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Tom Latham. (Getty Images)
Day 1 report: Fast bowler Tim Southee skittled Sri Lanka's top order with a five-wicket haul to put New Zealand in a commanding position on the opening day of the first Test in Wellington on Saturday. Southee took three scalps in a devastating opening spell to reduce the tourists to nine for three, then followed with a double strike to snuff out a promising fightback in the final session. Sri Lanka were 275 for nine at stumps, with their hopes resting on a rearguard action from Niroshan Dickwella, who was not out on 73. Angelo Mathews and Dimuth Karunaratne were the only other batsman to offer any meaningful resistance, notching 83 and 79 respectively and forging a 131-run partnership.
Southee ended the day with five wickets for 67 in 25 overs, his eighth five-wicket haul in Test cricket and his best figures at the Basin Reserve. His early burst ensured New Zealand's decision to bowl on a green wicket after winning the toss reaped immediate rewards. Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal said before the match that he wanted his top order to survive the first hour and see off the new ball but the wickets began to tumble in just the second over. Danushka Gunathilaka was Southee's first victim, out lbw for one after failing to deal with a late inswinger. Dhananjaya de Silva then edged through to the keeper for the same score and a clearly rattled Kusal Mendis only managed to reach two before hitting a simple catch to Ajaz Patel at mid-wicket. Karunaratne was given a life on 33 when Neil Wagner had him caught at mid-wicket, only to have the delivery ruled a no-ball due to a foot fault.
He was also fortunate not to be caught in the slips after nicking a swinging Southee delivery just before bringing up his 21st Test 50. Wagner finally got his man after lunch when Karunaratne miscued a pull shot and gloved a short ball to keeper BJ Watling. Mathews was looking threatening before Southee struck again, leaving Dickwella to work with the tailenders in pursuit of a respectable total. He did the job superbly, frustrating the New Zealand attack to take Sri Lanka's innings into a second day. Sri Lanka, ranked sixth in the world, have lost their last five Tests against New Zealand and suffered a 3-0 Test series whitewash against England last month. They have faced upheaval in their coaching and selection ranks in recent weeks and arrived in New Zealand low on confidence. In contrast, the fourth-ranked Black Caps entered the two-match contest buoyed by their first away Test series win over Pakistan in 49 years last week.
Commentary (New Zealand innings)
Some stretching exercises going on for the Lankans. A tiring day. Could be more for them on Monday. Only Dhananjaya de Silva and Lahiru Kumara got a wicket apiece but everyone struggled. Given the way things are heading, expect the Kiwis to bat the whole of Day 3 as well. Will a new week bring some luck for the visiting side? Or will the home side just continue to pummel them? The run rate is a healthy 3.7. Join us at 11 am local on Monday, December 17, 2018 (2200 GMT, previous night). ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
The visitors might have expected things or fortunes to change after the Williamson wicket but what they have got is another partnership - this one reading 90 as of now - between Taylor and Latham. Tom Latham has been the centre of all three partnerships and all batsmen have played around him. He has consumed 256 balls - which means around 43 overs while the others have scored quickly.
To have any impact on the match, Sri Lanka needed some quick runs early on in the match. That did not happen. Then they required quick wickets. Those did not come either. Latham and Raval almost saw off the period till Lunch, before the latter threw it away and then Williamson pushed Sri Lanka to the brink of frustration with a 162-run stand with Latham.
Satisfying day for New Zealand. Satisfying day for Latham. An ideal start for the team and then an ideal knock from the opener, batting for nearly the entire day.
83.6 S Lakmal to Taylor, Very straight, Taylor flicks it towards mid-wicket. That will be it. STUMPS ON DAY 2, NEW ZEALAND LEAD BY 29! 311/2
Final ball...
83.5 S Lakmal to Taylor, Excellent yorker, outside off, dug out towards point. 311/2
83.4 S Lakmal to Taylor, On middle and leg, flicked straight to mid-wicket. 311/2
83.3 S Lakmal to Taylor, Half century for Taylor now. His 30th in Test cricket, 3rd against Sri Lanka. Gets there with a gentle flick through mid-wicket for couple. 311/2
83.2 S Lakmal to Latham, Around off, coming in with the angle, helped through mid-wicket for a single. Will that be it for Latham tonight? 309/2
83.1 S Lakmal to Latham, Full and outside off, left alone. 308/2
2 minutes left on the clock. 2 overs left. Looks like we will fall an over short. This also means that Neil Wagner won't have to come out to bat tonight. Suranga Lakmal to bowl that final over. 17-2-57-0 so far.
82.6 L Kumara to Latham, Outside off, pushed through the covers for a single. 308/2
82.5 L Kumara to Latham, One more leave outside off. 307/2
82.4 L Kumara to Latham, Outside off, left alone. 307/2
82.3 L Kumara to Latham, Full and straight, Latham looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads, with the ball rolling back to the bowler. 307/2
82.2 L Kumara to Latham, Around off, watchfully defended. 307/2
82.1 L Kumara to Taylor, A massive LBW shout but not even a thought about the review. Full and outside off, Taylor walks a long way across and looks to flick but misses. Is hit on the pads and Kumara appeals. Not the worst shout at all. Was it missing leg? Was it height? The ball goes to fine leg and the batsmen take a single. Umpire Tucker cunningly waits to see if Chandimal is interested in the review and then signals a leg bye. Here comes Hawk Eye... MISSING LEG. Good call not to review. 307/2
6 minutes left, 3 overs pending...
81.6 K Rajitha to Latham, Outside off, punched towards cover. 306/2
81.5 K Rajitha to Tom Latham, FOUR! FANTASTIC! Full and outside off, Latham leans into this one and drives it wide of mid off for a boundary! 306/2
81.4 K Rajitha to Latham, Around off, watchfully defended. 302/2
81.3 K Rajitha to Latham, FOUR! Another freebie. A half volley on middle, Latham easily flicks it through mid-wicket for a boundary! 302/2
81.2 K Rajitha to Latham, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover. 298/2
81.1 K Rajitha to Latham, A loosener to start. Full and outside off, Latham lets it go. No pace, no movement, just a release from the hand. 298/2
Kasun Rajitha to share the second new ball with Kumara. 20-5-70-0 so far.
80.6 L Kumara to Taylor, Landed outside off, solidly blocked again. 298/2
80.5 L Kumara to Taylor, Full and just outside off, watchfully defended. 298/2
80.4 L Kumara to Taylor, Around off, watchfully defended. 298/2
80.3 L Kumara to Taylor, FOUR! Bad delivery. A full toss outside off, Taylor reaches out and drives it through the covers for a boundary! Within a hit of a half century now... 298/2
80.2 L Kumara to R Taylor, Outside off, Rosco walks into the shot and pushes it towards cover. 294/2
80.1 L Kumara to R Taylor, Full and outside off, pushed through point for a couple. 294/2
The fourth umpire strolls out onto the ground with the new ball. And SRI LANKA TAKE IT IMMEDIATELY. 5 overs left, 14 minutes to go. What impact can it or they create? Here's Lahiru Kumara. 18-1-72-1 so far.
79.6 D Perera to Latham, Landed outside off, left alone. 292/2
79.5 D Perera to Latham, Full and around off, watchfully defended. 292/2
79.4 D Perera to Taylor, Another long hop, cut away for a run to point. 292/2
79.3 D Perera to Latham, Short and outside off, punched through the covers for a run. 291/2
79.2 D Perera to Taylor, Comes down the track and pushes it down to long on for a single. 290/2
79.1 D Perera to Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully defended. 289/2
The umpires get together for a chat. Apparently they are not happy with the delay the Lankan bowlers are taking for the completion of overs.
