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But the day belonged to Latham, who added steadily to his overnight total of 121, offering no chances to the frustrated Sri Lankans. It was the sixth best Test score by a New Zealander and the highest this year by a batsman from any nation. His innings, which lasted more than 11 hours, also continued a horror run at the Basin Reserve for Sri Lanka, where they have now conceded double centuries to four New Zealanders. New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson helped the Black Caps reach their imposing total with a sparkling 91, while Ross Taylor and Henry Nicholls both reached 50. Lahiru Kumara was the pick of a Sri Lanka attack that struggled on a flat wicket, taking four for 127. Taylor was dismissed for 50 in the first over of the day after failing to add to his overnight score, thanks to a sharp catch from Dimuth Karunaratne. The ball was forcefully struck and initially bounced off Karunaratne's hand at silly mid-off before he recovered to grab it as he tumbled to the ground.
Henry Nicholls also went for 50 after lunch trying to take on spinner Dilruwan Perera. BJ Watling followed without scoring when he tucked his bat awkwardly under his arm as he ducked a Kumara bouncer and the ball clipped it on the way through. Colin de Grandhomme scored three sixes during an aggressive innings but fell on 49 attempting to bludgeon a fourth. Sri Lanka, ranked sixth in the world, have lost their last five Tests against New Zealand and suffered a 3-0 home 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. The New Zealanders are looking for a fourth straight Test series win after also defeating England and the West Indies in the past 12 months.
Commentary (Sri Lanka innings)
37 is what the Lankans trail by now and one would say, unless they do something atrocious, they shouldn't lose this game. New Zealand though will still feel, a few quick wickets tomorrow and they will be right back in front. Day 5 is nicely set up and one would not want to miss the action. Do join us at 1100 AM Local (1000 PM GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye!
The Kiwi bowlers gave it their all but one can say they were guilty of bowling too short at times. Wagner especially, he got too predictable and was taken for aplenty today. Boult and Southee did keep it tight but barely got any assistance from the wicket. Ajaz Patel looked the most threatening but he too failed to pick any wicket.
The day started with the hosts on the front foot. They were favorites to wrap this up in the first two sessions itself but that was not to be. A miracle was needed from the Lankans and that has been provided by Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis. The two came out with a positive intent, played their shots and have managed to add 246 for the 4th wicket. To add to that, they are yet not done. Both have scored tons and one can now say, the two have taken Lanka to safer shores.
What a day for Sri Lanka! Who would have thought that this Test would go into the final day, let alone the fact that the two overnight batsmen would stall out the Kiwis for a whole day. Angelo Mathews and Kusal Mendis lead the way as the players make their way back to the pavilion. Great gesture by the Kiwis as they walk upto the batters and shake their hands. Also, the crowd and the whole Lankan team is on their feet applauding the effort by the two and they deserve every bit of it as they have batted the whole of Day 4.
101.6 J Raval to A Mathews, Tossed up on middle, Angelo offers a forward defense on this one and negotiates the last ball of the day. THAT IS STUMPS ON DAY 4. SRI LANKA END DAY WITH 259/3. 259/3
101.5 J Raval to Mathews, Floated on off, Angelo defends off the front foot. 259/3
101.4 J Raval to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Angelo defends off the back foot. 259/3
101.3 J Raval to Mathews, Tossed up on off, Mathews plays it to covers. 259/3
101.2 J Raval to Mendis, Full toss on leg, Mendis flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run. 259/3
101.1 J Raval to Mendis, Tossed up on middle, Mendis defends off the front foot. 258/3
Jeet Raval probably bowling the last over of the day.
100.6 A Patel to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 258/3
100.5 A Patel to Mathews, Slower through the air on middle, Angelo plays it with a dead bat. 258/3
100.4 A Patel to Mathews, Quicker on middle, Mathews keeps it out. 258/3
100.3 A Patel to Mathews, Fuller on off, Mathews drives it straight to the cover fielder. 258/3
100.2 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up delivery on middle, AM watchfully defends it. 258/3
100.1 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle and leg, Angelo works it to the leg side. 258/3
99.6 N Wagner to Mendis, In the channel outside off, KM shoulders arms to it. 258/3
99.5 N Wagner to Mendis, Around off, Kusal lets it go. 258/3
99.4 N Wagner to Mendis, Fuller on middle, KM defends it with a straight bat. 258/3
99.3 N Wagner to Mendis, Goes short this time on middle, Mendis defends it from within the crease. 258/3
99.2 N Wagner to Mendis, Slower ball down leg, Mendis tries to flick it but fails to connect it. 258/3
99.1 N Wagner to Mendis, Back of a length on middle, Kusal defends it off the back foot and onto the ground. 258/3
98.6 A Patel to Mendis, A tad short on middle, Kusal works it to the leg side. The batsmen rotate strike. 258/3
98.5 A Patel to Mathews, On middle, AM pushes it towards point. The batsmen cross ends. 257/3
98.4 A Patel to Mathews, Fuller on off, Angelo drives it straight to mid on. 256/3
98.3 A Patel to Mendis, Drags it short on off, KM punches it off the back foot towards point for a single. 256/3
98.2 A Patel to Mendis, A touch short on middle, Kusal flicks it but straight to the short fine leg fielder. 255/3
98.1 A Patel to Mendis, Tosses it up on middle, Mendis defends it from within the crease. 255/3
97.6 N Wagner to Mathews, Length delivery around off, Mathew goes for the cut but misses it completely. 255/3
97.5 N Wagner to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 255/3
97.4 N Wagner to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Kusal pushes it towards point for a run. 255/3
97.3 N Wagner to Mendis, In the channel outside off, Mendis lets it go. 254/3
97.2 N Wagner to Mendis, Good shot but unfortunately no run. A tad fuller on middle, Mendis drives it straight past the bowler but the ball is cut off by the mid off fielder. 254/3
97.1 N Wagner to Mendis, Back of a length on middle, Kusal defends it off the back foot and onto the ground. 254/3
97.1 N Wagner to Mendis, NO BALL! Length delivery on middle, Mendis defends it from within the crease. Wagner oversteps and a no ball is signalled by the umpire. 254/3
96.6 A Patel to Mathews, Fuller on middle, Angelo keeps it out. 253/3
96.5 A Patel to Mathews, Tosses it up on off, AM pushes it towards point for a brace. 253/3
96.4 A Patel to Mathews, Floats it up on middle, Angelo watchfully blocks it. 251/3
96.3 A Patel to Mathews, A touch short on off, Angelo cuts it through backward point for a couple of runs. 251/3
96.2 A Patel to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 249/3
96.1 A Patel to Mathews, Drags it short on middle, Angelo punches it straight to the bowler. 249/3
95.6 N Wagner to Mendis, Outside off, Kusal lets it go. And Wagner starts off with a maiden in his new spell. 249/3
95.5 N Wagner to K Mendis, Fuller on off, Kusal drives it straight to the mid off fielder. 249/3
95.4 N Wagner to Mendis, Length delivery on middle, KM defends it with a straight bat. 249/3
95.3 N Wagner to Mendis, Around off, Kusal shoulders arms to it. 249/3
95.2 N Wagner to Mendis, In the channel outside off Kusal offers no shot. 249/3
95.1 N Wagner to Mendis, Starts off with a fuller delivery around off, Mendis lets it go. 249/3
Neil Wagner is back on.
94.6 A Patel to Mathews, A touch short on off, AM punches it towards point. 249/3
94.5 A Patel to Mathews, Similar delivery, same result. 249/3
94.4 A Patel to A Mathews, On middle, AM drives it towards mid off. 249/3
94.3 A Patel to Mathews, Fuller on middle and leg, Mathew tries to flick it but misses it completely. 249/3
94.2 A Patel to Mathews, Drags his length short on middle, Mathews hangs back and punches it towards point. 249/3
94.1 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Angelo defends it with a straight bat. 249/3
93.6 T Boult to Mathews, Length delivery on off, Angelo pushes it towards point for a run. 249/3
93.5 T Boult to Mathews, Fuller on off, Mathews prods forward and drives it through covers for a couple of runs. 248/3
93.4 T Boult to Mathews, The batsman has punched the ball off the back foot. 246/3
93.3 T Boult to A Mathews, That was close. A touch fuller on off, Mathews goes for the drive and goes uppishly. Boult dives to his left to catch it but it was little bit wide of him. Lucky escape for Angelo. 246/3
93.2 T Boult to Mathews, A touch fuller on off, Mathew drives it to mid off. 246/3
93.1 T Boult to Mathews, Length delivery on middle, Angelo defends it by presenting the full face of the bat. 246/3
92.6 A Patel to Mathews, Full on off, Angelo pushes it towards point and get a run. 246/3
92.5 A Patel to Mathews, Floats it up on middle, Mathews keeps it out. 245/3
92.4 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on off, Angelo drives it straight to the mid on fielder. 245/3
92.3 A Patel to Mathews, A tad fuller on off, Mathews prods forward and defends it with a straight bat. 245/3
92.2 A Patel to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 245/3
92.1 A Patel to Mathews, Flatter on middle, AM defends it off the back foot and onto the ground. 245/3
91.6 T Boult to Mendis, Length delivery on middle, Mendis watchfully defends. 245/3
91.5 T Boult to Mendis, Good length delivery outside off, Mendis plays it to mid off. 245/3
91.4 T Boult to Mendis, Wide outside off, Kusal offers no shot. 245/3
91.3 T Boult to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, Mendis defends from within the crease. 245/3
91.2 T Boult to Mendis, Wide outside off, Kusal offers no shot. 245/3
91.1 T Boult to Mendis, Full on off, Kusal drives it to covers. 245/3
90.6 A Patel to Mathews, On middle, AM flicks it to the leg side. 245/3
90.5 A Patel to Mathews, The batsman has defended it by getting right behind the line of the delivery. 245/3
90.4 A Patel to Mendis, Fuller on middle, KM strokes it to long on for a run. 245/3
90.3 A Patel to Mendis, Tosses it up on off, Mendis defends it off the foot foot and onto the ground. 244/3
90.2 A Patel to Mathews, A touch full on off, AM leans forward and pushes it towards point for a run. 244/3
90.1 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews defends it with a straight bat. 243/3
Ajaz Patel is on now.
