Flatter and on middle. Santner defends it. 

45.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, 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. 

45.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Floats it up on off. This is pushed to the man at cover. 

45.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Tosses it up, gets it to drift back in from outside off.  Blocked back to the bowler. 

45.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Flatter and around off. This is guided to point. 

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

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

44.4: Nishan Peiris to Mitchell Santner, Too full, on middle, Mitchell Santner leans forward and blocks.

Mitchell Santner walks in.

44.3: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, 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!

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

44.1: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, Bowls it in middle, Tom Blundell defends it back to the bowler.

43.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Full, on the stumps, Glenn eases it to point.

43.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Short and wide, Tom Blundell cuts it to point for one.

43.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Short, on off, Tom Blundell blocks it back to the bowler.

43.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Full, on off, Tom Blundell moves forward and defends.

43.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Short, on off, Tom Blundell blocks it forward.

43.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Short, on off, Glenn Philips punches it to the cover fielder.

42.6: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, Full, on middle, Tom Blundell blocks it to the fielder at short leg.

42.5: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Short, on middle, Glenn Philips flicks it to square leg for one.

42.4: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Full, on off, Glenn Philips leans forward and blocks.

42.3: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, Errs it down leg, Tom Blundell tickles it fine for one.

42.2: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, 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.

42.1: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, Tossed up, on off, Tom Blundell eases it to mid on.

Nishan Peiris to bowl from the opposite end.

41.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Short, on off, Glenn Philips blocks it back.

41.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Lands it on leg, Glenn Philips clips it fine for a brace.

41.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Full, on off, Glenn Philips eases it to covers.

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

41.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Bowls it on off, Tom Blundell blocks it to point.

41.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, 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.

40.6: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, 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.

40.5: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, 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.

40.4: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, 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.

40.3: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, Floated up around off, Blundell shimmies down the track and whips it away uppishly and wide of long on for a single.

40.2: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, 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.

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

39.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Flatter one on middle, sliding on, nudged away to the leg side.

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

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

39.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Loops this one up, full and wide of the off stump, driven firmly and along the ground but straight to covers.

39.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Flatter one on off, punched away off the back foot through covers for one.

39.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, 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.

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

38.5: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Short again, angled wide of the off stump, cut away off the back foot and behind point for another double by Phillips.

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

38.3: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Nagging length on middle and leg, Phillips yet again goes on the back foot and defends it out.

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

38.1: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Bowled flatter and from around the stumps, attacking the pads, Phillips tucks it away to the leg side.

37.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, 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.

37.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Fuller one on middle and leg, Blundell comes forward and works it away in front of mid-wicket for a run.

37.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Dropped short on off, Tom Blundell blocks it off the back foot.

37.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, 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.

37.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, 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.

37.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, 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.

36.6: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, 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.

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

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

36.3: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Fractionally short on off, Phillips makes room and pushes it away wide of covers for a single.

36.2: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, 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.

36.1: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, 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.

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

35.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, A bit fuller on off, driven to the right of short extra cover but the fielder there makes a fine stop.

35.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, On a dragged length and outside off, punched away off the back foot and straight to the man at short extra cover.

35.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Drifted into the pads, Blundell shimmies down the pitch and flicks it away wide of mid on for a single.

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

35.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, On a length and sliding into the pads, tucked away around the corner by Blundell.

34.6: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Tossed up on middle, driven on the up and firmly too but the bowler makes a good stop down to his left.

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

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

34.3: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Flatter one on the stumps, punched away to the on side for a run.

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

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

33.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Floated up on the pads, nudged away around the corner for a couple of handy runs. The 150 is up for New Zealand.

33.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, 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.

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

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

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

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

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

32.5: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, 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.

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

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

32.2: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, Flatter one on off, patted away wide of covers for a quick single.

32.1: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, 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.

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

31.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Good length, on off and blocked off the back foot by Phillips.

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

31.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Pushed through quicker, this one slides into middle, Phillips manages to block it off.

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

31.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, 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.

30.6: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, Floated up, very full and around off, Tom Blundell leans on and blocks it wide of first slip.

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

30.4: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Bowled flatter again and onto middle and leg, Phillips goes back in his crease and works it past short leg for a single.

30.3: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Quick and flat, darted into middle and leg, Glenn Phillips nudges it away off the back foot.

30.2: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, On the shorter side again at the stumps, tucked away off the back foot in front of short leg.

30.1: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, 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.

29.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Fuller and on off. This is pushed to mid off. That will be Tea Break on Day 3.

29.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, On middle. Jayasuriya keeps it out nicely. 

29.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, On middle. Defended. 

29.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Around off. Floats it up. Blocked. 

29.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, FOUR! Nicely played! Takes a few steps ahead and then drives it past cover. This one races away to the fence. 

29.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Around off. This is pushed to cover. 