78.6 de Silva to Taylor, Full and around off, driven through mid off for one. Taylor moves to 40 now. 289/2
78.5 de Silva to Latham, Goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a run. Moves to 110. 288/2
78.4 de Silva to Latham, Full again, blocked resolutely. 287/2
78.3 de Silva to Latham, Full and straight, dead-batted back to the bowler. 287/2
78.2 de Silva to Taylor, On middle and leg, worked through square leg for a single. 287/2
78.1 de Silva to Taylor, Full and around middle, Taylor pushes it back to the bowler who dives to his right to stop the ball. 286/2
77.6 D Perera to Taylor, Flicks it away for a run to retain the strike. 286/2
77.5 D Perera to Taylor, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 285/2
77.4 D Perera to Latham, Comes down the track and eases it towards long on for a run. 285/2
77.3 D Perera to Taylor, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They pick up a single. 284/2
77.2 D Perera to Taylor, Full and straight, pushed towards short mid-wicket. 283/2
77.1 D Perera to Latham, Short and outside off, punched through the covers to take NEW ZEALAND INTO THE LEAD with that single. 283/2
76.6 de Silva to Latham, Driven towards the mid on region. The batsmen have run through for a single. 282/2
76.5 de Silva to Latham, On middle and leg, blocked towards mid-wicket. 281/2
76.4 de Silva to Latham, Fuller in length, well blocked out. 281/2
76.3 de Silva to Latham, Around off, watchfully defended. 281/2
76.2 de Silva to Latham, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 281/2
76.1 de Silva to Latham, Full and around off, watchfully defended. 281/2
75.6 D Perera to R Taylor, On middle, pushed towards the bowler. 281/2
75.5 D Perera to Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully defended. 281/2
75.4 D Perera to Taylor, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 281/2
75.3 Perera to Taylor, Oohhh... full and outside off, Taylor looks to defend but misses as the ball spins back in. Beats the outside edge and is hit on the back pad. An LBW appeal ensues but dies down pretty quickly. Impact was outside off. 281/2
75.2 D Perera to Latham, Tossed up slightly, pushed through the covers for a single. 281/2
75.1 D Perera to Latham, Comes down the track and pushes it back to the bowler. 280/2
74.6 de Silva to Taylor, On middle and leg, pushed towards mid on. 280/2
74.5 de Silva to Latham, Outside off, punched off the back foot through the covers for a run. 280/2
74.4 de Silva to Taylor, The batsman has played it towards mid-wicket. One run added to the total. 279/2
74.3 de Silva to Taylor, Outside off, spinning in, dabbed past slip towards third man for a couple. 278/2
74.2 de Silva to Taylor, Works it towards mid-wicket. 276/2
74.1 de Silva to Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully blocked out. 276/2
Dhananjaya de Silva is back on.
73.6 D Perera to Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 276/2
73.5 D Perera to Tom Latham, FOUR! Great shot. Full and outside off, Latham leans and drives it through the covers for a boundary! 276/2
73.4 D Perera to Latham, Full and around off, watchfully defended. 272/2
73.3 D Perera to Latham, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 272/2
73.2 D Perera to Taylor, Down the leg side, played fine for a single. 272/2
73.1 D Perera to Taylor, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 271/2
Dilruwan Perera to bowl now.
72.6 K Rajitha to Latham, A bouncer around off, Tom ducks. 271/2
72.5 K Rajitha to Latham, Full and around off, watchfully defended. 271/2
72.4 K Rajitha to Latham, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 271/2
72.3 K Rajitha to Latham, CENTURY FOR LATHAM! Finally he gets it. His 7th in Tests. Raises the 50-run stand as well. Outside off, Latham pushes it towards cover and sets off for a quick single. The fielder fumbles, then concedes an overthrow and Latham comes back for the second! Takes his helmet off and celebrates. What a knock. 271/2
72.2 K Rajitha to Latham, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 269/2
72.1 K Rajitha to Taylor, Down the leg side, flicked fine for a single. 269/2
Kasun Rajitha is back on. 19-5-67-0 so far.
71.6 L Kumara to Taylor, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. 268/2
71.5 L Kumara to Latham, A short ball, pulled through square leg for a single. 267/2
71.4 L Kumara to Latham, On middle and off, driven through the covers for a couple. 266/2
71.3 Kumara to Latham, A length ball pitched outside leg, Latham misses his tuck and is hit on the pads. A worthless LBW appeal, turned down. 264/2
71.2 L Kumara to Latham, Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover. 264/2
71.1 L Kumara to Latham, On a length around middle, punched back to the bowler. 264/2
70.6 S Lakmal to Taylor, Around off, on a length, RT hops and defends towards mid on. 264/2
70.5 S Lakmal to R Taylor, Full on middle, pushed towards mid on. 264/2
70.4 S Lakmal to Taylor, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 264/2
70.3 S Lakmal to Taylor, Landed outside off, Rosco looks to run it down to third man but the Lankans have that area covered. A gully in place. 264/2
70.2 S Lakmal to Taylor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 264/2
70.1 S Lakmal to Taylor, Length ball wide outside off, Taylor reaches out and slashes hard but misses. 264/2
69.6 L Kumara to Latham, A bouncer around leg stump, way too high, Latham ducks. 264/2
69.5 L Kumara to Taylor, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. 264/2
69.4 L Kumara to R Taylor, FOUR! Bad bowling. Short ball and down the leg side. Buffet provided. Taylor pulls it behind square leg for a boundary! 263/2
69.3 L Kumara to Taylor, Down the leg side, Taylor gets across and then lets it through. 258/2
69.2 L Kumara to Latham, No run. 259/2
69.1 L Kumara to Latham, Down the leg side, flicked away for a couple. 258/2
68.6 S Lakmal to Taylor, Full and around off, driven towards mid off. 256/2
68.5 S Lakmal to Taylor, Around off, pushed to the off side. 256/2
68.4 S Lakmal to Taylor, Around off, watchfully defended. 256/2
68.3 S Lakmal to Taylor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 256/2
68.2 S Lakmal to Taylor, Full and around middle, pushed towards mid on. 256/2
68.1 S Lakmal to Taylor, EDGED, DROPPED! But a tough chance. Full and wide outside off, Taylor reaches out to drive but the lack of feet movement induces an outside edge. It flies overhead and Kusal Mendis at first slip leaps - sticks out his palms but palms it towards third man. Two runs taken. 256/2
67.6 L Kumara to Latham, Length ball outside off, a slash and a miss. 254/2
67.5 L Kumara to Taylor, A short ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a run. 254/2
67.4 L Kumara to Taylor, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 253/2
67.3 L Kumara to Taylor, A short ball, Taylor looks to pull but almost gives a catch to short leg! Just eludes him and finds square leg, but on the bounce. 253/2
67.2 L Kumara to Taylor, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 253/2
67.1 L Kumara to Taylor, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. 253/2
Lahiru Kumara gets a change of ends. 15-1-59-1 so far.
66.6 S Lakmal to Taylor, Full and around off, driven past the bowler for a single. 253/2
66.5 S Lakmal to Taylor, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 252/2
66.4 S Lakmal to Taylor, Full and just outside off, watchfully pushed back to the bowler. 252/2
66.3 S Lakmal to Taylor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 252/2
66.2 S Lakmal to Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully defended. 252/2
66.1 S Lakmal to Taylor, On a good length around off, solidly defended. 252/2
DRINKS BREAK. 19 overs left in the day. That is the only thing the Lankans can look forward to. They look flat and even after breaking the Latham-Taylor stand, there does not seem to be any spark. Doubt whether we will get all the overs in today but irrespective of how many get bowled, the Kiwis look like they will be around 50 ahead by Stumps. Meanwhile, Suranga Lakmal has come back to bowl as well. 14-1-54-0 so far.
