Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, NZ in SL, 2 Tests, 2024 Full score card

OUT! TIMBER! A five-wicket haul for Prabath Jayasuriya and what a way to get it. Sri Lanka quickly finishes off this Test match today without wasting much time. Lands it on off, and it turns away from the batter. William O'Rourke leans forward to block it but gets beaten as the ball clips the top of off. Sri Lanka beat New Zealand by 63 runs!

Lands it on off, William O'Rourke eases it to the mid on fielder.

Short again, outside off, Ajaz Patel punches it to point for one.

Short, on middle, Ajaz Patel tucks it to mid on.

Too full, on off, William O'Rourke leans forward and blocks it well.

Lands it outside off, Ajaz Patel knocks it to long off for one.

Lands it on off, Ajaz Patel pushes it back to the bowler.

Too full, on off, Ajaz Patel blocks it to short covers.

Short, on off, Ajaz Patel flicks it to mid-wicket.

Fuller one, on off, Ajaz Patel pushes it to mid off.

Too full, on middle, William O'Rourke blocks it to the off side. A loud appeal for lbw but the umpire is unmoved. Sri Lanka refers and Ultra Edge shows that it clearly came off the bat. Sri Lanka are out of reviews now!

Short, on middle, William O'Rourke blocks it back.

Tossed up, outside off, William O'Rourke looks to block it but gets beaten.

William O'Rourke is the last batter in.

OUT! PLUMB! A huge moment in the game as Rachin Ravindra departs! Quicker one, on middle, with some turn. Rachin Ravindra looks to block it but wears it on his pads. A loud appeal and after a long thought, the umpire raises his finger. Rachin Ravindra refers and Ball Tracking shows three reds. Rachin Ravindra has to depart! He deserved a century to be honest.

Lands it down leg, Rachin Ravindra pads it away.

Short again, down leg, Rachin Ravindra flicks it to mid-wicket.

Short, on middle, Rachin Ravindra covers his line and blocks it back. Oh, its a no ball for overstepping.

Ramesh Mendis to bowl from the opposite end.

Well played. Full, on off, Rachin Ravindra steers it through point for one. He keeps his strike.

Tossed up, with some turn, Rachin Ravindra looks to block it but gets beaten. He might look for a single now!

Full, on middle, Rachin Ravindra blocks it back. Cautious start from Rachin Ravindra!

Too full, on off, Rachin Ravindra leans onto it and blocks it well.

Touch short and outside off, Rachin Ravindra punches it to the cover fielder.

Starts with a fuller one, on off, Rachin Ravindra leans forward and blocks it.

Right then, we are all set for the final day of the test match. The sun is shining and it's a perfect day for a game of cricket. The Sri Lankan team is seen in a huddle before they take their respective fielding positions. All eyes are on Rachin Ravindra as he walks in with Ajaz Patel who is yet to get off the mark. Dhananjaya de Silva has the ball in hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

Prabath Jayasuriya is in for a quick chat. He says that as a batting side, they have done well but the job is still to be completed. Adds that with the breeze flowing, they have to face some challenges. He says that they have to put in more effort, and they were a bit tired as well so they did not take the half an hour extra yesterday.

Well now, as the teams head into Day 5, Sri Lanka are favorites to clinch the match, but Ravindra's contribution will be crucial as he will aim to guide the tailenders and secure victory. The outcome is likely to appear in the first session of the final day, with both teams still eyeing a win. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds!

Just to take you through what happened in Day 4's play, 14 wickets fell, primarily to spinners, as Sri Lanka collapsed and were bowled out for 309. They set New Zealand a target of 275 runs. The Kiwi innings began poorly with Devon Conway falling for just 4, followed by Kane Williamson's dismissal for 30 due to a stumping. New Zealand's middle order struggled against the Sri Lankan spinners, and they currently find themselves in a precarious position at 8 wickets down, needing 68 runs to win.

So, all eyes are on Rachin Ravindra, as he is currently batting on 91 and striving for his century, while he is now joined by Ajaz Patel, who has yet to score. Get your snacks ready. It’s looking like a blockbuster!