89.6 T Boult to Mendis, On middle, Kusal defends it by presenting the full face of the bat. 243/3
89.5 T Boult to Mendis, Length on off, Mendis taps it to the point region. 243/3
89.4 T Boult to Mendis, In the channel outside off. KM lets it go. 243/3
89.3 T Boult to Mendis, Fuller on off, Mendis drives it straight to mid off. 243/3
89.2 T Boult to Mendis, Back of a length on off, Kusal opens the face of the bat and guides it to gully. 243/3
89.1 T Boult to Mathews, Length delivery around off, Mathew cuts it towards point for a single. 243/3
Trent Boult is back on.
88.6 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, the batsman defends off the back foot. 242/3
88.5 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Full on off, Kusal drives it straight back to the bowler. 242/3
88.4 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Back of a length on off, Mathews plays it through point. The fielder chases and stops it just before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs. 242/3
88.3 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Good length delivery on middle, Angelo defends off the back foot. 239/3
88.2 de Grandhomme to Mathews, FOUR! There it is! 100 for Angelo Mathews. His 9th in this format. What an innings by him. He gets there in style. Whips the full ball on middle through mid-wicket and the ball races to the fence. He lets out a huge roar as soon as he hit it. Takes his helmet off and does a few pushups indicating that he is still strong and has the hunger to continue. 239/3
88.1 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Length delivery on off, Angelo drives it to mid off. 235/3
87.6 Tim Southee to Mathews, Angelo Mathews moves to 99. Full on leg, Mathews flicks it towards mid-wicket for a run. 235/3
87.5 Tim Southee to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, Kusal flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. 234/3
87.4 Tim Southee to Mendis, Wide outside off, Kusal easily lets it go. 233/3
87.3 Tim Southee to Mathews, Length delivery on leg, Angelo flicks it towards fine leg for a single. 233/3
87.2 Tim Southee to Mathews, Full outside off, Angelo looks to drive but gets an outside edge to point. 232/3
87.1 Tim Southee to Mathews, Full on middle, Mathews defends off the front foot. 232/3
DRINKS BREAK!
86.6 de Grandhomme to K Mendis, Full on middle, Kusal drives it to mid on. 232/3
86.5 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, Mendis watchfully blocks it. 232/3
86.4 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Full on middle, the batsman defends off the front foot. 232/3
86.3 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Wide outside off, Mendis offers no shot. 232/3
86.2 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Full on middle, Kusal drives it to mid on. 232/3
86.1 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Wide outside off, Mendis shoulders his arms to this one. 232/3
Colin de Grandhomme is back on.
85.6 Tim Southee to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Angelo blocks it well. 232/3
85.5 Tim Southee to Mathews, Short outside off, Mathews cuts it to point where Tom Latham does a brilliant job to save runs for the team. 232/3
85.4 Tim Southee to Mathews, Short of a length delivery, Angelo pulls it through mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple. 232/3
85.3 Tim Southee to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Angelo defends off the back foot. 230/3
85.2 Tim Southee to Mathews, Back of a length on off, Mathews defends it with a straight bat. 230/3
85.1 Tim Southee to Mendis, Short delivery, Mendis pulls it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run. 230/3
84.6 T Boult to Mathews, Length delivery on middle, Angelo flicks it to mid-wicket. 229/3
84.5 T Boult to Mendis, Length delivery on middle, Mendis flicks it towards mid-wicket for a single. 229/3
84.4 T Boult to Mathews, Short delivery on middle, Mathews pulls it towards fine leg. The batsmen take a single. 228/3
84.3 T Boult to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Angelo defends off the back foot. 227/3
84.2 T Boult to Mathews, Bowls a bouncer, Angelo does well to duck under it. 227/3
84.1 T Boult to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, Mendis defends off the back foot and it goes towards the leg side. The batsmen take a quick single. 227/3
83.6 Tim Southee to Mathews, Full on off, Angelo plays it to point. 226/3
83.5 Tim Southee to Mathews, Short outside off, Mathews cuts it to point. 226/3
83.4 Tim Southee to Mathews, Length delivery on off, Mathews blocks it well. 226/3
83.3 Tim Southee to Mathews, Good length delivery again on off, the right-hander keeps it out. 226/3
83.2 Tim Southee to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews defends off the front foot. 226/3
83.1 Tim Southee to K Mendis, Short delivery on leg, Kusal pulls it towards fine leg. The batsmen take a single. 226/3
82.6 T Boult to Mathews, Wide outside off, the batsman offers no shot. 225/3
82.5 T Boult to Mathews, Full outside off, Mathews drives it to covers. 225/3
82.4 T Boult to Mathews, Length delivery on middle, Angelo flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple. 225/3
82.3 T Boult to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, the batsman blocks it well. 223/3
82.2 T Boult to Mathews, FOUR! Short outside off, Mathews cuts it towards backward point for a boundary. It went over Colin de Grandhomme at point. Mathews moves to 90s. 223/3
82.1 T Boult to Mathews, Short on off, Mathews cuts it to point. 219/3
81.6 Tim Southee to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, Mendis blocks it well. 219/3
81.5 Tim Southee to Mendis, Length delivery on off, the batsman defends off the front foot. 219/3
81.4 Tim Southee to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, Kusal defends off the back foot. 219/3
81.3 Tim Southee to Mathews, Full on leg, Mathews flicks it towards fine leg. The batsmen take a run. 219/3
81.2 Tim Southee to Mathews, Good length delivery outside off, Mathews lets it go. 218/3
81.1 Tim Southee to Mathews, Bowls yorker on middle, Mathews digs it out in time. 218/3
80.6 T Boult to Mathews, Length delivery on middle, Mathews works it towards fine leg for a single. 218/3
80.5 T Boult to Mathews, Good length delivery on middle, Mathews defends off the back foot. 217/3
80.4 T Boult to Mathews, Wide outside off, the batsman lets it go. 217/3
80.3 T Boult to Mathews, FOUR! Short outside off, Mathews looks to drive but gets an outside edge over second slip and it goes towards third man for a boundary. 217/3
80.2 T Boult to Mathews, Full on leg, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket. 213/3
80.1 T Boult to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews taps it to point. 213/3
The second new ball is now due and it has been taken immediately. Also, Trent Boult is into the attack.
79.6 A Patel to Mendis, Flighted ball on off, the batsman is solid in defense. 213/3
79.5 A Patel to Mendis, Gives it air on off, Mathews keeps it out. 213/3
79.4 A Patel to Mendis, Loopy ball on off, Mendis strokes it back to the bowler. 213/3
79.3 A Patel to Mendis, Similar delivery to the last one, this time it does not stay low and Mendis keeps it out. 213/3
79.2 A Patel to Mendis, That stayed low! This is flatter and on middle, Mendis goes back and tries to defend. The ball through stays a touch low. Mendis does well to get his bat down and keep it out. 213/3
79.1 A Patel to Mendis, Down the leg side, the batsman pads it away. 213/3
78.6 de Grandhomme to A Mathews, Full on off, the right-hander drives it to mid off. 213/3
78.5 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Short on off, Mathews cuts it to point. 213/3
78.4 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Good length delivery on middle, Mathews defends off the back foot. 213/3
78.3 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Full on off, Mathews drives it to mid off. 213/3
78.2 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Full on middle, Mathews tucks it to mid-wicket. 213/3
78.1 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Length delivery on middle, Angelo flicks it to mid-wicket. 213/3
77.6 A Patel to Mendis, Flighted delivery on middle, Mendis defends off the back foot. 213/3
77.5 A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on off, Kusal keeps it out. 213/3
77.4 A Patel to Mendis, Floated on middle, Mendis defends off the back foot. 213/3
77.3 A Patel to Mendis, Flighted delivery on off, the batsman blocks it off his front foot. 213/3
77.2 A Patel to K Mendis, Full on middle, Kusal drives it to mid on. 213/3
77.1 A Patel to Mendis, BEATEN! Pitched on off, turns away from the batsman, Kusal looks to defend but misses it and gets beaten on this one. 213/3
Ajaz Patel is back on.