28.6: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, Fuller and on middle. This is worked to mid on for one. 

28.5: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, Flatter again and on middle. Blundell pushes it back to the bowler. 

28.4: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, Tossed up on middle. Kept out. 

28.3: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, Angled into the pads. Blundell looks to flick but misses. It hits the pad and lobs on the leg side. 

28.2: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, On the shorter side again. This is pushed towards cover for one. 

28.1: Nishan Peiris to Glenn Phillips, Flatter and on middle. This is pushed back to the bowler. 

27.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Glenn Phillips, Phillips now nudges it towards mid on and gets to the other end. 

27.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, On middle. This is worked down to long on for one. 

27.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Quicker and on the stumps. Blundell plays it to cover. 

27.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Blundell steps out. This is fired into the pads. Blundell looks to defend but misses to get hit on the pads. 

27.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, On the stumps. Quicker. Kept out. 

27.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Floats it up on off. Blocked. 

Glenn Phillips walks in.

26.6: Nishan Peiris to Rachin Ravindra, 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.

26.5: Nishan Peiris to Rachin Ravindra, And again, takes a nice stride forward and blocks this ball on the off pole. 

26.4: Nishan Peiris to Rachin Ravindra, Floats it up on middle. Ravindra leans forward and defends. 

26.3: Nishan Peiris to Rachin Ravindra, 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.

26.2: Nishan Peiris to Rachin Ravindra, Really slows it up and lands it on middle. Ravindra is solid in defense. 

26.1: Nishan Peiris to Rachin Ravindra, On the fuller side this time. Ravindra pushes it back to the bowler. 

25.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Pushes this through on middle. Blundell yet again stays back and plays it onto the ground. 

25.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, On middle. Fuller. This is worked to mid on. 

25.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Flatter and around off. Blundell pushes it to cover. 

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

25.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Tom Blundell, Slower and around off. Brings it back in with the arm. Defended off the back foot. 

25.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Rachin Ravindra, Takes a couple of big strides forward. Stays leg side of the delivery and then pushes it wide of cover for one. 

24.6: Nishan Peiris to Rachin Ravindra, Outside off. Ravindra waits and guides it past point for one.

24.5: Nishan Peiris to Rachin Ravindra, This is tossed up nicely and around off. Ravindra lunges and plays it back to the bowler. 

24.4: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, On middle. Blundell works it through square leg and takes one. 

24.3: Nishan Peiris to Tom Blundell, On middle. Kept out. 

24.2: Nishan Peiris to Rachin Ravindra, Fuller and on off. This is driven through covers for one. 

24.1: Nishan Peiris to Rachin Ravindra, Tossed up on off. Blocked. 

23.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Daryl Mitchell, 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. 

23.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Daryl Mitchell, On middle. Blocked. 

23.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Daryl Mitchell, On middle. Kept out. 

23.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Rachin Ravindra, Shorter and around off. This is pushed past cover for one. 

23.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Rachin Ravindra, On middle. This is played back to the bowler. 

23.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Rachin Ravindra, Slower and on middle. Ravindra keeps it out. 

22.6: Nishan Peiris to Rachin Ravindra, A single as this is pushed down to long on. 

22.5: Nishan Peiris to Rachin Ravindra, On middle. Kept out. 

22.4: Nishan Peiris to Daryl Mitchell, Around off. This is pushed past cover for one. 

22.3: Nishan Peiris to Daryl Mitchell, On middle. Quicker. Blocked. 

22.2: Nishan Peiris to Kane Williamson, 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. 

22.1: Nishan Peiris to Kane Williamson, Flatter and on middle. Williamson goes back and keeps it out. 

21.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, Fuller and on middle. This is worked down to long on. A run taken. 

21.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, Around off. Kept out. 

21.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Rachin Ravindra, Fuller and on middle. This is worked down to long on for one. 

21.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Rachin Ravindra, Around off. Blocked. 

21.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Rachin Ravindra, Angled into the pads. Ravindra sweeps but to mid-wicket. 

21.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Rachin Ravindra, Flatter and on off. Defended. 

20.6: Dhananjaya de Silva to Kane Williamson, On the stumps. Blocked. 

20.5: Dhananjaya de Silva to Rachin Ravindra, On middle. This is eased down to long on for one. 

20.4: Dhananjaya de Silva to Kane Williamson, Takes one now as this is worked through square leg.

20.3: Dhananjaya de Silva to Kane Williamson, Angled into the pads. This is swept but to square leg. 

20.2: Dhananjaya de Silva to Kane Williamson, On off. This is pushed to cover. 

20.1: Dhananjaya de Silva to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Cut away! Shorter and outside off. This is cut past point and this races away. 

19.6: Nishan Peiris to Rachin Ravindra, Around off.  Blocked. 