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the fifth and final day of this Test match, it’s Sri Lanka vs Rachin Ravindra! As you all know what the equation is. The Lankans need just two more scalps to send the Kiwis packing, while Ravindra is standing like a brick wall, needing just 68 runs for his side to get over the line!

... DAY 5, SESSION 1 ...

So, the equation is very clear. Sri Lanka need 2 wickets in their fortress while New Zealand need 68 more runs to win. All eyes will be on Rachin Ravindra once again who will fight for a good sleep today but might sleep peacefully if he successfully gets New Zealand over the line somehow with a small tail alongside him. Join us for the all important first session of Day 5 at 4.30 am GMT but do join us early on for the build-up. Cheers!

New Zealand walked into the final session with four wickets down but there was some good counterattacking cricket played by Tom Blundell and Rachin Ravindra. Prabath Jayasuriya did lead the fightback with the ball as Sri Lanka picked up four more wickets but Ravindra has remained resolute. The boy from New Zealand is playing a man right now. When all the big names have fallen under pressure, New Zealand are looking upon the 24-year old to save them from defeat. He is on 91 but the other 68 runs which New Zealand need are more important right now for Rachin Ravindra.

The umpires are asking Dhananjaya de Silva if he wants to opt for the extra 30 minutes but Dhananjaya de Silva calls for a Day 5 of play. Wow! What an eventful day! Even we were on our heels for that final session. What a day of Test cricket! It truly ebbed and flowed throughout the fourth day of cricketing action that we have witnessed. It was always going to be tough to chase in excess of 200 in the final innings but New Zealand gave it a real go and are still in it with a chance.

Outside off and it spins away. Patel leaves it alone.

CLOSE! Dhananjaya de Silva has his hand over his mouth. Tossed up on off, spins away. Patel presses forward to defend but misses it. One ball to survive, can Ajaz Patel do it?

Is it straight enough? Dhananjaya de Silva has taken the review. Tossed up full and on middle and leg, slight turn on this one. Patel tries to defend on the front foot but misses on the outside edge and gets hit on the back pad. Looks like might miss the off pole and Ball Tracking shows it does miss the off pole by a mile.

Outside off, and it spins away. Patel shoulders arms to it.

Tossed up on leg, Patel solidly defends it on the deck.

Risky single from Kiwis point of view. Outside off, Ravindra pulls it to long on for a single. Patel has five balls to survive.

Tossed up on middle and spins in. Patel looks to defend but misses. It lobs to short leg who appeals but the umpire turns it down very quickly.

Very full and on middle, Patel prods and makes a solid block.

Flatter and on off, Ravindra punches it to long on for a single.

Tossed up, outside off, Ravindra steps across to defend but misses. An appeal but that is outside the line.

How would you play that one? Full and outside off, in the rough and it dies completely. Ravindra fails to defend and the keeper collects near his boots.

This is full and around off, spins in. Ravindra stays back to block but misses. Could have spun down the leg side.

Takes one and keeps the strike. Short and outside off, Ravindra slaps it to deep cover for one.

Serves it full and outside off, Ravindra cuts it to point.

Too full right from Mendis on middle and Ravindra easily blocks it out.

Slightly short and outside off, Ravindra goes back and cuts it to point.

Very full and on middle, Ravindra brings his bat down and defends.

Flatter ball, outside off, Ravindra cuts it to point.

Rock solid from Ajaz Patel as he blocks this full ball.

Very full and on middle, Patel pushes it to the man at mid on.

This one lands on middle and spins down leg, Patel watchfully leaves it alone.

Full and outside off, spins in. Patel steps across to defend but misses and it lobs to short leg.

Into the rough, outside off and spins down leg, Patel shoulders arms to it.

Ravindra takes one and trusts Patel's defence here. On middle, this is punched to long on for one.

Every ball is an event right now! Tossed up on off, spins away and bounces as well. Patel tries to block but is well beaten.