65.6 de Silva to Latham, FOUR! Full and down the leg side, Latham sweeps it behind square leg and gets a boundary! Moves to 92 with his 8th four. The stand is worth 31 now, from 39 deliveries. 252/2
65.5 de Silva to R Taylor, Easily taken. Rosco pushes it towards mid on, sees that Dhananjaya de Silva is taking it easy, calls for a quick single and then makes it easily. 248/2
65.4 de Silva to Taylor, Down the leg side, turning a long way, Taylor lets it pass. 247/2
65.3 de Silva to Latham, On middle and leg, eased down to deepish mid on for a run. 247/2
65.2 de Silva to Latham, Full and outside off, pushed towards cover. 246/2
65.1 de Silva to Taylor, A short ball outside off, punched down to long on for a single. Taylor moves to 20 from just 24 balls. 246/2
64.6 L Kumara to Latham, On middle and leg, flicked straight to short mid-wicket. 10 from that over! 245/2
64.5 L Kumara to Taylor, Around off, once again Rosco attempts that shot but cannot quite get it away. However, he manages to push it towards cover and cross over. 245/2
64.4 L Kumara to Taylor, FOUR! On a length outside off, cutting in, Taylor opens the face of the bat and looks to run it down but the ball goes off the toe end of the bat past gully, to the third man fence. The deficit is now down to 38 and the stand is worth 23 from just 31 balls. 244/2
64.3 L Kumara to Taylor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 240/2
64.2 L Kumara to Taylor, FOUR! FABULOUS! Full and wide outside off, Taylor leans and drives it through cover-point for a boundary! 240/2
64.1 L Kumara to Latham, Full and down the leg side, flicked away for a single. Any Aussie supporter out there? Pray for Latham. He is on Australia's unlucky number - 87. 236/2
Lahiru Kumara returns. 14-1-49-1 so far.
63.6 de Silva to Latham, Outside off, punched through the covers for one more. 235/2
63.5 de Silva to Taylor, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. They pick up a single. 234/2
63.4 de Silva to R Taylor, Full on middle, driven straight to mid on. 233/2
63.3 de Silva to Taylor, Outside off, punched towards the bowler. 233/2
63.2 de Silva to Taylor, FOUR! Neatly done. Full on middle, Taylor gets down and paddles it very fine. Backward square leg can only retrieve it from the fence. The deficit is now 49. 233/2
63.1 de Silva to Taylor, Comes down the track but is beaten in the flight. Looks to flick but the ball goes off his pads towards short third man. 229/2
62.6 K Rajitha to Latham, Around off, watchfully kept out. 229/2
62.5 K Rajitha to Latham, Pushed to the cover region by the batsman. 229/2
62.4 K Rajitha to Taylor, Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a single. 229/2
62.3 K Rajitha to Taylor, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. They manage to come back for the second. 228/2
62.2 K Rajitha to Taylor, Around off, on a length, watchfully defended. 226/2
62.1 K Rajitha to Latham, TOP EDGE, SAFE! Well, one of those you-blink-and-you-miss moments for Sri Lanka. A short ball, around middle, Latham looks to pull but the bounce gets big on him. Takes the top edge and goes to deep mid-wicket. The fielder comes running in but cannot get there. A single taken. 226/2
61.6 de Silva to Latham, Outside off, punched through mid on for a quick single. 225/2
61.5 de Silva to Latham, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 224/2
61.4 de Silva to Taylor, Ohhh... nearly a chance. Full on middle, Taylor gets across and flicks it uppishly. Just eludes short leg and the batsmen cross over. 224/2
61.3 de Silva to Taylor, Around off, punched back to Dhananjaya. 223/2
61.2 de Silva to Latham, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads for a single. 223/2
61.1 de Silva to Latham, Full and around off, watchfully pushed back to the bowler. 222/2
60.6 K Rajitha to Taylor, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 222/2
60.5 K Rajitha to Taylor, Comes forward and watchfully keeps it out. 222/2
60.4 K Rajitha to Taylor, Full again, well blocked out. 222/2
60.3 K Rajitha to Taylor, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 222/2
60.2 K Rajitha to Taylor, On a length around off, watchfully defended. 222/2
60.1 K Rajitha to Taylor, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 222/2
59.6 de Silva to Taylor, Full and around middle, almost skids through, Taylor looks to defend but is squared up. The ball goes off the outside edge towards point and he gets off the mark with a single. 222/2
59.5 de Silva to Taylor, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 221/2
59.4 de Silva to Taylor, Full and around off, watchfully defended. 221/2
Ross Taylor comes in at number 4, replacing his skipper.
59.3 de Silva to Williamson, OUT! Stop the press. Williamson is gone. A wicket has fallen! Again, like the first wicket, totally against the run of play. A bad ball, full and outside leg, Williamson decides that he needs to play a sweep. Plays it well but on one of those rare, rare, rare, rare, rare moments of glory for Sri Lanka today, a fielder is placed right in the area where Williamson plays a shot. Straight to Kasun Rajitha at backward square leg. Just 9 short of a century, was the Kiwi skipper. End of a mammoth 162-run stand. 221/2
59.2 de Silva to Latham, Punches it through the covers for a single. 221/1
59.1 de Silva to Latham, A touch short outside off, punched through the covers for a couple. 220/1
58.6 K Rajitha to Latham, Around middle and leg, helped around the corner towards long leg for a single. 218/1
58.5 K Rajitha to Williamson, Outside off, flayed through point for one. 217/1
58.4 K Rajitha to Latham, Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a run. 216/1
58.3 K Rajitha to Latham, A bouncer now, Latham ducks. 215/1
58.2 K Rajitha to Williamson, Outside off, a touch too wide, punched behind point for a single. Williamson moves to 90. 215/1
58.1 K Rajitha to Williamson, Full and around off, solidly defended. Oh wait... wait... wait... The strike rate is below 100! 214/1
57.6 de Silva to Latham, Around middle and leg, helped through square leg. 214/1
57.5 de Silva to Williamson, Around middle, Kane goes back and works it through the leg side for a run. 214/1
57.4 de Silva to Tom Latham, Tossed up slightly, pushed through the cover for a single. 213/1
57.3 de Silva to Latham, Full and around off, well blocked out. 212/1
57.2 de Silva to Latham, Landed outside off, this is watchfully pushed back. 212/1
57.1 de Silva to Latham, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 212/1
56.6 K Rajitha to Williamson, Full and outside off again, punched past mid off for a brace. 10 from the over. 212/1
56.5 K Rajitha to Williamson, Around off, watchfully defended. 210/1
56.4 K Rajitha to Williamson, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 210/1
56.3 K Rajitha to Williamson, Full and outside off, driven straight to cover. 210/1
56.2 K Rajitha to Williamson, FOUR! This is admonished from his presence. What a way to bring up the 150-RUN STAND. Short again, outside off, this time Williamson decides to explore the on side. Sits back and pulls it in a flash through mid-wicket. Consecutive boundaries. 210/1
56.1 K Rajitha to Williamson, FOUR! Wow. Christmas gift to a man well set. A really bad loosener. Short and wide outside off, Williamson gets on top of the bounce, hops and punches it through the covers for a boundary. The deficit is now 76 and Kane moves to 82 with his 9th boundary. 206/1
Kasun Rajitha is back on. 15-4-49-0 so far.
55.6 S Lakmal to Williamson, Goes for a similar shot but this time the ball goes off the toe end of the bat past the bowler, which means KW has that extra time to take the single. Which he does. 202/1
55.5 S Lakmal to Williamson, Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off. 201/1
55.4 S Lakmal to Williamson, Lands this around off, angling it away from around the wicket, Kane watches it closely and then lets it go. 201/1
55.3 S Lakmal to Latham, Punches this off the back foot for a run down the ground. 201/1
55.2 S Lakmal to Latham, Around off, coming in slightly, pushed towards short mid-wicket. 200/1
55.1 S Lakmal to Williamson, A length ball outside off, Williamson stays low and punches it through point for a single. 200 UP FOR NEW ZEALAND. Just 82 adrift now. 200/1
54.6 L Kumara to Latham, Full and just outside off, pushed down the ground for nothing. 199/1
54.5 L Kumara to Williamson, On a length outside off, Kane rises with the bounce and taps it towards point. A single taken. The stand is now worth 140. 199/1
54.4 L Kumara to Williamson, Fuller in length, pushed towards mid on. 198/1
54.3 L Kumara to Williamson, Around off, defended to the off side. 198/1
54.2 L Kumara to Latham, Outside off, pushed towards cover-point for a quick single. 198/1
54.1 L Kumara to Latham, On a good length outside off, defended from the crease. 197/1
53.6 S Lakmal to Williamson, Unlucky. On middle, Williamson punches it straight back down the ground. Lakmal stretches his right leg but cannot touch the ball. The batsmen set off for the single but then the ball hits the stumps at the other end and deflects towards mid-wicket and the skipper sends Latham back. 197/1
53.5 S Lakmal to Latham, Full and outside off, Tom looks to drive but the ball goes off the toe end of the bat, wide of mid off and the batsmen take a single. 197/1
53.4 S Lakmal to Latham, Half volley outside off, another cracking cover drive but straight to the fielder once again. 196/1
53.3 S Lakmal to Latham, Landed outside off, coming in with the angle, left alone. 196/1
53.2 S Lakmal to Latham, Lovely shot, sweet timing. But for nothing. Full and outside off, Latham leans and drives but straight to short extra cover. 196/1
53.1 S Lakmal to Latham, Full and outside off, pushed straight to mid off. 196/1
A bit of a delay. Not sure why. The batsmen are taking an unscheduled Drinks break and the umpires are calmly standing over there but not saying anything. Strange. Meanwhile, here comes Suranga Lakmal. 12-1-50-0 so far.
