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 4 Highlights: Bad light forced early closure. New Zealand ended the day with a 138-run lead and five wickets in hand. Tom Latham and BJ Watling took New Zealand into the lead, and Colin de Grandhomme’s quickfire innings gave the visitors a shot at winning this Test.
In response to Sri Lanka’s first innings total of 244 , New Zealand got off to a poor start losing Jeet Raval and Kane Williamson cheaply in the third day of the final Test in Colombo. However, a solid unbeaten knock of 111 runs by Tom Latham guided New Zealand to 196/4 at the close of play on Day 3. Latham and BJ Watling, who was not out on 25, resumed the New Zealand innings and added 70 for the unbroken fifth wicket to boost their chances of winning the match.
Stumps on Day 4
The light is not good enough and that's stumps on day 4. NZ lead by 138 runs, stumps on Day 4. BJ Watling (81*), de Grandhomme (83) remain unbeaten at the crease. de Grandhomme's quickfire innings gives the visitors a shot at winning this Test - But will they? Join us tommorow
100 runs partnership
100 runs partnership comes up between the pair of de Grandhomme, Watling in very quick time. How much will NZ get from here.
NZ 371/5
Play resumes
Welcome back. Rain has stopped and against the expectations of all, players are back in the middle.
Day 4: Rain stops play
NZ 358/5 and rain has stopped play. Covers have come on quickly. New Zealand lead by 114 runs. BJ Watling on 72 (not out). Giving him company is CDG on 70 (not out).
Its getting cloudy again
There is a bit of cloud cover over the ground. 57 minutes to go to Stumps. Meanwhile, 10 overs bowled in this session and 55 runs have come already. CDG scoring at a brisk rate. The session run rate is 5.81. NZ- 355/5
FOUR! SIX! SIX! FIFTY!
After just two runs from the previous over, mayhem has been introduced in the 99th over. Colin de Grandhomme is absolutely punishing Lasith Embuldeniya, after he hits a boundary over cover, and then hits two consecutive sixes. And with that, he gets up his fifty and also forces the umpires to change the ball. He ends the over on 55* from 46 balls. 19 runs from the over. The Kiwis have a lead of 96 runs. NZ are 340/5 after 99 overs.
TEA!
After the first session getting washed out, the pair of Tom Latham and BJ Watling helped New Zealand gain control in the second. While Watling completed his half-century, Latham went to score 154, before getting trapped LBW on 154 by Dilruwan Perera. The Kiwis are currently batting on 295/5 and have a lead of 51 runs.
WICKET
WICKET! After posting the highest score by a New Zealand opener, Tom Latham's innings of 154 come to an end as Dilruwan Perera strikes
NZ are 269/5 after 85.3 overs.
Watling slams his half-century
BJ Watling walks down the pitch and pushes the ball for a single to complete his 18th half-century in Tests. Meanwhile, Tom Latham continues his attack on the hosts. The batsman takes a double to get to his 150. NZ: 260/4
NZ surpass Sri Lanka's first innings total
Tom Latham and BJ Watling continue from where they left as the pair help New Zealand surpass Sri Lanka's first innings total. While Latham is batting on 141, Watling is also inching towards his half-century. The pair have so far added 120 runs for the fifth wicket. NZ: 246/4
FOUR, FOUR, DROPPED
Lahiru Kumara sends one four a boundary, tries to repeat in the next ball. It flies to Matthews at first slip who fails to catch it in time, slips from his hand before hitting the boundary. New Zealand are 224/4 after 69 overs.
Play resumes
After a three and a half hour delay, play finally starts in Colombo on Day 4 of the 2nd Test match. Dilruwan Perera and Lahiru Kumara are at the crease. Here we go.
Play to begin at 1:40 pm
The good news is that the play will resume at 1:40 pm and a total of 57 overs will be bowled. The timing of the play has been extended till 5:45 pm. Looking at the current weather condition, it seems like the rain is unlikely to hinder the contest in the final two sessions of the day.
Finally some good news
Good news for cricket fans as the rains have stopped and the sun is out. The groundstaff are removing the covers and there will be an inspection around 1:30 pm.
Fingers crossed!
The rain continues to disrupt the day's play so umpires have called for an early lunch. Hope that we get to see some action in the next session.
New Zealand team leave for the venue
It's still raining
As per latest reports, the rain had stopped for a while but unfortunately, it has again started raining. Stay tuned, hopefully, we'll be back with some good news.
Hello and Welcome!
Hello and welcome to the LIVE COVERAGE of the fourth day of the second and final Test going between Sri Lanka and New Zealand. New Zealand are currently batting on 196/4, with Tom Latham and BJ Watling on strike and are trailing by 48 runs. Rain continues to play spoilsport in the second match as the start of the day has been delayed with heavy showers coming and going at the P Sara Stadium. Stay tuned for updates!