BEAUTIFULLY BOWLED! Floated full and on off, it lands and turns away just. Patel is drawn to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge. Might have hit the thigh pad.

Almost a yorker from Mendis on off, Patel bumps it to the man at silly point.

Ajaz Patel walks in next.

OUT! LBW! Sri Lanka are two wickets away now. Excellent review from Sri Lanka, from Mendis actually as he was confident. Tossed up, outside off, spins in sharply. Southee tries to defend on the back foot with a straight bat but misses on the inside edge and gets hit on the pads. It felt like will miss the stumps but Sri Lanka take it upstairs and gets THREE REDS in return.

Sri Lanka have taken a review for LBW.

Uppish but safe! Serves it into the surface, full and on off, generates some bounce. Ravindra goes back to cut but outside edges it to backward point for one.

Very full and on middle, Ravindra prods and blocks.

Southee survives. Full and on middle, this is blocked out.

CLOSE! Angles in a full ball on leg, it spins drastically just past the off pole. Southee goes back to defend and almost gives up on his wicket there.

Shapes in a full ball on off and spins away. Southee watchfully defends.

Very full and on middle, Southee blocks it out.

Fuller ball, around off, Ravindra strokes it through covers and rotates the strike.

Tossed up on off, Southee punches it to covers for an easy single.

They take two and Southee is on the strike. Short and on off, Ravindra pulls it to the left of long on. Angelo Mathews dives and stops to save two.

Tossed up on off, Southee pushes it to covers for a single.

Bowls in the rough, outside off and spins in sharply. Southee uncomfortably somehow sees it out.

Flat and outside off, spins in sharply. Southee goes back and keeps it out.

Tim Southee is the new man in.

OUT! GONE! The wicket was always on the cards. New Zealand falling over. Ravindra loses another partner. Ramesh Mendis flights and temps Santner by bowling full and outside off, Santner drives but on the up and to short cover where Pathum Nissanka takes a well judged catch. Will we see a result today itself?

A low gentle full toss on off, Ravindra mistimes his pull to long on for a single.

Full and on off, Ravindra pushes it to covers for a single. Sri Lanka's best chance for a wicket is through Santner.

On middle, Ravindra sweeps but it hits the man at short leg and bounces on the deck.

Well outside off, spins in sharply off the rough. Ravindra keeps it out.

CHANCE! Prabath Jayasuriya bowls into the rough, outside off, Santner skips down to heave but gets an inside edge and it goes to the right of the keeper, Kusal Mendis gets a hand on it but it needed more than that. Mitchell Santner gave up there. A big chance of stumping or caught behind.

Tossed up on middle, Santner clips it to mid-wicket.

Bowls it full and on the pads, Ravindra flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Change. The inevitable Prabath Jayasuriya is back into the attack.

Tosses it up, full and on off, Santner pushes away off the front foot.

Angles it full and on leg, Santner rocks back and keeps it out.

Slows it up and bowls it on of, Santner plays with soft hands to the man at second slip.

MISSED AGAIN! The wicket looks closer than ever! Flatter and outside off, turns away. Santner looks to punch but misses.

SO CLOSE! Floated full and angling on off, spins away. Santner prods to defend but misses.

Tossed up on off, spins away. Santner stands tall to defend but misses it.

FOUR! Similar to the previous boundary. Fractionally short and outside off. Ravindra rocks back and pulls it through mid-wicket for a boundary.

Tails in a fuller delivery on off and makes it to spin away. Ravindra with his head down tries to defend but misses.

Very full and on off, Ravindra prods to block.

FOUR! Too short and around off, Ravindra pounces on it, goes back quickly and pulls it to deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Drifts it full and on off, Ravindra leans to defend.

A skiddy length delivery, outside off, Ravindra punches it to cover.

Sri Lanka are claiming the catch, they think it hit the boots before lobbing back to Mendis but the umpires want to check it upstairs. Nope, it hits the ground. Tossed up on off, Santner comes down to defend but plays off the inner half and it hits the ground before reaching to Mendis.

Bowls it flat and around off, Ravindra plays it late to point for a quick single.