52.6 L Kumara to Latham, Outside off, punched wide of mid off for a run. 196/1
52.5 L Kumara to Latham, Fractionally short outside off, a bit wide, Tom throws his bat at that but misses. No feet movement. 195/1
52.4 L Kumara to Latham, Outside off, steered behind point for a couple. 195/1
52.3 L Kumara to Latham, Landed outside off, played straight to point. 193/1
52.2 L Kumara to Latham, Nicely bowled, a short ball, around middle, Latham ducks and then sways. 193/1
52.1 L Kumara to Williamson, On a length around off, Williamson tucks it through mid-wicket for a single. Takes the first run quickly, thinks about the second but Latham quickly puts his hand up as the fielder came charging in quickly. The deficit is now 89. 193/1
51.6 K Rajitha to Latham, Similar ball, no. My colleague Akash tells me it was wider. Left alone again. 192/1
51.5 K Rajitha to Latham, Landed outside off, let through to the keeper. 192/1
51.4 K Rajitha to Latham, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 192/1
51.3 K Rajitha to Latham, Full and around off, watchfully defended. 192/1
51.2 K Rajitha to Latham, FOUR! Lovely timing. Full on middle, Latham flicks it through mid-wicket and gets a boundary! No stopping that. Moves to 70 and the stand is worth 133 now. 192/1
51.1 K Rajitha to Latham, Full and outside off, driven straight to deepish cover. 188/1
50.6 L Kumara to Latham, Down the leg side, tucked through mid-wicket for a run. 188/1
50.5 L Kumara to Latham, Full and around off, watchfully defended. 187/1
50.4 L Kumara to Williamson, On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. In fact, a leg bye has been signalled. 187/1
50.3 L Kumara to Williamson, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. 186/1
50.2 L Kumara to Williamson, Outside off, a touch short, Williamson looks to cut but the ball stays low and beats him. 186/1
50.1 L Kumara to Williamson, Full and around off, watchfully defended. 186/1
49.6 K Rajitha to Williamson, Outside off, punched through the covers for a run. 186/1
49.5 K Rajitha to Latham, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. They pick up a single. 185/1
49.4 K Rajitha to Latham, Full and outside off, driven through the covers for a couple. 184/1
49.3 K Rajitha to Williamson, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. The batsmen have run through for a single. 182/1
49.2 K Rajitha to Latham, Full and outside off, Latham looks to drive but the ball sticks off the surface. He cannot control his shot and the ball balloons in the air... but mid off cannot get to it. A run taken. 181/1
49.1 K Rajitha to Latham, On a good length, outside off, watchfully defended. 180/1
Kasun Rajitha to bowl from the other end.
48.6 L Kumara to Latham, Down the leg side, flicked away for a run. 180/1
48.5 L Kumara to Latham, Played to the point region by the batsman. They manage to come back for the second. 179/1
48.4 L Kumara to Latham, Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off. 177/1
48.3 L Kumara to Latham, A bouncer around middle, Latham ducks. 177/1
48.2 L Kumara to Williamson, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. The batsmen have run through for a single. 177/1
48.1 L Kumara to Latham, Around middle, Latham straightaway starts ticking the scoreboard with a single to the leg side. 176/1
Welcome back for the final session. A long one awaits us. 37 overs scheduled. The players are back out in the middle. Lahiru Kumara to start the proceedings after Tea. Latham to face.
... DAY 2, SESSION 3 ...
Bad bowling or a flat pitch? Perhaps both. There is nothing in the track and the Lankans have not been able to even string successive maiden overs to apply any sort of pressure. 37 overs are left in the day and the Kiwis look well-poised to take the lead by Stumps itself. Join us back at 4 pm local time (0300 GMT).
If there was any momentum for the Lankans, IF AT ALL ANY, Williamson snapped it in the first three balls that he faced. Three boundaries and Sri Lanka were on the back foot straightaway. He has since then scored at will, going at a strike rate of over 100 and it has not got down even once. Latham, at the other end, has looked calm and composed as ever, just blocking and keeping the balls out.
The session started with the Kiwis 1 down and has ended in the same manner. A wicket-less session for the Lankans. They induced a couple of edges but none went to hand. Probably, that got them frustrated, as they were simply not able to breach the defenses of Latham or Williamson. Result? 116 runs have been scored in 25 overs. Ouch. That is almost at 5 runs an over.
Fantastic. Simply fantastic. The session. The batting. All New Zealand. Sri Lanka look disheartened. They look flat. Boy, god save them in the third session.
47.6 K Rajitha to K Williamson, FOUR! ELEGANT! What a way to end the session. Full and outside off, Williamson leans and drives it through the covers and finds the boundary! TEA ON DAY 2, NEW ZEALAND TRAIL BY 107! 175/1
47.5 K Rajitha to Williamson, The ball is way outside the off stump, easy leave for the batsman. 171/1
47.4 K Rajitha to Williamson, Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off. 171/1
47.3 K Rajitha to Williamson, Outside off, punched towards cover. 171/1
47.2 K Rajitha to Williamson, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. 171/1
47.1 K Rajitha to Williamson, Fractionally short outside off, punched through the covers for a couple. 171/1
47.1 K Rajitha to Williamson, NO BALL. Oversteps, bowls it on a length outside off, punched through mid off for a single. 169/1
46.6 D Perera to Williamson, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot for a single. 168/1
46.5 D Perera to Latham, Full and outside off, Latham leans and drives it through the covers for a single. 167/1
46.4 D Perera to Latham, Around off, defended from the crease. 166/1
46.3 D Perera to Latham, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 166/1
46.2 D Perera to Williamson, Outside off again, punched through the covers for a run. 166/1
46.1 D Perera to Latham, Outside off, punched through the covers for a single. 165/1
Interesting. Plenty of breeze blowing across, hence they have decided to abort the floppy hats and got on the caps instead. Meanwhile, Dilruwan Perera is back on as well. 8-0-42-0 so far.
45.6 K Rajitha to Williamson, The batsman has punched that ball through the off side. 164/1
45.5 K Rajitha to Latham, Gets the flick shot out and whips it through square leg for a run. 164/1
45.4 K Rajitha to Tom Latham, Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off. 163/1
45.3 K Rajitha to Williamson, Gets across and nudges it through square leg for a single. The deficit is now 119. 163/1
45.2 K Rajitha to K Williamson, Outside off, Williamson punches this through the covers for a couple. 162/1
45.1 K Rajitha to Williamson, Around off, solidly defended from the crease. 160/1
Kasun Rajitha returns. 11-4-28-0 so far.
