Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2nd Test: New Zealand are trailing 1-0 in the two-match series.Sri Lanka vs New Zealand 2nd Test, Day 3 Highlights: Tom Latham’s unbeaten 111 has helped New Zealand take control over the second Test at P Sara Oval Stadium, Colombo. The fourth-wicket unbeaten partnership of 70 runs between Latham and BJ Watling helped the visitors post 196/4 at stumps on a rain-affected day. New Zealand still trail by 48 runs but with six wickets in hand, they will back themselves to take a lead over 100 runs.
Earlier, Dhananjaya de Silva’s fifth Test century helped the hosts post a total of 244 on the board in first innings. Kiwi fast bowlers Trent Boult and Tim Southee helped their team get rid of the tail quickly, not letting them post too many runs on the board. Southee was the highest wicket-taker for New Zealand with four wickets in first innings.
Day 3, Stumps
Now, bad light stops play. Tom Latham's century has helped New Zealand dominate on day two. He has got support from BJ Watling from the other end. With six wickets in hand, New Zealand will back themselves to take a lead of over 100 runs. Sri Lankan bowlers will look to wrap up the Kiwi's first innings as soon as possible in the first session of day four. NZ - 196/4 in 62 overs, trail by 48 runs
Play resumes after rain
The players are back on the field after rain interruption.
Rain interrupts play
Frustrating for the players, it has started raining again. It seems like this Test will go into day five surely. NZ - 123/3 in 40.4 overs
Tea break!
Dhananjaya de Silva's century helped Sri Lanka get to 244 as wickets kept tumbling at the other end. After bundling out Sri Lanka, New Zealand got off to a poor start losing Jeet Raval for a duck. Tom Latham helped New Zealand recover sharing crucial partnerships with skipper Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor. At tea break, New Zealand are 103/3 in 23 overs. The game is still poised between the two teams.
200 up for Sri Lanka
With Dhananjaya de Silva is steering the ship, Sri Lanka have crossed 200 with the loss of seven wickets. Dhananjaya is still unbeaten for 74. Sri Lanka 202/7
Ajaj Patel strikes!
Dilruwan Perera is trapped LBW on 13 as Ajaj Patel provides NZ with the first breakthrough on Day 3. A quicker delivery with no turn in it and it seemed the batsman couldn't decide whether to attack or defence. The ball skids after hitting the deck and goes on to hit his pads. A huge appeal by everyone and the umpire raises his finger. However, the batsman went up for the review. TV replay shows that the impact was on the line and it was striking the top of middle stump. SL: 171/7
Dhananjaya de Silva completes his fifty
After smashing two consecutive boundaries, Dhananjaya de Silva pushes the ball towards mid-off for an easy single to complete his sixth Test fifty and his first against New Zealand. SL:169/6
Dhananjaya de Silva leads the way
Both the batsmen have taken a cautious approach as they keep the scoreboard ticking. Meanwhile, Dhananjaya de Silva is also inching towards his sixth half-century. SL: 164/6
Hello and Welcome!
Hello and welcome to the LIVE COVERAGE of the third day of the second Test between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. Dhananjaya de Silva and Dilruwan Perera resumed the Sri Lankan innings from the overnight score of 144/6. Ajaj Patel opened the bowling for the Kiwis. Stay tuned for LIVE UPDATES!