An in-drifter, bowls it on off and spins away. Santner punches it to covers for a single. He is off the mark.

Sri Lanka bowling really tight. Fuller delivery on off, Santner pushes it to cover.

Tosses it up full and on off, Santner stays back and defends it.

Flighted full and on off, Santner knocks it to cover.

BEAUTY! Dhananjaya de Silva is troubling Ravindra! Tossed up on off, spins away nicely. Ravindra prods to defend but is beaten.

Fractionally short and outside off, Ravindra slaps it to cover.

There is zip on this one. Fuller ball, outside off, spins away sharply. Ravindra opens up his body to push but gets beaten.

Lands it on middle and makes it to spins away on off, Ravindra goes back to block.

Slightly short and on off, Ravindra punches it to cover.

Tempts Ravindra by giving width, outside off but it is left alone.

Bowls it full and on the pads, this is flicked to mid-wicket.

Very full and on middle, Santner plays it back to Prabath Jayasuriya.

Tossed up full and on off, Santner blocks.

Floated full and on middle, Santner skips down to flick, gets an inside edge onto the pads. Could have gone anywhere but it rolls on the off side.

Tossed up full and on middle, Santner half-presses to keep it out.

Arm ball on middle, Santner punches it back to the bowler.

How has that missed the stumps? Dhananjaya de Silva flights it full and slanting on middle, some extra bounce and Ravindra is square up, still gets an outside edge and it flies over the stumps and past the keeper for two.

Very full and on off, Ravindra blocks.

SIX! Disappears! A loosener from Dhananjaya de Silva as he bowls a low full toss, outside off, Ravindra gets low and hits it over mid-wicket for a biggie.

An arm ball, full and on  off, Ravindra pushes it straight to cover.

A loopy ball, around off, Ravindra goes back and blocks.

Flatter ball, outside off, Ravindra slaps it to covers.

A single and Ravindra keeps the strike. Fuller and on middle, Ravindra plays it to long on for a single.

A lot of flight and on middle, Ravindra tucks it to mid-wicket.

Full and on middle, Ravindra plays it back to the bowler.

Ohh, that was close! Tossed up on off, stays low and zips through the surface. Ravindra at the very last moment keeps it out.

Excellent fielding. Fuller ball on leg, Ravindra sweeps it to fine leg. Asitha Fernando runs back and to his left, sprints to stop and saves a couple.

An appeal but don't think there was bat. Full and down leg, Ravindra looks to flick but withdraws his bat at the right time.

BEATEN! This one skids on, flat and outside off, Santner steps across to defend but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Floated full and on middle, Ravindra eases it to long on for a single.

This is well outside off and it spins away. Rachin Ravindra shoulders arms to it.

Brave leave! With the ball turning, this is bowled outside but Ravindra prods and makes leave it.

Very full and around off, spins away. Ravindra prods and defends it.

Tossed up full and on off, Rachin Ravindra blocks it out.

Tossed up on middle and leg, Mitchell Santner gets well forward and blocks it off.

Drinks break! This has been an engrossing hour of play after the Tea break but with those two wickets, Sri Lanka are now right on top. Tom Blundell and Rachin Ravindra had done extremely well to knock off a few quick runs from the target after the break but with the ball doing so much off the rough, wickets were bound to fall sooner rather than later. Ravindra is still holding fort and will now have Mitchell Santner for company.

OUT! CAUGHT! Just the delivery Prabath Jayasuriya was looking for and he gets another wicket. Lovely bit of flight on this one, drifting into off and middle and just turning away with some extra bounce. Glenn Phillips is drawn forward and pushes at it with hard hands only to get an outside edge towards the man at a widish second slip. Kamindu Mendis there takes a sharp catch and New Zealand are now 6 down for 171 runs, still needing 104 for the win.

Tossed up, full and outside off, Ravindra pushes at it and squeezes the ball behind point for another single.

Floated up on the pads, dipping as well, Ravindra pushes it back to the bowler.

Nicely bowled! Nagging length, drifting into middle and then turning away. Glenn Phillips gets squared up and edges it down past point for a quick single.