44.6 S Lakmal to Latham, A sharp short ball outside off, Tom sways away from the line. 160/1
44.5 S Lakmal to Latham, Around off, well defended. 160/1
44.4 S Lakmal to Williamson, Outside off, dabbed softly in front of point for a run. 160/1
44.3 S Lakmal to Williamson, Another punch and the 100-RUN STAND IS UP! In 129 balls. Sri Lanka are not getting anything going for them. Outside off, Williamson hops and gets it through point. The fielder dives and gets a hand to it, parrying it to deep point. Two runs taken. 159/1
44.2 S Lakmal to Williamson, FOUR! Easy peasy. Length ball, outside off, a touch wide, Williamson gets on top of the bounce and punches it through the covers for a boundary. 157/1
44.1 S Lakmal to Latham, Outside off, punched through the covers for a single. 153/1
43.6 D Perera to Williamson, Short and outside off, cut behind point for a couple. 152/1
43.5 D Perera to Williamson, Tossed up outside off, plenty of width, Kane looks to go big initially, but then restrains himself. 150/1
43.4 D Perera to Latham, Punches this through the covers for a single. 150 UP FOR NEW ZEALAND. The deficit is just 132 now. 150/1
43.3 D Perera to Latham, Outside off, played straight to point. 149/1
43.2 D Perera to K Williamson, Pushes this down the ground towards long on for a run to take the stand to 90. 149/1
43.1 D Perera to Latham, Outside off, punched through the covers for a single. 148/1
42.6 S Lakmal to Williamson, The ball is too wide on the off side for the batsman to make any contact. 147/1
42.5 S Lakmal to Williamson, Oohhh... was that a nick? Maybe I am hearing things. Early morning blues for me. Not even a reaction, even from the usually animated Dickwella. Landed outside off, Kane looked to feel for that but then decided to withdraw his bat. Was late and the ball whizzed past the outside edge. Thought I heard a sound... 147/1
42.4 S Lakmal to Williamson, FOUR! Yet another half century for the skipper. 29th for the record, 5th against this opposition. Hasn't broken a sweat. Still, got it in just 45 balls. Gets to the landmark with a gentle face-opening of his bat, guiding the ball behind point to the fence. 147/1
42.3 S Lakmal to Williamson, Around off, pushed to the off side. 143/1
42.2 S Lakmal to Latham, Landed outside off, coming in, Latham pushes it towards point and calls Williamson through for a quick run. The deficit is now 139. 143/1
42.1 S Lakmal to Williamson, On a length outside off, punched through the covers for a single. 142/1
41.6 D Perera to Latham, Short again, punched towards cover once more. 141/1
41.5 D Perera to Latham, Outside off, Tom goes back and punches it towards cover. 141/1
41.4 D Perera to Latham, Tighter line, around the stumps, watchfully defended. 141/1
41.3 D Perera to Latham, Oohhh... nearly. Full and outside off, Latham dances down the track, looks to drive it through the covers but cannot keep it down. Short extra cover is in with a chance to catch but the ball lands just short of him. 141/1
41.2 D Perera to Latham, Around off, defended from the crease. 141/1
41.1 D Perera to Williamson, With two slips in place, Dilruwan bowls this on leg stump. Williamson calmly goes back and works it through square leg for a single. 141/1
40.6 S Lakmal to Latham, Full and outside off again, driven straight to mid off. 140/1
40.5 S Lakmal to Latham, Full and around off, watchfully defended. 140/1
40.4 S Lakmal to Latham, Outside off, punched towards cover. 140/1
40.3 S Lakmal to Latham, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 140/1
40.2 S Lakmal to Latham, A bouncer around middle, Latham ducks. 140/1
40.1 S Lakmal to Williamson, More instances of terrific running. Williamson punches this on the up through the covers, finds the gap, exploits the sluggish and lazy fielding, challenges the Lankans and comes back for the third. The stand is now worth 81 from 103 balls. 140/1
39.6 D Perera to Tom Latham, Flighted delivery on off, Latham drives it to mid off. Big over for New Zealand. 13 runs from the over. 137/1
39.5 D Perera to K Williamson, Tossed up on off, Williamson looks to defend but gets an outside edge past slip. The batsmen get three runs. 137/1
39.4 D Perera to Williamson, FOUR! Good shot. Full on off, Williamson drives it through mid on for a boundary. 134/1
39.3 D Perera to Williamson, FOUR RUNNING RUNS! Good running between the wickets. Short on off, Williamson cuts it through point. The fielder chases but the batsmen run four runs. 130/1
39.2 D Perera to K Williamson, Tossed up on off, the skipper looks to defend but gets an outside edge past slip. The batsmen pick up a couple. 126/1
39.1 D Perera to Williamson, Tossed up on off, Williamson keeps it out. 124/1
38.6 S Lakmal to Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 124/1
38.5 S Lakmal to Latham, A bouncer now, Tom ducks. 124/1
38.4 S Lakmal to Latham, Punched off the back foot by the batsman. 124/1
38.3 S Lakmal to Latham, Around off, solidly defended. 124/1
38.2 S Lakmal to Latham, Wide outside off, Latham does not bother to play at it. 124/1
38.1 S Lakmal to Latham, Good length delivery on off, Latham defends off the front foot. 124/1
37.6 D Perera to Latham, HALF CENTURY FOR LATHAM! Quality knock again. Not flustered at all. Short and outside off, Tom punches it through the covers. Kasun Rajitha gives it a good chase and dives, pulling the ball back in before the ropes. Three runs taken. 124/1
37.5 D Perera to Williamson, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. 121/1
37.4 D Perera to Williamson, Full and outside off, worked straight to short mid-wicket. 120/1
37.3 D Perera to Williamson, Full and outside off, watchfully pressed to the off side. 120/1
37.2 D Perera to Williamson, Goes back and works it towards mid on now. 120/1
37.1 D Perera to Williamson, Around off, Williamson goes back and flicks it straight to short leg. 120/1
36.6 S Lakmal to Latham, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries for Tom Latham. Short on off, Latham slaps it through covers for a delightful boundary. He has looked good in that area. 120/1
36.5 S Lakmal to Latham, TOP EDGE, FOUR! Rare false shot from Latham. Short of a length delivery, Latham looks to pull but gets a top edge. It goes high in the air towards fine leg and there is a fielder in the deep. He runs to his left but had no chance. 116/1
36.4 S Lakmal to Tom Latham, Full on off, Latham drives it to mid off. 112/1
36.3 S Lakmal to Latham, Good length delivery on off, the left-hander defends off the back foot. 112/1
36.2 S Lakmal to Latham, Good length delivery outside off, the left-hander offers no shot. 112/1
36.1 S Lakmal to Latham, Wide outside off, Latham leaves it alone. 112/1
DRINKS! Suranga Lakmal comes into the attack.
35.6 D Perera to Williamson, Floated on off, Williamson blocks it well. 112/1
35.5 D Perera to Latham, Tossed up on middle, the left-hander flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. 112/1
35.4 D Perera to Latham, Short on off, the left-hander cuts it to point. 111/1
35.3 D Perera to Latham, Flighted delivery on off, Latham comes down the track and defends it. 111/1
35.2 D Perera to Latham, Tossed up on middle, Latham defends off the back foot. 111/1
35.1 D Perera to Latham, FOUR! 50 partnership between Tom Latham and Kane Williamson. Full on leg, Latham flicks it through mid-wicket. Mathews makes a slow chase and the ball races away to the boundary. New Zealand totally looking in control. 111/1
34.6 L Kumara to Latham, Length delivery on off, the left-hander plays it towards point. The batsmen take a single. 107/1
34.5 L Kumara to Latham, Good length delivery on off, Latham defends off the back foot. 106/1
34.4 L Kumara to Williamson, Full on off, the skipper drives it towards point for a run. 106/1
34.3 L Kumara to Williamson, Wide outside off, Williamson offers no shot. 105/1
34.2 L Kumara to Latham, Length delivery on off, Latham cuts it towards point. The batsmen cross ends. 105/1
34.1 L Kumara to Latham, Good length delivery on off, Latham defends off the back foot. 104/1
33.6 D Perera to Latham, Tossed up on middle, Latham flicks it towards fine leg. The fielder at fine leg throws at the bowler's end but Latham was well in. The batsmen take a run. 104/1
33.5 D Perera to Williamson, Full on off, Williamson drives it towards mid off. The batsmen take a single. 103/1
33.4 D Perera to Latham, Floated on off, Latham comes down the track and drives it towards mid off. The batsmen take a run. 102/1
33.3 D Perera to Latham, 100 up for New Zealand. Short on off, Latham cuts it towards covers. The batsmen pick up a couple. 101/1
33.2 D Perera to Latham, Flighted delivery on off, Latham defends off the front foot. 99/1
33.1 D Perera to Williamson, Tossed up on middle, Williamson flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run. 99/1
Dilruwan Perera is back into the attack.