19.5: Nishan Peiris to Rachin Ravindra, 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. 

19.4: Nishan Peiris to Kane Williamson, Williamson looks to play the paddle scoop. This goes off the toe end but wide of short leg. A run taken. 

19.3: Nishan Peiris to Rachin Ravindra, Fuller and on off. This is pushed through mid off for one. 

19.2: Nishan Peiris to Kane Williamson, On middle. This is pushed down to long on for one. 

19.1: Nishan Peiris to Kane Williamson, On middle. Williamson works it through square leg and takes two. 

18.6: Dhananjaya de Silva to Devon Conway, 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. 

18.5: Dhananjaya de Silva to Devon Conway, Slower and on off. This lands and spins away. Conway waits and then guides it to point. 

18.4: Dhananjaya de Silva to Kane Williamson, On middle. This is worked down to long on for one. 

18.3: Dhananjaya de Silva to Kane Williamson, Flatter and outside off. This one skids through. Williamson looks to push but is beaten.

18.2: Dhananjaya de Silva to Kane Williamson, On middle. Kept out.

18.1: Dhananjaya de Silva to Devon Conway, Around off. This is guided through point for one. 

17.6: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, On the pads. This is pushed down to long on for one. 

17.5: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, On middle. Quicker. Blocked. 

17.4: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, Now looks to play the reverse sweep. This is very full and on middle. Jammed out. 

17.3: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, 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. 

17.2: Nishan Peiris to Kane Williamson, Angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg for one. 

17.1: Nishan Peiris to Kane Williamson, Flatter and on off. Blocked.!

16.6: Dhananjaya de Silva to Devon Conway, Flatter and around off. Conway looks to sweep again. This time he misses and is hit on the pad. Impact is outside off. 

16.5: Dhananjaya de Silva to Devon Conway, Outside off. Slower. Conway looks to sweep but misses. 

16.4: Dhananjaya de Silva to Devon Conway, FOUR! Now the conventional sweep! This is floated up outside off. It is hit hard through mid-wicket. 

16.3: Dhananjaya de Silva to Devon Conway, FOUR! Conway plays the reverse sweep again. This is around off. He plays it fine on the off side and it races away. 

16.2: Dhananjaya de Silva to Devon Conway, Tossed up around off. Kept out. 

16.1: Dhananjaya de Silva to Kane Williamson, On middle. This is worked through square leg for one. 

15.6: Milan Rathnayake to Devon Conway, Fuller and on off. Conway strokes it to cover. 

15.5: Milan Rathnayake to Devon Conway, Outside off. Left alone. 

15.4: Milan Rathnayake to Devon Conway, FOUR! A little too full and put away! Outside off. This is driven past cover and the ball goes to the fence. 

15.3: Milan Rathnayake to Devon Conway, On off. Conway is solid in defense.!

15.2: Milan Rathnayake to Devon Conway, On the stumps. Defended. 

15.1: Milan Rathnayake to Kane Williamson, Around off. This is pushed past cover for one. 

14.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, FOUR! Drilled! Steps out. Gets to the pitch of it and hammers it past mid off. Hard hit. 

14.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, A run taken now as this is tucked on the leg side. 

14.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, Another sweep. This time it is hit to the right of the fielder at deep square leg. Two. 

14.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, On middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

14.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, Three! On the pads. Williamson sweeps it through mid-wicket. Long chase for the fielder in the deep. Three in the end. 

14.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, 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...

13.6: Milan Rathnayake to Devon Conway, On the stumps. Conway shows the full face of the bat and keeps it out.

13.5: Milan Rathnayake to Devon Conway, Around off. Good length. Defended well. 

13.4: Milan Rathnayake to Devon Conway, Goes well wide outside off. Left alone. 

13.3: Milan Rathnayake to Devon Conway, Length and around off. Blocked. 

13.2: Milan Rathnayake to Kane Williamson, Shorter and around off. This is guided past point for one. 

13.1: Milan Rathnayake to Devon Conway, Around off. Conway guides it through point and takes one. 

12.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, On middle. Williamson works it through mid-wicket. Takes two. 

12.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, Down the leg side. Left alone. 

12.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, On middle. Blocked. 

12.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, Good stop! A full toss now. The reverse sweep is played. The fielder at backward point dives and keeps it down to one. 

12.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, Yet again shapes up to sweep. This is tossed up outside off and spins back in. Conway defend it somehow in the end.

12.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, On the pads. This is swept through square leg for one. 

11.6: Asitha Fernando to Kane Williamson, Fuller and on off. This is guided past point for one more. 

11.5: Asitha Fernando to Kane Williamson, On off. Williamson pushes it to cover.

11.4: Asitha Fernando to Kane Williamson, Back of a length and on middle. Defended. 

11.3: Asitha Fernando to Kane Williamson, Around off. Williamson guides it to point. 