Drops the length short and on leg stump, Ravindra has enough time to rock back and flick it away to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short on off, sitting up for the batter, Ravindra punches it through covers for one.

Bowled flatter and outside off, Ravindra leans on and leaves it alone for the keeper.

Fractionally short and turning into the pads, Glenn Phillips nudges it away around the corner and turns the strike over.

Tossed up around off stump, Glenn Phillips defends it off the front foot.

Well short and angled into the batter, Ravindra rocks back and pulls it away in front of deep mid-wicket for a single. Loose delivery that.

Comes from around the stumps, drifts it in slowly towards off and gets it to turn away, Ravindra leans forward and blocks it off.

Dhananjaya de Silva brings himself back into the attack now.

Short again but on a tighter line around off, Ravindra backs away and punches it through covers for a single.

FOUR! Top shot! Errs in length and serves it short and wide, no one behind square on the off side and Ravindra cuts it late behind point for a boundary.

Lovely drift into the left-hander from outside off, this one pitches and turns away, Ravindra makes a well-watched leave.

Flighted ball, a bit quicker and fuller on off, Ravindra strides ahead and pushes it to the off side.

Floated up on middle, drifting in a bit, Ravindra blocks it with a straight bat.

Tossed up on off, turning away, Rachin Ravindra leans on to block.

FIFTY up for young Rachin Ravindra, his third Test half-century and could be a crucial one as well. Shorter in length around off, played off the back foot through covers for one. Ravindra will know his job is only half done.

A loose delivery this, full toss wide of the off stump, Ravindra leans on and opens the bat face before driving it away wide of sweeper covers for a couple of runs.

Nagging length on middle and leg, turning away, Glenn Phillips backs away and pushes it out down to deep cover for one more.

Flatter around middle, sitting up for the batter, Ravindra rocks back and punches it past the diving bowler to mid on for a single.

Dropped a bit short and around off, Ravindra rocks back to keep it out.

Nicely flighted, into the rough around off, Ravindra gets well forward to block.

Dropped short and outside off, punched away off the back foot, square through the off side and for one more.

Fractionally short outside off, giving this one a good rip, the ball comes back in a long way off the deck but Glenn Phillips manages to punch it away through covers for one.

Tossed up again on off, turning in sharply, Glenn Phillips manages to block it off.

Much better from Ramesh Mendis this time. Fuller in length around off, getting some dip and sharp turn into the batter, Glenn Phillips looks to play it off the back foot and almost gets completely squared up.

Pushed through quite quick and short, down leg it goes and Glenn Phillips leaves it alone.

Drops short on middle, Rachin Ravindra backs away well and forces it away through extra cover for a single.

Tossed up well outside leg, Glenn Phillips pads it away. A wicket-maiden for Prabath Jayasuriya.

Beauty! Tossed up on a nagging length on middle this time. The ball hits the rough and just turns away with some sharp bounce, Glenn Phillips is left bamboozled.

Similar line but a bit fuller, Glenn Phillips goes back and to the leg side and gets hit on the paads again.

Flighted up on a dragged length and outside leg, Glenn Phillips backs away and pads it away.

Flatter on leg, turning away towards middle, Glenn Phillips rocks back and pushes it with a straight bat towards the bowler.

Glenn Phillips walks out to bat now. Also, the physio was out for a bit as the one of the bails flew into Kusal Mendis' helmet and hit him in the eye. Thankfully, he is fine and we are good to continue.

OUT! TIMBER! With Tom Blundell opting for the reverse sweep time and again, that dismissal was certainly on and Prabath Jayasuriya has delivered yet again for his side. Tosses this one up on a length and outside leg stump at just 80 clicks. Blundell brings out the reverse again but has to reach for it and doesn't get to the pitch of the ball. The ball hits the rough and turns in to hit middle stump. Sri Lanka back on top as Blundell is dismissed for a well-made 30 (43).

Fuller now on leg, Tom Blundell comes forward and pushes it down to long on for a single.