76.6 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Good length delivery on middle, the batsman blocks it well. 213/3
76.5 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews defends off the front foot. 213/3
76.4 de Grandhomme to Mendis, 200 run partnership between Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews. Full on leg, Kusal flicks it towards square leg for a single. 213/3
76.3 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Wide outside off, the batsman offers no shot. 212/3
76.2 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Full on off, Kusal drives it straight back towards the bowler. 212/3
76.1 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Full on leg, Mendis plays it to mid on. 212/3
75.6 N Wagner to Mathews, Full on middle, Mathews plays it to covers. 212/3
75.5 N Wagner to Mathews, Short again, Mathews pulls it to mid-wicket. 212/3
75.4 N Wagner to Mendis, Short on off, Mendis cuts it towards point for a run. 212/3
75.3 N Wagner to Mathews, Short of length delivery, Mathews pulls it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run. 211/3
75.2 N Wagner to Mathews, FOUR! Good shot. Short outside off, Mathews plays an upper cut towards third man for a boundary. Mathews moves to 81. 210/3
75.1 N Wagner to Mathews, Short on off, Mathews cuts it to point. 206/3
74.6 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Length delivery on middle, Mendis flicks it to mid-wicket. 206/3
74.5 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Full on off, Mathews plays it to covers. The batsmen take a run. 206/3
74.4 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Good length delivery on middle, Mathews keeps it out. 205/3
74.3 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, the batsman blocks it off his front foot. 205/3
74.2 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Full on middle, Mathews drives it to mid on. 205/3
74.1 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Full outside off, Mathews looks to drive but goes past him and Watling. It goes to Taylor at first slip. No edge there. 205/3
73.6 N Wagner to Mathews, Short of a length delivery, Mathews pulls it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run. 205/3
73.5 N Wagner to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews defends off the front foot. 204/3
73.4 N Wagner to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, Kusal flicks it towards fine leg. The batsmen cross ends. 204/3
73.3 N Wagner to Mendis, FOUR! 100 for Kusal Mendis. 6th Test hundred for him. What an innings it has been. Nothing short of exceptional, he needed this knock as he wasn't in the best of form. Short of length delivery on leg, Mendis pulls it towards fine leg for a boundary. He removes his helmet and soaks in the applause by the crowd and his teammates. Also, the 200 is up for Sri Lanka. 203/3
73.2 N Wagner to Mendis, Bowls down the leg side, Mendis lets it go. 199/3
73.1 N Wagner to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, Mendis pushes it to short leg. 199/3
72.6 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Full on off, the right-hander drives it to covers. 199/3
72.5 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Short outside off, Mathews plays it to covers. 199/3
72.4 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Length delivery on leg, Mathews flicks it to the leg side. 199/3
72.3 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, the batsman defends off the front foot. 199/3
72.2 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Good length delivery outside off, Mathews shoulders his arms to this one. 199/3
72.1 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Full on off, Mathews drives it straight towards the bowler. 199/3
Colin de Grandhomme to bowl from the other end.
71.6 N Wagner to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, Mendis nudges it to the leg side. 199/3
71.5 N Wagner to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, Mendis flicks it past short leg. It was uppish but wide of the fielder. 199/3
71.4 N Wagner to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, Kusal defends off the back foot. 199/3
71.3 N Wagner to Mathews, Short of a length delivery, Mathews pulls it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a single. 199/3
71.2 N Wagner to K Mendis, Length delivery on leg, Mendis pulls it towards square leg. The batsmen take a run. Mendis moves to 99. 198/3
71.1 N Wagner to Mendis, Short of a length delivery, Mendis nudges it to the leg side. 197/3
The players and umpires are out in the middle. Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews are at the crease. Neil Wagner will start the proceedings after Tea.
... DAY 4, SESSION 3 ...
New Zealand on the other hand, need to find a way to break this stand. They would hope to do so and then get a few quick wickets after the break. Will they do so? We will have to wait to find out.
Another session which belongs to the visitors. They are slowly creeping their way back into the match. The pair of Mathews and Mendis have continued from where they left off in the first session. The latter is just short of a ton and the former looks set to get a big one. 184 is what the partnership is between the two and Sri Lanka would want them to continue.
70.6 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, the batsman defends off the back foot. THAT IS TEA ON DAY 4. 197/3
70.5 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on leg, Mathews nudges it to the leg side. 197/3
70.4 A Patel to Mathews, FOUR! Poor delivery from Ajaz Patel. Short delivery on middle, Mathews pounces on it and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Sri Lanka trail by just under 100. 197/3
70.3 A Patel to Mathews, RUN OUT CHANCE! SAFE! Tossed up on leg, Mathews flicks it towards short fine leg. Mendis wants a run and is halfway down but is sent back by Mathews. Wagner fires a throw at the wrong end. 193/3
70.2 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews defends off the back foot. 193/3
70.1 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on leg, Mathews flicks it to the leg side. 193/3
69.6 N Wagner to K Mendis, Short of a length delivery, Kusal pulls it over short leg and it fell short of Jeet Raval at square leg. 193/3
69.5 N Wagner to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, Mendis flicks it to the leg side. 193/3
69.5 N Wagner to Mendis, WIDE! Bowls a bouncer, Kusal ducks underneath it. 193/3
69.4 N Wagner to K Mendis, Short of a length delivery, Kusal pulls it to mid-wicket where Tom Latham does well to stop it. 192/3
69.3 N Wagner to Mathews, Short of a length delivery again, Mathews pulls it towards fine leg. The batsmen cross ends. 192/3
69.2 N Wagner to Mathews, FOUR! Good shot. Short of length delivery, Mathews pulls it through square leg for a boundary. 191/3
69.1 N Wagner to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, Kusal flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen take a run. 187/3
68.6 A Patel to Mathews, Shorter on off, Mathews goes back and punches it to covers. 186/3
68.5 A Patel to Mathews, FOUR! Second boundary of the over! Mathews uses his feet and gets to the pitch of the ball. He whips it over the mid-wicket fielder and into the fence. 186/3
68.4 A Patel to Mendis, Shortish and outside off, Mendis pushes it through covers and a run is taken. 182/3
68.3 A Patel to Mendis, FOUR! DEFT! Moves onto 96 does Mendis. It is flatter and outside off, Mendis waits for it and then guides it through short third man. The ball races away. 181/3
68.2 A Patel to Mendis, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 177/3
68.1 A Patel to Mendis, Floated it up outside off, Mendis drives it to covers. 177/3
67.6 N Wagner to Mendis, Tossed up on leg, Kusal flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen take a run. 177/3
67.5 N Wagner to Mendis, Bowls down the leg side, Kusal lets it go. 176/3
67.4 N Wagner to Mendis, Bowls down the leg side, the batsman leaves it alone. 176/3
67.3 N Wagner to Mendis, FOUR! Good shot from Kusal Mendis. Short of length delivery, Mendis plays an upper cut towards third man for a boundary. 176/3
67.2 N Wagner to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Mendis defends it towards mid on and sets off. Mathews is not interested and sends him back. Tom Latham is slow in collecting the ball and by the time he throws it to the keeper's end, Mendis makes it safely. There was never a run there. 172/3
67.1 N Wagner to Mendis, Bowls a bouncer, Mendis does well to duck under it. 172/3
66.6 A Patel to Mendis, Full on middle, Mendis drives it through mid on. The batsmen take a single. They still trail by 124 runs. 172/3
66.5 A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on middle, the batsman blocks it off his back foot. 171/3
66.4 A Patel to K Mendis, Full on off, Mendis drives it to mid off. 171/3
66.3 A Patel to Mathews, Short on off, Mathews cuts it towards point. The batsmen take a single. 171/3
66.2 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on middle, Mathews keeps it out. 170/3
66.1 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on leg, Mathews nudges it to the leg side. 170/3
65.6 N Wagner to Mendis, Short of a length delivery, Mendis looks to play the upper cut but misses it. 170/3
65.5 N Wagner to A Mathews, Short of a length delivery, Mathews pulls it towards square leg. The batsmen take a single. 170/3
65.4 N Wagner to K Mendis, Short of a length delivery, Kusal pulls it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run. 169/3
65.3 N Wagner to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Mendis defends from within the crease. 168/3
65.2 N Wagner to Mendis, Bowls a bouncer, Mendis does well to duck under it. 168/3
65.1 N Wagner to Mendis, Short of a length delivery down leg, Mendis lets it go. 168/3
64.6 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on off, Mathews defends off the front foot. 168/3
64.5 A Patel to Mathews, Short on off, the batsman cuts it to point. 168/3
64.4 A Patel to Mathews, Floated on off, Mathews keeps it out. 168/3
64.3 A Patel to Mathews, Floated on leg, the batsman offers a forward defense on this one. 168/3
64.2 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews defends off the back foot. 168/3
64.1 A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on leg, Mendis flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen take a run. 168/3
63.6 N Wagner to Mathews, Good length delivery on middle again, Mathews blocks it well. 167/3
63.5 N Wagner to Mathews, Good length delivery on middle, the batsman defends off the back foot. 167/3
63.4 N Wagner to Mathews, Bowls a bouncer down leg, Mathews does well to duck under it. 167/3