32.6 L Kumara to Latham, Good length delivery on middle, the southpaw blocks it well. 98/1
32.5 L Kumara to Latham, Good length delivery on off, the left-hander keeps it out. 98/1
32.4 L Kumara to Latham, Bowls bouncer again, Latham ducks underneath it. 98/1
32.3 L Kumara to Latham, Bowls a bouncer, Latham does well to duck under it. 98/1
32.2 L Kumara to Williamson, Short delivery, the skipper pulls it towards fine leg again. This time just a single. 98/1
32.1 L Kumara to Williamson, FOUR! Short of length delivery on leg, Williamson pulls it towards fine leg. The fielder at fine leg dives but in vain. The ball races away to the boundary. 97/1
31.6 K Rajitha to Williamson, Length delivery on middle, the captain flicks it towards the leg side for a run. 93/1
31.5 K Rajitha to Latham, Length delivery on leg, the left-hander tucks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends. 92/1
31.4 K Rajitha to Latham, Length delivery on leg, Latham flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple. 91/1
31.3 K Rajitha to Williamson, Full outside off, the skipper drives it through covers. Mathews chases it and stops it comfortably. The batsmen get three runs. 89/1
31.2 K Rajitha to Williamson, Good length delivery on middle, Williamson defends off the back foot. 86/1
31.1 K Rajitha to Tom Latham, Full outside off, Latham drives it through covers. The fielder makes an excellent chase and dives just before the ropes to stop the boundary. The batsmen get three runs. 86/1
30.6 L Kumara to Williamson, Bowls a bouncer, the skipper does well to duck under it. 83/1
30.5 L Kumara to Latham, Length delivery on leg, the left-hander flicks it towards fine leg. The batsmen take a run. 83/1
30.4 L Kumara to Latham, Bowls a bouncer, Latham does well to duck under it. 82/1
30.3 L Kumara to Williamson, Length delivery again on leg, Williamson flicks it past short leg and it goes towards mid-wicket. The batsmen cross ends. 82/1
30.2 L Kumara to Williamson, Length delivery on off, Williamson taps it to point. 81/1
30.1 L Kumara to Williamson, Length delivery on leg, Williamson flicks it to short mid-wicket. 81/1
29.6 K Rajitha to Latham, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 81/1
29.5 K Rajitha to Latham, Down the leg side, Latham misses his flick and the ball goes off his pads through square leg. A couple of runs taken, leg byes signalled. 81/1
29.4 K Rajitha to Latham, A short ball, down the leg side, Tom gets across and lets it go. 79/1
29.3 K Rajitha to Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 79/1
29.2 K Rajitha to Latham, Outside off, left alone. 79/1
29.1 K Rajitha to Latham, Around off, watchfully defended. 79/1
28.6 L Kumara to Latham, There is a short leg, a leg gully and a long leg. Predictably the line is outside leg and the length - short. But Latham is careful and wily enough to carefully maneuver the ball between short leg and leg gully, towards fine leg, for a run. 79/1
28.5 L Kumara to Williamson, The batsman works it down the leg side. They pick up a single. 78/1
28.4 L Kumara to Williamson, Fractionally short outside off, Williamson punches it on the up. Almost finds point. 77/1
28.3 L Kumara to Williamson, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 77/1
28.2 L Kumara to Williamson, On a length outside off, tapped towards the off side. 77/1
28.1 L Kumara to Williamson, On middle and off, Williamson gets across and helps it towards square leg. 77/1
27.6 K Rajitha to Latham, FOUR! CRISP! Latham and those cover drives. Lovely to watch. Full and outside off, Latham leans and drives it through the covers, making it an absolutely glorious sight to view. Moves to 20 now. 77/1
27.5 K Rajitha to Latham, The batsman shoulders arms to let that one through. 73/1
27.4 K Rajitha to Latham, Full and outside off, driven down the ground. 73/1
27.3 K Rajitha to Latham, The batsman has punched that ball through the off side. 73/1
27.2 K Rajitha to Latham, A bouncer, accustomed to seeing this every now and then, Latham ducks. 73/1
27.1 K Rajitha to Latham, On a length around off, solidly defended. 73/1
26.6 Kumara to Williamson, Good attempted yorker, around off, equally well dug out. 73/1
26.5 L Kumara to Williamson, A bouncer, Kane ducks under it calmly. 73/1
26.4 L Kumara to Williamson, Goes back in his crease and punches it towards point. 73/1
26.3 L Kumara to Williamson, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 73/1
26.2 L Kumara to Williamson, Around off, well blocked out again. 73/1
26.1 L Kumara to Williamson, Full and just outside off, solidly defended. 73/1
25.6 K Rajitha to Latham, The tempter, full and wide outside off, Tom lets it go. 73/1
25.5 K Rajitha to Latham, NOT OUT! Pitched outside leg. Chapter closed. Really poor review from Chandimal though one suspects the keeper or the bowler should have advised him against it. It looked like pitching outside leg to the naked eye and Hawk Eye confirms it. Latham fell over while playing the flick shot and got hit on the pads and that perhaps made the Lankans feel that the ball was pitched in line. 73/1
Review for LBW! Sri Lanka feel that Latham might be out here. Looked to be pitching outside leg to the naked eye...
25.4 K Rajitha to Latham, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 73/1
25.3 K Rajitha to Latham, Outside off, quietly left alone this time. 73/1
25.2 K Rajitha to Latham, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 73/1
25.1 K Rajitha to Latham, Full and wide outside off, Latham gets carried away, looking to drive away from his body without moving his feet and misses. 73/1
24.6 L Kumara to Williamson, Stays back in his crease and blocks. 73/1
24.5 L Kumara to Latham, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. 73/1
24.4 L Kumara to Williamson, A full toss, on middle, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. 72/1
24.3 L Kumara to Williamson, FOUR! Hat-trick of boundaries! Kane Williamson is on fire here, without actually looking attacking. Spare a thought for Tom Latham. He has faced balls more than three quarters of a hundred, soaked in all the pressure, yet scored only 15. And here is his skipper, come in just now and gone bang bang! On a length outside off, Williamson punches it on the up through the covers for a boundary! 71/1
24.2 L Kumara to Williamson, FOUR! Ohhh... great batting. On a length outside off, Williamson goes back and punches it behind point for a boundary. So lovely was the shot that even my colleague Arjun, who barely utters a word during a game, could not stop himself from saying, 'SHOT!' Really pleasing - both to see the shot and to understand that my colleague likes to express himself. 67/1
24.1 L Kumara to Williamson, FOUR! Off the edge. But controlled. Full and outside off, Williamson looks to defend. But the ball moves away and takes the outside edge. However, since the shot was played with soft hands, the outside edge did not go to hand. It went to ground and evaded the hands as well. Past the second slip fielder to the third man fence. 63/1
Lahiru Kumara to continue from the other end.
23.6 K Rajitha to Latham, The batsman lets the ball go outside his off stump once again. 59/1
23.5 K Rajitha to Latham, Back to leaving balls outside off. 59/1
23.4 K Rajitha to Tom Latham, Finally the batsman drives. Finds mid off. 59/1
23.3 K Rajitha to Latham, Hat-trick. Full, outside off, asking to drive, batsman not interested. 59/1
23.2 K Rajitha to Latham, Outside off again, same reaction. 59/1
23.1 K Rajitha to Latham, Full and outside off, tempting line, left alone. 59/1
The players and the umpires are out in the middle. Kane Williamson joins Tom Latham in the middle. Kasun Rajitha will start the proceedings after Lunch.