Pushed through flatter on middle and leg, Tom Blundell goes back and across a bit before tucking it towards square leg.

Nice and full around off, driven away past covers for a single by Ravindra.

Darted in full at the stumps, Ravindra jams it out.

Beaten! Tossed up on off, this one turns away sharply and just enough to whistle past the outside edge.

Blundell has employed the reverse sweep quite well so far and that single brings up 150 for New Zealand as well. Fullish length on leg, Blundell plants his front leg across and reverses it down to deep third for a single.

Tossed up very full on middle, Ravindra drives it straight back towards the bowler who makes a half stop.

Just pulls the length back a touch and bowls it around off, Ravindra stretches out for the defensive block.

Tossed up quite full and on off, Ravindra leans forward to defend.

Back to around the stumps now and tossed up around off, Tom Blundell with a bunt out on the off side and the batters set off for a quick single. Ramesh Mendis has a shy at the bowler's end but misses and a direct hit might have got Blundell.

Over the wicket to the right-hander now as well. Floated up full and down leg, Tom Blundell sits down and sweeps it away wide of deep backward square leg for a couple of runs.

Fractionally short at 79 clicks and around off, Tom Blundell backs away and pushes it firmly to covers.

Flighted ball, on middle and leg, Rachin Ravindra blocks it to the leg side.

Short and wide, there to be hit, Ravindra rocks back and cuts it straight towards point.

Floated up on off, Ravindra blocks it off.

FOUR! Uppish but clears the man at short point and the 50-run stand is up between these two as well. Slightly full around off, turning away with extra bounce, Rachin Ravindra just throws his hand at it and cuts it over point for a boundary.

Dropped short on off and turns away, Ravindra rocks back to cut but gets an under edge that goes on the bounce and over first slip.

Gives it a bit of a loop now and floats it full on middle, Ravindra plays it late and towards backward point.

Pushed through now, on a nagging length and at the stumps, Tom Blundell watchfully keeps it out.

Floated up on the stumps, Ravindra gently pushes it towards mid on for a single.

Living on the edge here Tom Blundell and that could have easily gone to hand. Nicely tossed up around off, a lot slower, Tom is drawn forward and he ends up playing a checked drive that just goes over the leaping fielder at short cover. They pick up a single in the deep.

Falls short! Flighted up, a bit full and around off, Tom Blundell prods halfway and pushes at it but gets an outside edge that goes down towards first slip.

This is tossed up fuller and on middle, Ravindra sweeps it away to the man at deep square leg for a single.

Too much turn there! On a dragged length around off, turn and bounce into the left-hander. Ravindra gets caught back and fails to get any bat on it.

Flatter one spilled down leg, left alone by Tom Blundell.

Darted in on middle and leg, Tom Blundell flicks it away to the leg side.

FOUR! A lovely piece of timing there but Dimuth Karunaratne should have done a lot better in the deep. Tossed up around off, Blundell comes down the pitch and whips it away in front of deep midwicket and picks up yet another boundary. Blundell has come out with intent after the break.

Another one at the stumps, Tom Blundell attempts the reverse sweep again but fails to get it away this time.

FOUR! Wow, somehow Tom Blundell has managed to control that shot really well. Tossed up on the pads, Blundell pre-empts the reverse sweep but has to fetch it a bit and firms it past cover-point for a boundary.

Tossed up quicker and on the pads, Tom Blundell leans on and flicks it past the leg slip region for no run.

Just a couple of overs for Lahiru Kumara and Ramesh Mendis is back into the attack.

Dropped short on off, turning back in, Rachin Ravindra backs away to keep it out.

Too full and on the pads, tucked away down to fine leg for one.

Peach of a delivery that! Prabath Jayasuriya floats it up a bit full and on off, hits the rough patch and the ball turns away sharply past the outside edge, probably kissing the outside of the pad and into the hands of first slip it goes.

Fuller and on middle, kept out by Blundell.

Well played in the end by Tom Blundell. Flighted up on a nagging length around off, this one grips and turns away sharply, Blundell is drawn forward but manages to get his hands away from the line of the ball.