63.3 N Wagner to Mathews, Length delivery on middle, Mathews defends off the back foot. 167/3
63.2 N Wagner to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, Kusal flicks it towards fine leg. The batsmen take a run. 167/3
63.1 N Wagner to Mendis, Bowls a bouncer, Mendis ducks underneath it. 166/3
62.6 A Patel to Mathews, Short on off, Mathews rocks back and punches it through covers. The batsmen pick up a couple. 166/3
62.5 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on off, the batsman defends off the back foot. 164/3
62.4 A Patel to Mathews, Bowls down the leg side, Mathews lets it go. 164/3
62.3 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on middle, the batsman defends off the back foot. 164/3
62.2 A Patel to Mathews, Short on off, Mathews cuts it to point where Tom Latham makes a brilliant stop. 164/3
62.1 A Patel to Mathews, Bowls flat on middle, Mathews defends off the back foot. 164/3
61.6 N Wagner to Mendis, Again a bouncer from Wagner. Mathews easily ducks under it. 164/3
61.5 N Wagner to Mathews, Short of length delivery, Mathews plays it towards third man. The batsmen take a run. 164/3
61.4 N Wagner to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, the batsman blocks it off his back foot. 163/3
61.3 N Wagner to Mathews, Bowls down the leg side, Mathews lets it go. 163/3
61.2 N Wagner to Mathews, Two in two from Wagner. Bowls a bouncer, the batsman does well to duck under it. 163/3
61.1 N Wagner to Mathews, Bowls a bouncer, Mathews does well to duck under it. 163/3
60.6 A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on middle, Mendis looks to defend but gets hit low on the pads. 163/3
60.5 A Patel to Mendis, Floated on off, Kusal keeps it out. 163/3
60.4 A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on off, the batsman defends off the front foot. 163/3
60.3 A Patel to Mendis, Flighted delivery on middle, the batsman blocks it off his back foot. 163/3
60.2 A Patel to Mendis, Turns away from the batsman, Mendis looks to cut but decides against it. 163/3
60.1 A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on middle, Mendis defends off the back foot. 163/3
59.6 N Wagner to Mendis, Takes on the challenge of pulling it. Does so but straight towards the fine leg fielder for a run. 150-run stand is up. 163/3
59.5 N Wagner to Mendis, A well-directed bouncer this time, Mendis moves out of the way and watches it go to the keeper. 162/3
59.4 N Wagner to Mendis, On the shorter side around off, Mendis stands tall and defends it onto the ground. That was nicely played. He got right on top of the bounce. 162/3
59.3 N Wagner to Mathews, On the body of the batsman, it is worked towards fine leg for a single. 162/3
59.2 N Wagner to Mathews, Another bouncer, Mathews once again ducks under it. 161/3
59.1 N Wagner to Mathews, A bumper to begin this over, Mathews ducks under it. 161/3
58.6 A Patel to Mendis, Full on middle, Mendis drives it to mid off. 161/3
58.5 A Patel to Mendis, Flighted delivery on leg, Mendis looks to flick but misses it. 161/3
58.4 A Patel to Mendis, Floated on off, the batsman defends with a straight bat. 161/3
58.3 A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on off, the batsman defends off the back foot. 161/3
58.2 A Patel to Mendis, Flighted delivery on middle, Mendis blocks it well. 161/3
58.1 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on leg, Mathews flicks it through square leg. The fielder chases it and stops it just before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs. Good running between the wickets. 161/3
57.6 N Wagner to Mendis, Full on off, Mendis drives it straight towards the bowler. 158/3
57.5 N Wagner to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, the batsman defends off the back foot. 158/3
57.5 N Wagner to Mendis, NO BALL! Third bouncer in the over. Bowls a bouncer, Mendis does well to duck under it. Wagner is given warning by the umpire. 158/3
57.4 N Wagner to Mathews, Length delivery on leg, the batsman flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen take a single. 157/3
57.3 N Wagner to Mathews, Consecutive bouncers from Neil Wagner. Bowls a bouncer, Mathews does well to duck under it. 156/3
57.2 N Wagner to Mathews, Bowls a bouncer, Mathews ducks underneath it. 156/3
57.1 N Wagner to Mendis, Short of a length delivery on leg, Mendis nudges it towards fine leg. The batsmen cross ends. 156/3
57.1 N Wagner to Mendis, WIDE! Bowls a slow bouncer, Mendis does well to duck under it. 155/3
Neil Wagner is back on.
56.6 A Patel to Mathews, Short on off, Mathews slaps it to covers. 154/3
56.5 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on off, the batsman defends with a straight bat. 154/3
56.4 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews nudges it to the leg side. 154/3
56.3 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on middle, the batsman blocks it well. 154/3
56.2 A Patel to Mathews, BEATEN! What a delivery from Ajaz Patel. Patel pitches it on middle, it turns away square after landing. Mathews tries to defend but gets beaten. Not a lot you can do about such deliveries. 154/3
56.1 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on middle, Mathews defends off the back foot. 154/3
DRINKS BREAK!
55.6 Tim Southee to Mendis, Back of a length around off, it is kept out. 154/3
55.5 Tim Southee to Mathews, A short delivery which has been pulled away. They pick up a single. 154/3
55.4 Tim Southee to Mathews, Now bowls the yorker, Mathews though gets his bat down in time. 153/3
55.3 Tim Southee to Mathews, Good change in pace! Slower ball on off, Tim blocks it out. 153/3
55.2 Tim Southee to Mathews, Around the middle stump, Southee works it to mid-wicket. 153/3
55.1 Tim Southee to Mathews, NOT OUT! And that is why! The dive means, he is in easily. It is slightly straighter in line, Mathews flicks it through square leg. He takes one and then goes for the second. The fielder throws it to the keeper who collects the ball, whips the bails off and appeals. The umpire takes it upstairs and replays show Mathews is fine. The couple also brings up his fifty, his 34th in Tests and consecutive ones. Needs to make it big here. 153/3
An appeal for a run out has been taken upstairs. Mathews is the man in question. He seems relaxed.
54.6 Patel to Mendis, APPEAL FOR LBW! NOT OUT! Tossed up on leg, Mendis looks to flick but misses it and gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals but the umpire shakes his head. New Zealand decide against the review. Probably it was missing leg. 151/3
54.5 A Patel to Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis keeps it out. 151/3
54.4 A Patel to Mendis, Flighted delivery on middle, the batsman defends off the back foot. 151/3
54.3 A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on middle, Mendis looks to defend but gets an inside edge and goes to fine leg. 151/3
54.2 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on off, Mathews drives it towards covers for a run. 151/3
54.1 A Patel to Mathews, IN THE AIR, BUT SAFE! Tossed up on leg, Mathews looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. It goes to the leg side where no short leg fielder is there. 150/3
53.6 Tim Southee to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, the batsman defends off the back foot. 150/3
53.5 Tim Southee to Mendis, Full on leg, Mendis flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen pick up a couple. 150/3
53.4 Tim Southee to Mendis, Full on off, the batsman drives it to covers. 148/3
53.3 Tim Southee to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, Mendis defends off the front foot. 148/3
53.2 Tim Southee to Mendis, Full on leg, Mendis flicks it to mid-wicket. 148/3
53.1 Tim Southee to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, Mendis keeps it out. 148/3
52.6 A Patel to A Mathews, Loopy delivery on leg, Mathews looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. It goes to the leg side. There was no short leg fielder there. 148/3
52.5 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on off, Mathews defends off the front foot. 148/3
52.4 A Patel to Mathews, Floated on middle, Mathews blocks it off his back foot. 148/3
52.3 A Patel to Mendis, Short on off, Mendis makes room and cuts it towards point. 148/3
52.2 A Patel to Mathews, Short on off, Mathews slaps it towards covers. The batsmen cross ends. 147/3
52.1 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on off, Mathews defends with a straight bat. 146/3
51.6 Tim Southee to Mendis, FOUR! This is Mendis at his best! He has played quite a few beautiful shots down the ground today. Full and on middle, Mendis shows the full face of the bat and times it through mid on. 146/3
51.5 Tim Southee to Mendis, Short but the line is outside off, Mendis is not interested in playing that. 142/3
51.4 Tim Southee to Mendis, Bowls it on a length and around off, Mendis gets right behind the line of the delivery and keeps it out. 142/3
51.3 Tim Southee to Mathews, Short ball outside off, Mathews tries to drag his pull, does not get it off the middle, it goes through mid-wicket for a run. 142/3
51.2 Tim Southee to Mathews, Another ball outside off, the batsman is in no mood to play at those. 141/3
51.1 Tim Southee to Mathews, Fullish and outside off, the batsman shoulders arms to it. 141/3
50.6 A Patel to Mendis, Floated on leg, the batsman nudges it to square leg. 141/3
50.5 A Patel to Mendis, Nicely bowled by Ajaz Patel. Pitched on middle, turns away from the batsman, Mendis looks to defend but gets beaten on this one. 141/3
50.4 A Patel to Mathews, Full on leg, Mathews drives it to mid on where the fielder misfields. The batsmen get three runs. 141/3
50.3 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on middle, Mathews offers a forward defense on this one. 138/3
50.2 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, the batsman defends off the back foot. 138/3
50.1 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on off, Mathews defends off the front foot. 138/3
49.6 Tim Southee to Mathews, Full on middle, Mathews drives it towards mid on where the fielder dives and makes a half-stop. A run is taken. 138/3
49.5 Tim Southee to Mathews, Good length delivery on middle, the batsman defends off the front foot. 137/3
49.4 Tim Southee to Mathews, Length delivery on off, Mathews keeps it out. 137/3
49.3 Tim Southee to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, the batsman blocks it off his back foot. 137/3
49.2 Tim Southee to Mathews, Length delivery on leg, Mathews flicks it towards square leg. 137/3
49.1 Tim Southee to Mathews, Full on off, Mathews drives it straight towards the bowler. 137/3
Tim Southee is into the attack.