11.2: Asitha Fernando to Kane Williamson, On the off pole. Kept out.

11.1: Asitha Fernando to Kane Williamson, Length and around off. Kept out. 

10.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, Conway looks to sweep. This is too full and outside off. He ends up jamming it out on the the off side. 

10.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, Around off. This is pushed to cover. 

10.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, Well wide outside off. Left alone. 

10.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, Two! On the pads. Conway works it fine on the leg side. Takes two. Brilliant work in the deep.

10.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, This is swept. It is played with the angle through square leg for one. 

10.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, Tossed up on off. Defended.!

9.6: Asitha Fernando to Devon Conway, Angled into the pads. Conway flicks it to mid-wicket. 

9.5: Asitha Fernando to Kane Williamson, On middle. This is worked through square leg for one. 

9.4: Asitha Fernando to Kane Williamson, Around off. Defended. 

9.3: Asitha Fernando to Kane Williamson, 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. 

9.2: Asitha Fernando to Kane Williamson, 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. 

9.1: Asitha Fernando to Kane Williamson, Runs continue to come! Length and around off. Williamson pushes it past cover for two. 

8.6: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, Around off. Quicker. Kept out. 

8.5: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, 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. 

8.4: Nishan Peiris to Kane Williamson, On middle. This is worked towards square leg for one. 

8.3: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, On middle. This is swept through square leg for one. 

8.2: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, Anglrd into the pads. This is worked fine on the leg side. Two taken. 

8.1: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, Slower through the air and on middle. Conway plays it back to the bowler. 

7.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, FOUR! Swept! Williamson is batting with intent! Around off. He drags this through mid-wicket and it races away. 

7.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, Oj middle. Kept out. 

7.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, Around off. Shortish. This is pushed to cover. 

7.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, Tossed up on off. Williamson pushes it to cover. 

7.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, Conway plays the sweep. He hits it through square leg and takes one. 

7.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, Angled into the pads. This is nudged to mid-wicket. 

6.6: Nishan Peiris to Kane Williamson, Flatter and on middle. Williamson defends. 

6.5: Nishan Peiris to Kane Williamson, On middle. This is flicked but to mid-wicket. 

6.4: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, Around off. This is pushed down to long off for one. 

6.3: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, Tossed up, around off. Kept out. 

6.2: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, FOUR! The sweep comes out and it is nailed! On middle. This is hit through square leg. Boundary. 

6.1: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, Length and on off. Blocked. 

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

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

5.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, Tossed up, on middle, Kane Williamson blocks it soldily.

5.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, Full, on middle, Kane Williamson moves forward and blocks it back.

5.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, Full, on middle, Devon Conway plays a reverse sweep through point for one.

5.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, Short, on middle, Kane Williamson punches it to covers for one.

4.6: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, Lands it outside off, Devon Conway taps it to mid off.

4.5: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, Full, on off, Devon Conway blocks it forward.

4.4: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, 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.

4.3: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, 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.

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

4.1: Nishan Peiris to Kane Williamson, Loopy, on middle, Kane Williamson flicks it over mid-wicket for one.

3.6: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, Too full, outside off, Devon Conway blocks it to point.

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

3.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, Too full, on middle, Devon Conway leans forward and blocks it solidly.

3.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, Quicker one, on off, Devon Conway blocks it forward.

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

3.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, Fuller one, on off, Kane Williamson flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Prabath Jayasuriya to bowl from the opposite end.

2.6: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, Too full, on off, Devon Conway leans forward and blocks it.

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

2.4: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, Full, on middle, Devon Conway plays a reverse sweep but finds the fielder at point.

2.3: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, Lands it outside off, Devon Conway taps it to point.

2.2: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, Fuller one, slower too. Devon Conway moves forward and blocks it.

2.1: Nishan Peiris to Devon Conway, 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. 

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

1.5: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, Too full, on middle, Kane Williamson blocks it solidly.

1.4: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, Lands it on off, Devon Conway taps it to point for one.

1.3: Prabath Jayasuriya to Kane Williamson, Short, on middle, Kane Williamson tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

1.2: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, Lands it on middle, Devon Conway pushes it to mid on for one.

1.1: Prabath Jayasuriya to Devon Conway, 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.

0.6: Nishan Peiris to Tom Latham, 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.

0.5: Nishan Peiris to Tom Latham, Fuller one, on off, Tom Latham defends it forward.

0.4: Nishan Peiris to Tom Latham, Slower one, outside off, Tom Latham leaves it again.

0.3: Nishan Peiris to Tom Latham, Fuller one, on off, Tom Latham eases it to the mid off fielder.

0.2: Nishan Peiris to Tom Latham, Another one outside off, Tom Latham leaves again.

0.1: Nishan Peiris to Tom Latham, Short and wide, Tom Latham leaves it alone.