... DAY 2, SESSION 2 ...
The visitors' bowlers have not been able to apply pressure on the batsmen. They have got a wicket but it was more due to Raval's mistake than the accuracy of the bowling. If at least the line can be consistent, the batsmen can still commit mistakes and wickets might come. Join us back at 1.40 pm local time (0040 GMT).
The hosts started well with the bat and were very cautious in their approach. Both openers played some delightful shots and got a 50 run-stand as well. They were looking poised to go unharmed into the break when Raval lost his concentration.
Something to smile for Sri Lanka heading into the break. It was an excellent session for New Zealand, barring that last-ball blemish. They came in the morning and wrapped up the Sri Lankan innings very quickly with Southee bagging a 6-fer.
22.6 L Kumara to Raval, OUT! A wicket at the stroke of Lunch! Out of nowhere. A short ball outside off, Raval looks to pull but is done in by the slowness of the delivery. The ball takes the toe end of the bat, curves behind but Dickwella does well to keep his eyes on the cherry. Dives to his left and takes it with both hands. Another start wasted by Raval. LUNCH ON DAY 2, NEW ZEALAND TRAIL BY 223! 59/1
22.5 L Kumara to Raval, FOUR! Beauty to the eyes. A length ball outside off, Raval punches this on the up through the covers and finds the boundary! 59/0
22.4 L Kumara to Raval, A short ball outside off, Raval lets it be. 55/0
22.3 L Kumara to Latham, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads for a single. 55/0
22.2 L Kumara to J Raval, A short ball, pulled through mid-wicket for a single. 54/0
22.1 L Kumara to Raval, Around off, defended watchfully. 53/0
21.6 S Lakmal to Latham, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 53/0
21.5 S Lakmal to Latham, Full and outside off, driven straight to mid off. 53/0
21.4 S Lakmal to Latham, Full and just outside off, watchfully defended. 53/0
21.3 S Lakmal to Raval, The batsman works it down the leg side. One run added to the total. 53/0
21.2 S Lakmal to Raval, Tight run. On middle and leg, flicked through square leg. The batsmen decide for the second at the last moment and it seems risky. The throw is just a touch wide and Raval makes it. 52/0
21.1 S Lakmal to Raval, Around off, solidly defended. 50/0
20.6 L Kumara to Raval, A short ball, pulled away for a single. 50-RUN STAND IS UP. The deficit is 232. Nothing is happening. 50/0
20.5 L Kumara to Raval, A bouncer around middle, Raval sways away. Almost got down on his haunches. 49/0
20.4 L Kumara to Latham, On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a run. 49/0
20.3 L Kumara to Latham, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 48/0
20.2 L Kumara to Latham, A bouncer on middle, Latham sways away from the bouncer. 48/0
20.1 L Kumara to Raval, A length ball down the leg side, helped through square leg for a single. 48/0
19.6 S Lakmal to Latham, Length delivery on middle, the left-hander defends off the back foot. 47/0
19.5 S Lakmal to Latham, Good length delivery on off, the left-hander blocks it well. 47/0
19.4 S Lakmal to Latham, Bowls a bouncer, Latham ducks underneath it. 47/0
19.3 S Lakmal to Raval, Length delivery on middle, Raval nudges it towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. 47/0
19.2 S Lakmal to Latham, Length delivery on off, Latham tucks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a quick single. Mathews from mid-wicket scores a direct hit at the bowler's end but Latham was well in. 46/0
19.1 S Lakmal to Raval, Length delivery on middle, Raval flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. 45/0
18.6 L Kumara to Latham, Bowls a bouncer, the left-hander does well to duck under it. 44/0
18.5 L Kumara to Latham, Good length delivery outside off, Latham shoulders his arms to this one. 44/0
18.4 L Kumara to Latham, Good length delivery on off, Tom keeps it out. 44/0
18.3 L Kumara to Raval, Full on leg, Raval flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen take a run. 44/0
18.2 L Kumara to Raval, Wide outside off, Raval offers no shot. 43/0
18.1 L Kumara to Raval, Outside off, Raval leaves it alone. 43/0
17.6 S Lakmal to Latham, Good length delivery on off, Latham keeps it out. 43/0
17.5 S Lakmal to Latham, Wide outside off, Latham lets it go. 43/0
17.4 S Lakmal to Latham, Length delivery on off, the left-hander defends off the front foot. 43/0
17.3 S Lakmal to Latham, Good length delivery outside off, the left-hander lets it go. 43/0
17.2 S Lakmal to Tom Latham, FOUR! What a shot. Full outside off, Latham leans into the shot and drives it through covers for a wonderful boundary. Both the openers looking in good touch. 43/0
17.1 S Lakmal to Latham, Full on off, Latham drives it straight towards the bowler. 39/0
Suranga Lakmal is back on. 4-0-15-0 so far.
16.6 L Kumara to Raval, Length delivery on leg, Raval flicks it to the leg side. 39/0
16.5 L Kumara to Raval, The batsman manages only a bottom edge on that one. 39/0
16.4 L Kumara to Raval, Wide outside off, the left-hander offers no shot. 39/0
16.3 L Kumara to Raval, ALMOST A WICKET! Short of length delivery, Raval looks to pull but lobs off the glove behind. Dickwella makes a false start, initially runs back, then realizes he has to run forward and eventually does not get to it. 39/0
16.2 L Kumara to Raval, Good length delivery outside off, Raval offers no shot. 39/0
16.1 L Kumara to Latham, Length delivery on leg, Latham flicks it towards fine leg. The batsmen cross ends. 39/0
Lahiru Kumara is into the attack.
15.6 D Perera to Raval, Wide outside off, Raval shoulders his arms. 38/0
15.5 D Perera to Raval, Floated on middle, the left-hander offers a forward defense on this one. 38/0
15.4 D Perera to Raval, Flighted delivery on off, the left-hander defends off the front foot. 38/0
15.3 D Perera to Raval, Tossed up on off, Raval keeps it out. 38/0
15.2 D Perera to Raval, FOUR! Good shot by Raval. Full on off, Raval comes down the track and drives it through covers for a boundary. 38/0
15.1 D Perera to Raval, Short outside off, Raval makes room and guides it towards third man. The batsmen pick up a couple. 34/0
14.6 A Mathews to Latham, Length delivery on middle, Latham stands tall and defends off the back foot. 32/0
14.5 A Mathews to Latham, Wide outside off, Latham offers no shot. 32/0
14.4 A Mathews to Latham, Good length delivery on off, the left-hander defends off the back foot. 32/0
14.3 A Mathews to Latham, Good length delivery on middle, the left-hander keeps it out. 32/0
14.2 A Mathews to Latham, Wide outside off, Latham lets it go. 32/0
14.1 A Mathews to Latham, Good length delivery on off, Latham hits it to mid off. 32/0
13.6 D Perera to Raval, Floated on off, the southpaw blocks it well. 32/0
13.5 D Perera to Raval, Short outside off, Raval rocks back and cuts it towards point. The batsmen get two runs. 32/0
13.4 D Perera to Raval, Floated on off, Raval comes down the track and keeps it out. 30/0
13.3 D Perera to Raval, Flighted delivery on off, the left-hander keeps it out. 30/0
13.2 D Perera to Raval, Flighted delivery on middle, Raval blocks it well. 30/0
13.1 D Perera to Raval, Tossed up on off, Raval defends off the back foot. 30/0
Spin is in early. Dilruwan Perera to bowl now.