48.6 A Patel to K Mendis, Short on middle, Mendis pulls it to mid-wicket. 137/3
48.5 A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on middle, Mendis keeps it out. 137/3
48.4 A Patel to Mendis, Flighted delivery on off, the batsman blocks it off his front foot. 137/3
48.3 A Patel to Mendis, FOUR! What a shot! Full on middle, Mendis drives it straight past the bowler for a boundary. 137/3
48.2 A Patel to Mendis, Wide outside off, Mendis leaves it alone. 133/3
48.1 A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on leg, Mendis defends off the front foot. 133/3
47.6 T Boult to Mathews, Goes back to bowling length and Mathews is solid in defense. 163 is what they trail by now. 133/3
47.5 T Boult to Mathews, FOUR! Crunched! Mathews looks very comfortable now. It is short and on middle, AM stands tall and pulls it through mid-wicket. 133/3
47.4 T Boult to Mathews, Well bowled! Angles it into the batter and then gets it to leave him. The ball takes the outside edge of Mathews' bat and goes to point. 129/3
47.3 T Boult to Mathews, Changes the angle and bowls from around the wicket. It is full and outside off, Mathews strokes it back towards the bowler. 129/3
47.2 T Boult to A Mathews, Fullish in length around off, Mathews strokes it to mid on. 129/3
47.1 T Boult to Mathews, Pitches it on middle and then gets it to move away. Mathews is slightly squared up as he defends the ball. 129/3
46.6 A Patel to Mendis, Flighted delivery on off, Mendis blocks it well. 129/3
46.5 A Patel to Mendis, Floated on off, the batsman defends off the front foot. 129/3
46.4 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen take a single. 129/3
46.3 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on off, Mathews looks to defend but gets an inside edge and it goes to the leg side. 128/3
46.2 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews looks to defend but it stays low. He adjusts and gets his bat down in time. 128/3
46.1 A Patel to Mathews, Short outside off, Mathews plays it to point. 128/3
45.6 T Boult to Mendis, Good length delivery outside off, the batsman offers no shot. 128/3
45.5 T Boult to Mendis, Full on off, Mendis drives it to covers. 128/3
45.4 T Boult to Mendis, Bowls a bouncer, Kusal ducks under it. 128/3
45.3 T Boult to Mendis, Length delivery on off, the batsman drives it to mid off. 128/3
45.2 T Boult to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Kusal keeps it out. 128/3
45.1 T Boult to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Mendis plays it to point. 128/3
44.6 A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on off, Mendis drives it towards covers. The batsmen take a run. 128/3
44.5 A Patel to Mendis, Full on middle, the batsman drives it to mid on. 127/3
44.4 A Patel to Mendis, Floated on off, Mendis defends off the front foot. 127/3
44.3 A Patel to Mendis, Flighted delivery on off, Kusal defends off the back foot. 127/3
44.2 A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on off, Kusal plays it to covers. 127/3
44.1 A Patel to Mendis, Quicker one on off, Mendis looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads. 127/3
43.6 T Boult to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews defends off the back foot. 127/3
43.5 T Boult to Mathews, Short outside off, the batsman drives it to covers where the fielder does well to stop it and save runs for the team. 127/3
43.4 T Boult to Mathews, Full on middle, Mathews defends off the back foot. 127/3
43.3 T Boult to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, Mendis flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen take a single. 127/3
43.2 T Boult to Mendis, Good length delivery outside off, Mendis shoulders his arms to this one. 126/3
43.1 T Boult to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Mendis taps it to covers. 126/3
42.6 A Patel to Mathews, Loopy delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it to the leg side. 126/3
42.5 A Patel to Mendis, Floated on leg, Mendis flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen take a run. 126/3
42.4 A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on leg, Mendis looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. 125/3
42.3 A Patel to A Mathews, Full on middle, Mathews drives it straight towards mid on. The batsmen cross ends. 125/3
42.2 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on middle, Mathews flicks it to mid-wicket. 124/3
42.1 A Patel to Mathews, Floated on middle, Mathews keeps it out. 124/3
41.6 T Boult to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, Kusal blocks it well. 124/3
41.5 T Boult to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Mendis defends off the back foot. 124/3
41.4 T Boult to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, the batsman blocks it well. 124/3
41.3 T Boult to Mendis, Full on off, Mendis drives it towards point. The batsmen pick up a couple. 124/3
41.2 T Boult to Mendis, Short on off, Mendis taps it to covers. 122/3
41.1 T Boult to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Mendis defends off the front foot. 122/3
Trent Boult to bowl from the other end.
40.6 A Patel to Mathews, Loopy delivery on leg, Angelo nudges it to the leg side. 122/3
40.5 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on off, Mathews rocks back and plays it to covers. 122/3
40.4 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on off, the batsman blocks it off his front foot. 122/3
40.3 A Patel to Mathews, Short outside off, Mathews cuts it to point. 122/3
40.2 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on off, Mathews keeps it out. 122/3
40.1 A Patel to Mathews, Tossed up on leg, Mathews flicks it to the leg side. 122/3
The players and umpires are out in the middle. Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews are at the crease. Ajaz Patel will start the proceedings after Lunch.
... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...
The Kiwi bowlers were too predictable today. They were consistently bowling short and hardly pitched any balls ahead. They have to come out with a different plan in the session post Lunch as the two batters have looked very comfortable. Will Sri Lanka continue their fight back or will the Black Caps make a come back? Join us to find out in a while.
An outstanding session for Sri Lanka. It is not only a wicket-less session but runs have also flown for them. Mendis has been the one who has played freely and brought his half century up. Mathews on the other hand, has taken his time and he is nearing his half ton. Sri Lanka would hope the two can continue as they are still a long way behind in the game.
39.6 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Length delivery on off, Mathews looks to defend but gets it off the inner half of the bat and goes towards the leg side. The batsmen cross ends. THAT IS LUNCH ON DAY 4. 122/3
39.5 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Bowls a bouncer, Mathews ducks underneath it. 121/3
39.4 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Wide outside off, Mathews lets it go. 121/3
39.3 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Length delivery on middle, the batsamn flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run. 121/3
39.2 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Mendis defends it to short cover. 120/3
39.1 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Wide outside off, Mendis shoulders his arms to this one. 120/3
38.6 A Patel to Mathews, Flighted delivery on off, Mathew blocks it well. 120/3
38.5 A Patel to Mathews, Loopy delivery on middle, the batsman defends off the back foot. 120/3
38.4 A Patel to Mathews, Floated on off, Mathews defends off the front foot. 120/3
Too windy out there at the moment. The boundary cushions are blown onto the ground. A slight hault in play.
38.3 A Patel to Mendis, Short on off, Mendis cuts it towards point. The batsmen take a single. 120/3
38.2 A Patel to Mendis, Flighted delivery on middle, Mendis defends off the back foot. 119/3
38.1 A Patel to Mendis, Tossed up on middle, Mendis defends off the front foot. 119/3
37.6 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews defends off the front foot. 119/3
37.5 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Length delivery on off, the right-hander defends off the back foot. 119/3
37.4 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews blocks it off his front foot. 119/3
37.3 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Good length delivery on middle, the batsman defends off the back foot. 119/3
37.2 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Length delivery on leg, Mathews flicks it towards square leg. Two runs taken. 119/3
37.1 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews defends off the back foot. 117/3
Change of ends for Colin.
36.6 A Patel to Mendis, A good nut to end a maiden by Patel. On middle, Mendis keeps it out. 117/3
36.5 A Patel to Mendis, Follows it up with a shorter ball around off, Mendis pushes it back to the bowler. 117/3
36.4 A Patel to Mendis, Best ball of the over so far! Flighted and around off, Mendis lunges and keeps it out. 117/3
36.3 A Patel to Mendis, Flatter and shorter on off, it goes on with the arm. Mendis goes back and defends it. 117/3
36.2 A Patel to Mendis, Slower through the air around off, Mendis goes back and punches it to covers. 117/3
36.1 A Patel to Mendis, A full toss to begin with, Mendis does not take full toll of it as he finds the mid-wicket fielder with the flick. 117/3
Ajaz Patel is on now. Spinner for the first time today.
