Day 3: SL vs NZ

Unbeaten half-centuries by captain Hashan Tillakaratne and Mahela Jayawardene, with supporting innings from Kumar Sangakkara and Sanath Jayasuriya have brought Sri Lanka within sight of the follow on target in the First Test against New Zealand.

Sri Lanka resumed day 3 at 1/4 however, they lost nightwatchman Chaminda Vaas early on to Shane Bond when he was caught by Stephen Fleming.

Former captain Sanath Jayasuriya added 48 to his overnight score of 2, reaching 50 before playing on to the mercurial Bond, handing the explosive quick his second wicket.

Kumar Sangakkara was the final wicket to fall during the day's play when the recalled Paul Wiseman snared his first Test wicket since the 11 March 2001, with Jacob Oram snared the catch for 67.

Hashan Tillakaratne and Mahela Jayawardene then put together an unbeaten partnership of 133, forcing the visiting Black Cap bowlers to toil in the oppressive Sri Lankan conditions.

New Zealand grew to miss the bowling option of an injured Scott Styris, who is renowned for his ability to 'produce' when his side needs a crucial breakthrough.

Tillakaratne was unbeaten on 71, while Jayawardene's dramatic return to form continues with his unconquered 58.

For the Black Caps, Shane Bond toiled valiantly to take 2/64, while Paul Wiseman snared 1/52 and Daryl Tuffey 1/39.

Scores:

New Zealand 7 dec 515 (S Fleming 274*, M Richardson 85, S Styris 63, K Dharmasena 3/132)

Sri Lanka 4/267 (H Tillakaratne 71*, K Sangakkara 67, M Jayawardene 58*, S Jayasuriya 50, S Bond 2/67)

Stumps Day 3.

Posted by Andre