12.6 A Mathews to Latham, Good length delivery outside off, Latham lets it go. 30/0
12.5 A Mathews to Latham, Good length delivery on off, the left-hander keeps it out. 30/0
12.4 A Mathews to Latham, Length delivery on off, Latham plays it to covers. 30/0
12.3 A Mathews to Latham, Good length delivery outside off, the left-hander offers no shot. 30/0
12.2 A Mathews to Latham, Good length delivery on off, Latham defends off the back foot. 30/0
12.1 A Mathews to Latham, Length delivery on off, Latham guides it to third man. 30/0
11.6 K Rajitha to Raval, Length delivery on leg, the left-hander flicks it to the leg side. 30/0
11.5 K Rajitha to Raval, Good length delivery outside off, Jeet offers no shot. 30/0
11.4 K Rajitha to Raval, Length delivery on leg, the left-hander looks to flick but gets hit on the thigh pad. Dickwella fails to collect the ball properly. 30/0
11.3 K Rajitha to Raval, FOUR! Classic straight drive from Jeet Raval. Full on off, Raval drives it through mid off for a delightful boundary. 30/0
11.2 K Rajitha to J Raval, Length delivery on middle, Raval plays it to mid on. 26/0
11.1 K Rajitha to Raval, Length delivery on leg, Raval flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple. 26/0
DRINKS BREAK.
10.6 A Mathews to Raval, Length delivery on off, Raval drives it straight towards mid off. The batsmen take a run. 24/0
10.5 A Mathews to Raval, Length delivery outside off, the left-hander offers no shot. 23/0
10.4 A Mathews to Raval, Good length delivery on off, Raval defends off the back foot. 23/0
10.3 A Mathews to Raval, Good length delivery outside off, the left-hander looks to defend but is in two minds whether to play or leave and is beaten. 23/0
10.2 A Mathews to Raval, Good length delivery outside off, Raval lets it go. 23/0
10.1 A Mathews to Raval, Good length delivery on middle, Raval defends off the back foot. 23/0
9.6 K Rajitha to Latham, Around off, defended watchfully. 23/0
9.5 K Rajitha to Latham, The ball is too wide on the off side for the batsman to make any contact. 23/0
9.4 K Rajitha to Latham, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 23/0
9.3 K Rajitha to Latham, Gets him forward and Tom defends. 23/0
9.2 K Rajitha to Latham, A bouncer now, Latham ducks. 23/0
9.1 K Rajitha to Latham, On a length outside off, tapped to the off side. 23/0
8.6 A Mathews to Raval, On a length outside off, Raval is squared up a touch, looks to defend but gets an outside edge behind. Does not quite carry to the slip cordon. 23/0
8.5 A Mathews to Raval, Back to normalcy. Wide outside off, left alone. 23/0
8.4 A Mathews to Raval, This time makes the batsman play, landing the ball around middle and forcing him to defend. 23/0
8.3 A Mathews to Raval, One more leave outside off. 23/0
8.2 A Mathews to Raval, Well outside off, left alone. 23/0
8.1 A Mathews to Raval, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 23/0
Stop the press. Look who has come to bowl. Err... sorry. Read who has come on to bowl. Angelo Mathews.
7.6 K Rajitha to Latham, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 23/0
7.5 K Rajitha to Latham, FOUR! Down the leg side, Latham flicks it uppishly. Short leg ducks and the ball flies over his head. 23/0
7.4 K Rajitha to Latham, Full and way down the leg side, left alone. Good collection by Dickwella as he dives to his right to stop that. 19/0
7.3 K Rajitha to Latham, Outside off, punched on the up towards cover. 19/0
7.2 K Rajitha to Latham, Down the leg side, Latham looks to flick but misses. 19/0
7.1 K Rajitha to Latham, Landed around off, watchfully defended. 19/0
6.6 S Lakmal to Raval, FOUR! CRISP! As straight as an arrow. Superb shot. Full and around off, Raval comes forward and drives it straight back to where it came from. He is growing in confidence now. His third boundary in his 15. 19/0
6.5 S Lakmal to Raval, A decent delivery, short and at the head of the batsman, Jeet sways away at the last moment. 15/0
6.4 S Lakmal to Raval, On a length outside off, angling away, Raval makes no effort to try and play at that. 15/0
6.3 S Lakmal to Raval, Landed outside off again, let through. 15/0
6.2 S Lakmal to Raval, Full again, just outside off, watchfully pushed towards mid off. 15/0
6.1 S Lakmal to Raval, Full and outside off, left alone. 15/0
5.6 K Rajitha to Latham, On middle and leg, worked towards mid-wicket. 15/0
5.5 K Rajitha to Latham, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump again. 15/0
5.4 K Rajitha to Latham, Landed outside off, steep bounce, shouldered arms to. 15/0
5.3 K Rajitha to Raval, Down the leg side, tucked through fine leg for a single. 15/0
5.2 K Rajitha to Raval, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 14/0
5.1 K Rajitha to Raval, Down the leg side, left alone. 14/0
4.6 S Lakmal to Latham, Another leave outside off. 14/0
4.5 S Lakmal to Latham, One more leave outside off. 14/0
4.4 S Lakmal to Latham, Wide outside off, let through. 14/0
4.3 S Lakmal to Latham, Bouncer! The batsman ducks under the bouncer at the last moment. 14/0
4.2 S Lakmal to Raval, On middle and leg, helped through mid-wicket for a single. 14/0
4.1 S Lakmal to Raval, Landed outside off, left alone. 13/0
3.6 K Rajitha to Latham, Another bouncer, ducked under again. 13/0
3.5 Rajitha to Latham, Outside off, on a length, left through. 13/0
3.4 K Rajitha to Tom Latham, Full and outside off, driven sweetly wide of mid off for a couple. 13/0
3.3 K Rajitha to Latham, Around off, angling away, left alone. 11/0
3.2 K Rajitha to Latham, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 11/0
3.1 K Rajitha to Latham, Full on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket. 11/0
2.6 S Lakmal to Raval, Played to the point region by the batsman. 11/0
2.5 S Lakmal to Raval, One more leave outside off. 11/0
2.4 S Lakmal to Raval, The batsman chooses to leave the ball outside his off stump. 11/0
2.3 S Lakmal to J Raval, EDGED, FOUR! Fortune for Raval now. Lakmal gets it right on the money, slightly short of a fuller length around middle, Jeet looks to defend but the ball moves away. The outside edge is taken but fortunately for the batsman, it is between the slips and gully! Races away to the third man fence, does the ball. The stand is worth 11. 11/0
2.2 S Lakmal to Raval, Full on middle, flicked straight to short mid-wicket. 7/0
2.1 S Lakmal to Raval, FOUR! CLASSY! Raval is up and running. Overpitched outside off, Jeet leans into this one and drives it through the covers for a boundary! The deficit is now 277. 7/0
1.6 K Rajitha to Latham, More wastage. Nothing done from Tom. An unimpressive over from Kasun Rajitha. Sri Lanka cannot afford to waste the new ball. 3/0
1.5 K Rajitha to Latham, Outside off once more, a total waste of this new ball, let through. 3/0
1.4 K Rajitha to Latham, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. 3/0
1.3 K Rajitha to Latham, Full and wide outside off again, let through. 3/0
1.3 K Rajitha to Latham, WIDE! Boy, that was outside the pitch. Probably nerves, I reckon. Full and way outside off, Tom could not have reached that even if he wanted to. Leaves it alone any which ways. 3/0
1.2 K Rajitha to Latham, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 2/0
1.1 K Rajitha to Latham, Wide outside off, left alone. 2/0
Kasun Rajitha to share the new ball with Lakmal.
0.6 S Lakmal to Latham, INSIDE EDGE, BUT NO SHORT LEG! Well, this pitch has a lot of bounce. Has Chandimal missed out on an opportunity? On a length around off, came back in off the seam. Latham looked to tuck but the extra bounce induced an inside edge, deflected onto the pads and then lobbed towards short leg. But it was unmanned. A single taken. 2/0
0.5 S Lakmal to Latham, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 1/0
0.4 S Lakmal to Latham, Outside off again, let through. 1/0
0.3 S Lakmal to Latham, Landed outside off, left alone. 1/0
0.2 S Lakmal to Raval, The Kiwis are away. Outside off, Raval pushes this towards cover and takes a quick single. 1/0
0.1 S Lakmal to Raval, Full and outside off, left alone. 0/0
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