35.6 N Wagner to A Mathews, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries for Mathews! Short of a length delivery, Mathews pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. Big over for Sri Lanka. 12 runs off it. 117/3
35.5 N Wagner to Mathews, FOUR! 100-run stand between Mathews and Mendis. It has been a good partnership between them and a vital one too. Short of a length delivery, Mathews pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. 113/3
35.4 N Wagner to Mathews, Short on off, the batsman cuts it to point. 109/3
35.3 N Wagner to Mathews, FOUR! Good shot. Length delivery on leg, Mathews flicks it fine towards the leg side for a boundary. 109/3
35.2 N Wagner to Mathews, Good length delivery outside off, Mathews looks to cut but gets beaten on this one. 105/3
35.1 N Wagner to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews defends off the back foot. 105/3
34.6 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Full on off, the batsman drives it to covers. 105/3
34.5 de Grandhomme to K Mendis, Short of length delivery, Mendis pulls it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen pick up a couple. 105/3
34.4 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Length delivery on leg, the batsman flicks it towards square leg. The batsmen take a run. 103/3
34.3 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Good length delivery on middle, Mathews defends off the back foot. 102/3
34.2 de Grandhomme to A Mathews, Full on off, Mathews looks to defend but gets an outside edge towards second slip. It fell short of the fielder. 102/3
34.1 de Grandhomme to Mathews, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 102/3
33.6 N Wagner to K Mendis, Full on off, Mendis drives it to covers. 102/3
33.5 N Wagner to Mathews, Length delivery on leg, Mathews flicks it towards the leg side. The batsmen cross ends. 102/3
33.4 N Wagner to A Mathews, Full on off, Mathews looks to defend but gets an outside edge past slip. It goes towards third man. The batsmen pick up a couple. 101/3
33.3 N Wagner to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, the batsman defends off the back foot. 99/3
33.2 N Wagner to Mathews, Bowls a bouncer, Mathews does well to duck under it. 99/3
33.1 N Wagner to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews defends off the back foot. 99/3
32.6 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, the batsman blocks it well. 99/3
32.6 de Grandhomme to Mendis, NO BALL! Colin de Grandhomme oversteps. Good length delivery on off, Mendis defends off the front foot. 99/3
32.5 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Bowls down the leg side, Mendis still goes after it but misses it. 98/3
32.4 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Length delivery on leg, the batsman flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run. It is signaled as a leg bye so the umpire feels there is not bat involved. 98/3
32.3 de Grandhomme to A Mathews, Length delivery on off, Mathews again looks to defend but gets an outside edge towards slip. It fell short of the fielder. 97/3
32.2 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Length delivery on off, Mathews looks to defend but gets an inside edge onto the pads. 97/3
32.1 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews plays it back towards the bowler. 97/3
31.6 N Wagner to Mendis, FOUR! Consecutive boundaries! This is well-controlled. Full and on middle, Mendis strokes it through mid on and the ball races away. 11 from this over, a good one for Sri Lanka. 97/3
31.5 N Wagner to Mendis, FOUR! In the air... but in the gap! That was close. Wagner bowls it full and outside off, Mendis goes for it, it is hit right off the middle but uppishly, wide of the diving fielder at covers and into the fence. 93/3
31.4 N Wagner to Mathews, Slightly shorter and wide outside off, Mathews slaps it through cover-point for a run. 89/3
31.3 N Wagner to Mendis, On the middle stump, Mendis works it through mid-wicket and a run is taken. 88/3
31.2 N Wagner to Mendis, Wide outside off, left alone. 87/3
31.1 N Wagner to Mathews, Mathews shuffles across and then flicks it through square leg. A run is taken. 87/3
Neil Wagner is back into the attack.
30.6 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Short of length delivery outside off, Mendis cuts it towards point. Two runs taken. 86/3
30.5 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Length delivery on middle, the right-hander tucks it to mid-wicket. 84/3
30.4 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Length delivery on middle, Mendis flicks it to mid-wicket. 84/3
30.3 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, the batsman defends off the front foot. 84/3
30.2 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Fifty for Kusal Mendis. 8th fifty for him in Tests. It has been a fine innings from him but he needs to continue as the job is not even half done. Full on off, Mendis plays it towards point. The batsmen pick up a couple. 84/3
30.1 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Good delivery, in the fifth stump channel, Mendis shoulders his arms to this one. 82/3
29.6 Tim Southee to Mathews, Full on off, the batsman drives it towards the bowler. 82/3
29.5 Tim Southee to Mathews, Full on middle, Mathews drives it to mid on. 82/3
29.4 Tim Southee to Mathews, Good length delivery on middle, Mathews manages to defend it off his back foot. 82/3
29.3 Tim Southee to Mathews, Bowls a bouncer, Mathews does well to duck under it. 82/3
29.2 Tim Southee to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, Mendis looks to flick but gets it off his pads. It goes towards fine leg. The batsmen take a run. Umpire gives it as leg bye. 82/3
29.1 Tim Southee to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, Mendis defends off the back foot. 81/3
28.6 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Outside off, the right-hander offers no shot. 81/3
28.5 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Wide outside off, Mathews easily lets it go. 81/3
28.4 de Grandhomme to A Mathews, Full on off, Mathews looks to drive but gets an inside edge onto the pads. 81/3
28.3 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Full on middle, the batsman drives it to mid on where the fielder does well to stop it. 81/3
28.2 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Full on middle, Mathews drives it straight towards the bowler. 81/3
28.1 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews defends off the back foot. 81/3
27.6 Tim Southee to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, Mendis blocks it off his back foot. 81/3
27.5 Tim Southee to Mendis, Length delivery on middle, the batsman nudges it to the leg side. 81/3
27.4 Tim Southee to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, the batsman blocks it off his back foot. 81/3
27.3 Tim Southee to Mendis, Length delivery on off, Mendis cuts it to point. 81/3
27.2 Tim Southee to K Mendis, Length delivery on off, Mendis looks to drive but gets an outside edge. It goes towards third man. The batsmen pick up a couple. 81/3
27.1 Tim Southee to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews taps it towards point for a run. 79/3
26.6 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Length delivery on off, the batsman defends off the back foot. 78/3
26.5 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Good length delivery outside off, Mendis shoulders his arms to this one. 78/3
26.4 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, the batsman looks to defend but gets a bottom edge on that one. It goes towards the bowler. 78/3
26.3 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Again, wide outside off, Mendis offers no shot. 78/3
26.2 de Grandhomme to Mendis, Wide outside off, Mendis lets it go. 78/3
26.1 de Grandhomme to Mathews, Short outside off, Mathews cuts it through point. The fielder chases it and stops it just before the ropes. The batsmen get three runs. 78/3
Colin de Grandhomme is on now.
DRINKS BREAK!
25.6 Tim Southee to Mendis, Full on middle, Mendis plays it to mid on. 75/3
25.5 Tim Southee to Mendis, Short of a length delivery, Mendis pulls it to short mid-wicket. 75/3
25.4 Tim Southee to Mendis, Good length delivery, the batsman punches it towards the bowler. 75/3
25.3 Tim Southee to Mendis, Outside off, Mendis shoulders his arms to this one. 75/3
25.2 Tim Southee to K Mendis, Length delivery on off, Mendis drives it to mid off. 75/3
25.1 Tim Southee to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Mendis defends off the back foot. 75/3
24.6 N Wagner to Mathews, Bowls a bouncer outside off, Mathews lets it go. 75/3
24.5 N Wagner to Mathews, Wide outside off, Mathews shoulders his arms to this one. 75/3
24.4 N Wagner to Mendis, Short of length delivery, Mendis pulls it towards square leg. The batsmen take a run. 75/3
24.3 N Wagner to Mendis, Good length delivery outside off, the batsman offers no shot. 72/3
24.3 N Wagner to Mendis, FIVE WIDES! Bowls this one very short. It goes way above the batsman's head, over the leaping keeper and into the third man fence. 72/3
24.2 N Wagner to Mendis, Outside off, Mendis offers no shot. 67/3
24.1 N Wagner to Mathews, Short of a length delivery, Mathews pulls it towards square leg. The batsmen take a run. 67/3
23.6 Tim Southee to Mendis, Another ball outside off, another leave. A maiden but not a threatening one. 66/3
23.5 Tim Southee to Mendis, Wide outside off again, the batsman does not fiddle with it. Playing on Mendis' patience here are the Kiwis. 66/3
23.4 Tim Southee to Mendis, Slightly fuller and outside off, Mendis who was going after such deliveries in the last over, keeps his calm and lets it be. 66/3
23.3 Tim Southee to Mendis, Better! Closer to the off pole, Mendis gets right behind the line and defends it onto the ground. 66/3
23.2 Tim Southee to Mendis, On a length again but the line is once again slightly outside off, Mendis shoulders arms to it. 66/3
23.1 Tim Southee to Mendis, Good length but the line is outside off, Mendis need not play at those. 66/3
Tim Southee is back on.
22.6 N Wagner to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, the batsman flicks it towards mid-wicket. The batsmen take a run. 66/3
22.5 N Wagner to Mendis, Short of a length delivery, Kusal looks to hook but misses it. 65/3
22.5 N Wagner to Mendis, WIDE! Bowls a bouncer, Mendis does well to duck under it. 65/3
22.4 N Wagner to Mendis, BEATEN! Good length delivery outside off, Mendis looks to drive but gets beaten on this one. 64/3
22.3 N Wagner to Mendis, FOUR! 50 partnership between Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews. They have really started off well today. The pair needs to continue though. Classic straight drive from Kusal Mendis. Consecutive boundaries for him. Full on off, Mendis drives it straight past the bowler for a boundary. 64/3
22.2 N Wagner to Mendis, FOUR! Short of a length delivery, Mendis pulls it through mid-wicket where the fielder dives but it goes through him. The ball races away to the boundary. 60/3
22.1 N Wagner to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, Mendis nudges it towards fine leg. Boult from deep fine leg puts in a dive and makes a great stop to save runs for his team. The batsmen get three runs. 56/3
21.6 T Boult to Mathews, Good length delivery on middle, the batsman blocks it well. 54/3
21.5 T Boult to Mathews, Length delivery on leg, the batsman tucks it to the leg side. 54/3
21.4 T Boult to Mathews, Bowls down the leg side, Mathews lets it go. 54/3
21.3 T Boult to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews plays it to mid off. 54/3
21.2 T Boult to Mathews, Good length delivery on middle, Mathews defends off the back foot. 54/3
21.1 T Boult to Mathews, Length delivery on off, Mathews plays it to covers. 54/3
20.6 N Wagner to K Mendis, FOUR! Good shot. Short of length delivery, Mendis pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary. 54/3
20.5 N Wagner to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Mendis blocks it off his back foot. 50/3
20.4 N Wagner to Mendis, 50 up for Sri Lanka! Short of a length delivery, Mendis pulls it towards square leg. De Grandhomme makes a long chase, puts in a dive and stops it just before the ropes. The batsmen pick up a couple. 50/3
20.3 N Wagner to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, Mendis nudges it to the leg side. 48/3
20.2 N Wagner to Mendis, Bowls a bouncer, Mendis does well to duck under it. 48/3
20.1 N Wagner to Mathews, Short of length delivery on leg, Mathews pulls it towards square leg for a run. 48/3
19.6 T Boult to Mendis, Well bowled! Angles this one away from the batter from off, Mendis shoulders arms to it. 47/3
19.5 T Boult to Mendis, Edgy runs! Full and outside off, Mendis throws his bat at it. Gets an outside edge towards Williamson at gully. He dives to his right, gets a hand to it but can't stop the two taken by the batsmen. 47/3
19.4 T Boult to Mendis, Stump-to-stump line, Mendis blocks it out. 45/3
19.3 T Boult to Mendis, BEATEN! Angles this away from the batter from the off pole. Mendis is drawn into the stroke away from his body but luckily for him, he gets beaten. 45/3
19.2 T Boult to Mendis, Lands it on a length this time around off, Mendis is solid in defense. 45/3
19.1 T Boult to Mendis, Good fielding! Short ball around off, Mendis pulls it towards mid-wicket. Nicholls there dives to his right and makes a good stop. 45/3
18.6 N Wagner to Mathews, Good length delivery on middle, Mathews blocks it off his back foot. 45/3
18.5 N Wagner to Mendis, Full on middle, Mendis drives it towards Wagner who dives to stop it but does not get a hand to it. It goes past him through mid on. The batsmen get three runs. It was uppish for a while but to Mendis' fortune, it was wide of Wagner. 45/3
18.4 N Wagner to K Mendis, FOUR! EXQUISITE! Full on middle, Mendis drives it straight through mid on for a delightful boundary. 42/3
18.3 N Wagner to Mendis, Bowls a bouncer, Kusal ducks underneath it. 38/3
18.2 N Wagner to Mendis, Length delivery on middle, Mendis keeps it out. 38/3
18.1 N Wagner to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Mendis blocks it well. 38/3
Neil Wagner is on.
17.6 T Boult to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews defends it off the back foot. 38/3
17.5 T Boult to Mathews, Bowls a bouncer, Mathews ducks underneath it. 38/3
17.4 T Boult to Mendis, Length delivery on middle, Mendis flicks it towards the leg side for a run. 38/3
17.3 T Boult to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Mendis keeps it out. 37/3
17.2 T Boult to Mendis, Length delivery on off, Mendis defends it towards mid off. Ajaz Patel there misfields. The batsmen go for a run. They now see Patel jog after the ball, Mathews senses the opportunity of the second. Goes for it, Mendis responds and the batsmen complete it. 37/3
17.1 T Boult to K Mendis, Full on off, Mendis drives it to short cover. 35/3
16.6 Tim Southee to Mathews, Goes full around off, it shapes away a touch further. Mathews opens the face of the bat and then guides it through point. Calls for two immediately and takes it. 35/3
16.5 Tim Southee to Mathews, Another short ball, Mathews was ready for it this time. He ducks under it with ease. 33/3
16.4 Tim Southee to Mathews, Well bowled! The rib tickler by Mathews and it zipped off the surface. Mathews awkwardly plays it towards mid-wicket. 33/3
16.3 Tim Southee to Mathews, Slightly fuller than the last delivery, Mathews works it towards square leg. 33/3
16.2 Tim Southee to Mathews, Goes back to bowling short and Mathews ducks under it. 33/3
16.1 Tim Southee to Mathews, Goes very full around off, Mathews may have been expecting it. He was on the front foot and kept it out. 33/3
15.6 T Boult to Mathews, Length delivery on leg, Mathews flicks it towards square leg for a single. 33/3
15.5 T Boult to A Mathews, Short of a length delivery, Mathews looks to pull it past short leg. It hits the fielder there on the bounce and goes towards the keeper. That must have hurt him, he shows no pain though. Saves a boundary however. 32/3
15.4 T Boult to Mathews, Good length delivery on off, Mathews defends off the back foot. 32/3
15.3 T Boult to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, Mendis nudges it towards the leg side. The batsmen take a run. 32/3
15.2 T Boult to Mendis, Bowls down the leg side, Mendis still goes after it but misses. 31/3
15.1 T Boult to Mendis, Full on middle, Mendis drives it straight where Boult gets a hand to it and makes a half-stop. The fielder chases and stops it comfortably in the long on region. The batsmen pick up a couple. 31/3
14.6 Tim Southee to Mathews, Bowls a bouncer, the batsman ducks underneath it. Good short stuff from Southee. 29/3
14.5 Tim Southee to Mathews, Short of length delivery, Mathews looks to evade it but gets hit on his shoulder. 29/3
14.4 Tim Southee to Mathews, Bowls a bouncer, Mathews does well to duck under it. Good take by Watling. 29/3
14.3 Tim Southee to Mendis, Length delivery on leg, Mendis flicks it towards the leg side. The batsmen cross ends. 29/3
14.2 Tim Southee to Mathews, Short of length delivery again, Mathews pulls it towards fine leg for a run. 28/3
14.1 Tim Southee to A Mathews, Southee comes around the wicket. Short of length delivery, Mathews pulls it to mid-wicket. He does not get the timing on that. 27/3
13.6 T Boult to Mendis, Length delivery on off, the batsman defends off the back foot. 27/3
13.5 T Boult to Mendis, Good length delivery on middle, Kusal keeps it out. 27/3
13.4 T Boult to Mendis, FOUR! First boundary of the day. Full on middle, Mendis drives it straight through mid on for a boundary. 27/3
13.3 T Boult to Mendis, Bowls a bouncer, Mendis does well to duck under it. 23/3
13.2 T Boult to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Kusal taps it to covers. 23/3
13.1 T Boult to Mendis, Good length delivery on off, Mendis blocks it well. 23/3
Trent Boult to bowl from the other end.
12.6 Tim Southee to Mathews, Length delivery on leg, Mathews nudges it towards fine leg. Two runs taken. 23/3
12.5 Tim Southee to Mathews, Well bowled and well played! Southee bends his back on this one. Lands it on a length around off, the ball takes off after pitching. Mathews first tries to defend but seeing the extra bounce pulls his bat out of the way. 21/3
12.4 Tim Southee to Mendis, Short of length delivery, Mendis pulls it towards square leg for a run. 21/3
12.3 Tim Southee to Mendis, Wide outside off, Mendis offers no shot. 20/3
12.2 Tim Southee to Mendis, Length delivery on off, Mendis defends off the front foot. 20/3
12.1 Tim Southee to Mendis, Good length delivery swinging outside off, Kusal leaves it alone. 20/3
We are all set to get underway! The players and the umpires are out in the middle. Kusal Mendis and Angelo Mathews are at the crease. Tim Southee will start the proceedings. Here we go...
A warm welcome to Day 4 of the opening Test between New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Wellington. The hosts have the upper hand and the visitors need a miracle if they are to get something out of this game. Another 276 runs is what they trail by, whereas 7 wickets is what the home side needs. The latter part looks more likelier but it will be interesting to see if the Lankans put up a fight or will they be blown away. Join us to find out in a while.
... Day 4, Session 1 ...
All over on Day 4 then? 7 wickets needed, of which, 3 are the tail. The predictions are for a second session completion but then, we are not predictors. The Kiwis look in red-hot form, displaying aggression with a smile and for the moment, the Islanders are cowing away. Can they step up and fight? Try and take this to Day 5? Join us on Tuesday at 11 am local (2200 GMT, previous night) for all the action from the fourth and probably the final day. ADIOS! TAKE CARE!
Earlier in the day, Tom Latham frustrated the Lankans to no end as he kept on batting, adding runs with almost every partner. He has mentally tired the opposition, not giving them an inch. Sri Lanka might well look to emulate him.
The Lankans are trailing by 276 runs but who is looking at the score? It is a matter of survival, then grafting and then perhaps scoring. They do not have too many batsmen to do that, unfortunately but for starters, they can at least get a partnership going and try and frustrate the Kiwis.
14 overs were scheduled for the close and New Zealand bowled 12 of those. Even in those, they snapped 3 scalps, blowing away the top order. And it is the manner in which they got the wickets - terrorizing the batsmen. Boult was excellent with his swing, Southee had a mixture of swing and short stuff while Wagner peppered the Lankans with bodyline deliveries.
Unbelievable day of cricket for Sri Lanka. Pummeled into submission by Tom Latham first. Then choked and hurtled into a corner by Boult and Southee. A day they would like to forget, perhaps more than Sunday because yesterday, they had a fighting chance. Today, any kind of fight has been sucked out of them.
11.6 T Boult to Mathews, On middle and leg, watchfully kept out. STUMPS ON DAY 3, SRI LANKA TRAIL BY 276! 20/3
11.5 T Boult to Mathews, A head-firing bouncer, Mathews just about gets away in time. 20/3
11.4 T Boult to Mathews, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 20/3
11.3 T Boult to Mendis, On middle and leg, flicked through mid-wicket for a single. 20/3
11.2 T Boult to Mendis, A bouncer now, Mendis ducks. 19/3
11.1 T Boult to Mendis, Full and outside off, Mathews drives it through the covers for a couple. 19/3
10.6 N Wagner to Mathews, A short ball now, Mathews looks to defend but misses. The ball lobs off the chest behind to the keeper and they all appeal but in vain. 17/3
10.5 N Wagner to Mathews, Another one on the body. This time Angelo looks to get across and let it go but the ball pitches on middle and hits him on the back. 17/3
10.4 N Wagner to Mathews, A sharp short ball, around middle, Mathews looks to leave it alone but gets hit on the body. 17/3
10.3 N Wagner to Mendis, On middle and leg, flicked just wide of leg gully for a single. 17/3
10.2 N Wagner to Mendis, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 16/3
10.1 N Wagner to Mendis, Outside off, Mendis looks to push but misses. 16/3
Neil Wagner to have a one-over burst.
9.6 T Boult to Mathews, Finally gets an opportunity to put bat on ball and tucks it through square leg for a couple. 16/3
9.5 T Boult to Mathews, The bouncers keep coming, Angelo keeps ducking. 14/3
9.4 T Boult to Mathews, Another bouncer on middle, Mathews ducks. 14/3
9.3 T Boult to Mathews, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 14/3
9.2 T Boult to Mathews, On middle and leg, helped to the leg side. 14/3
9.1 T Boult to Mathews, Around off, coming over the wicket, stays low, Mathews crouches to defend. 14/3
8.6 Tim Southee to Mendis, Wide outside off, let through again. 14/3
8.5 Tim Southee to Mendis, Outside off, let through. 14/3
8.4 Tim Southee to Mendis, Bouncer! The batsman ducks in time to let that one go over him. 14/3
8.3 Tim Southee to Mendis, On middle and leg, pushed towards mid on. 14/3
8.2 Tim Southee to Mendis, Full and around off, driven towards mid off. 14/3
8.1 Tim Southee to Mendis, Full and on middle, flicked straight to mid-wicket. 14/3
7.6 T Boult to Mathews, Around off, Mathews looks to defend and does so. 14/3
7.5 T Boult to Mendis, The batsman flicks it away with a wristy shot. The batsmen have run through for a single. 14/3
7.4 T Boult to K Mendis, Full and outside off, driven towards mid off. 13/3
7.3 T Boult to Mendis, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. 13/3
7.2 T Boult to Mendis, Down the leg side, flick shot missed. 13/3
7.1 T Boult to Mendis, Around off, solidly defended. 13/3
6.6 Tim Southee to A Mathews, Full on middle, pushed towards mid on. 13/3
6.5 Tim Southee to Mathews, Around off, defended from the crease. 13/3
6.4 Tim Southee to Mathews, Full on middle, pushed towards mid on. 13/3
6.3 Tim Southee to Mathews, The batsman has flicked the ball off his pads. 13/3
Angelo Mathews eventually comes out to bat. Perhaps the Lankans were deliberating on sending a night watchman. 46 balls or 24 minutes left - whichever happens first.
6.2 Southee to D Karunaratne, OUT! In the air and taken! Three down now! In the span of 18 balls. The Lankans look rattled. A short ball, outside off, Karunaratne looks to pull but the bounce does him in. He gets a massive top edge which swirls in the air. Trent Boult comes running in from fine leg, watches the ball carefully and then takes it Aussie style, with fingers pointing skywards. 13/3
6.1 Tim Southee to Karunaratne, Around off, watchfully defended. 13/2
5.6 T Boult to Mendis, Around off, stays a touch low, goes away, Mendis just about manages to block it out. 13/2
5.5 T Boult to Mendis, Full and wide outside off, left alone. 13/2
5.4 T Boult to D Karunaratne, Full and outside off, driven through mid off for three runs. Nice shot. Karunaratne moves to 10 from 11 balls. 13/2
5.3 T Boult to Karunaratne, Landed outside off, left alone. 10/2
5.2 T Boult to Karunaratne, A short ball, around off, coming in, Karunaratne looks to defend but is cramped for room. Ends up jabbing it towards the slip cordon. 10/2
5.1 T Boult to Karunaratne, Full and outside off, swinging away, driven straight to cover. 10/2
4.6 Tim Southee to Mendis, Outside off, this one goes away, left alone. 10/2
Kusal Mendis comes in at number 4, replacing Dhananjaya. 55 balls or 33 minutes left - whichever happens first.
4.5 Tim Southee to de Silva, OUT! Gone right through! In the blink of an eye, the Lankans are 2 down. A pearler from Southee. He pitches this full and outside off and it is almost similar to the previous one. Dhananjaya is in two minds, whether to play at it or not. He wants to play, then wants to leave. Is caught in no man's position and by the time the bat comes down, the ball is through the gap between bat and pad because the foot is half forward. Cannons into the off stump. 10/2
4.4 Tim Southee to Silva, Landed outside off, left alone. That nearly came back in. Could have been LBW. 10/1
4.3 Tim Southee to Karunaratne, On middle and leg, helped through the leg side for a single. 10/1
4.2 Tim Southee to Karunaratne, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 9/1
4.1 Tim Southee to Karunaratne, FOUR! A fraction too short, Karunaratne pulls it through square leg for a boundary! 9/1
3.6 T Boult to Silva, Defended off the back foot by the batsman. 5/1
3.5 T Boult to Silva, A short ball, down the leg side, Dhananjaya looks to tuck but misses. 5/1
3.4 T Boult to de Silva, Full on middle, pushed towards mid on. That swung in late, around middle. 5/1
Dhananjaya de Silva comes in at number 3, replacing Gunathilaka. 10.3 overs or 39 minutes left - whichever happens first.
3.3 Boult to Gunathilaka, OUT! Plumb LBW! Just the second leg before decision in the entire match and both have been of Gunathilaka. LBW to Southee in the first innings, LBW to Boult here. A classic left-arm seamer's dismissal. Keeps it full and around middle and leg stump. Danushka plays all over it, looking to flick and losing his balance, falling over. Is hit on the pads and Boult screams. The umpire immediately raises his finger and Gunathilaka, after a chat with his partner, decides to signal the 'T'. Maybe because it hit the front pad first. Karunaratne might have felt it might miss or clip leg stump. But to the Lankans' dismay, Hawk Eye shows it to be hitting middle stump as the ball straightened a touch. Sri Lanka lose a review and this has been a forgetful Test match for Danushka. 5/1
There goes the first one! Gunathilaka has been adjudged LBW but he has asked for a review. Looks plumb. Clipping at best, to the naked eye.
3.2 T Boult to Gunathilaka, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 5/0
3.1 T Boult to Karunaratne, Down the leg side, flicked away for a single. 5/0
2.6 Tim Southee to Gunathilaka, Outside off, left alone. 4/0
2.5 Tim Southee to D Gunathilaka, A short ball, around middle, pulled to mid-wicket. 4/0
2.4 Tim Southee to Gunathilaka, On middle and leg, flicked towards mid-wicket. 4/0
2.3 Tim Southee to Gunathilaka, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 4/0
2.2 Tim Southee to Gunathilaka, Down the leg side, left alone. 4/0
2.1 Tim Southee to Gunathilaka, The batsman has played that off the front foot and into the ground. 4/0
1.6 T Boult to Karunaratne, On middle and leg, pushed towards mid-wicket. 4/0
1.5 T Boult to Karunaratne, The batsman shows the full face of the bat and defends the ball off the back foot. 4/0
1.4 T Boult to Gunathilaka, Full and outside off, swinging away, pushed wide of mid off for a single. 4/0
1.3 T Boult to Gunathilaka, Outside off, left alone. 3/0
1.2 T Boult to Gunathilaka, That ball has struck the batsman on the thigh pad. 3/0
1.1 T Boult to Karunaratne, Outside off, punched towards cover for a single. 3/0
0.6 Tim Southee to Gunathilaka, The batsman defends it from within the crease. 2/0
0.5 Tim Southee to Gunathilaka, A bouncer now, Gunathilaka ducks. 2/0
0.4 Tim Southee to Gunathilaka, On middle and leg, pushed back towards the bowler. 2/0
0.3 Tim Southee to Gunathilaka, Defended off the front foot by the batsman presenting the full face of the bat. 2/0
0.2 Tim Southee to Gunathilaka, Full and outside off, left alone. 2/0
0.1 Tim Southee to Gunathilaka, Down the leg side, clipped towards fine leg for a couple. Good diving stop by Neil Wagner. 2/0
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