Shorter in length and angling in with the arm, Tom Blundell backs away to push it on the off side.

FOUR! Wow, not a single fielder moved and that is some shot from Ravindra. Short of a good length and on the fifth stump line, Ravindra stands tall and plays it on the up, the ball pings off the bat and pierces the gap at covers for a third boundary in the over. New Zealand now require 145 more runs.

On a good length, sliding onto the pads, Tom Blundell gets inside the line and flicks it down to fine leg for one.

FOUR! Aggressive shot from Tom Blundell but really well played. Banged in a bit short around middle, Blundell gets across and muscles the pull well in front of square for another boundary.

Back of a length and around off, flayed away through the off side for a single.

FOUR! Top shot! Pitched up outside off, just a bit too wide, Ravindra leans on and creams it on the up and wide of cover-point for a boundary.

Back of a length and angling into the batter, Ravindra stays upright and nudges it away onto the leg side.

Pushed through a bit quicker on off, this one grips as well but Tom Blundell manages to keep it out on the off side.

Tossed up again, a bit slower and on the stumps, Blundell leans ahead to defend.

Flighted up from around the stumps, onto middle and turning it away, Tom Blundell watchfully keeps it out.

Drops the length short and bowls it quicker, Ravindra makes room and punches it through the off side for a run.

Pushed through flatter and around off stump, skidding on, Ravindra rocks back and nudges it down with soft hands towards first slip.

Tossed up, a bit full and around off at 83 clicks, Rachin Ravindra gets forward and jams it out on the full.

Prabath Jayasuriya to operate from the opposite end now.

Goes wide on the crease and angles it in on a fuller length into the stumps, Tom Blundell solidly blocks it off the front foot.

Banged in short and outside off, extracting some good bounce off the deck, Tom Blundell hops and jams it down on the off side.

Shorter in length angled into the body, Tom Blundell gets cramped for room and the ball just beats the bat and lobs up off the thigh pad towards leg slip. The keeper doesn't bother running at it and collects it after the bounce.

Short and wide, Rachin Ravindra stands tall and lays into the cut shot hitting it towards deep point for a single.

Bowled back of a length over middle and angled back in, Rachin Ravindra hops back and nudges it away to the leg side.

Comes from around the stumps and hits the deck hard around off, Rachin Ravindra gets nicely onto the front foot and punches it away to covers.

We are back for the final session on Day 4 and the game could be made or broken for either side in the next couple of hours or so. The umpires are back out in the middle and so are the Sri Lankan players. Rachin Ravindra and Tom Blundell are all set to resume their stay at the crease as well. It will be Lahiru Kumara to begin proceedings after the break with the ball.

... DAY 4, SESSION 3 ...

Sri Lanka commenced the day in a commanding position, however, the momentum shifted in the early session. But in this session, they successfully claimed three huge wickets of Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, and Daryl Mitchell. They will need to capitalize on this momentum by securing quick wickets at the beginning of the next session. The question now is whether they can maintain this pressure. Or will the visitors dominate the final session? The answer will become clear shortly after the Tea Break in a few minutes time. An intriguing final session awaits...

So, after the end of the second session, the match remains finely balanced, with both teams likely to be happy with their performances thus far. New Zealand now requires 161 runs with 6 wickets remaining in their innings. Although they had been in a strong position, the dismissal of Daryl Mitchell in the end have balanced the game. Tom Blundell and Rachin Ravindra will look to bat as much as they can and get the game totally under control.

Another single as this is tucked in the leg side. That will be Tea Break on Day 4.

Takes one now as this is nudged on the leg side.

FOUR! Pulled away! A little too short and on middle. Blundell pulls it through square leg and this races away to the fence.

Flatter and on off. Blundell pushes it to covers.

On middle. Flatter. This is worked to mid-wicket.

Flatter and on off. Blocked.

Loopy ball and on middle. Blocked back to the bowler.

Around off. Blundell pushes it towards cover.

Around off. Floats it up, Tom Blundell leans on and pushes it away to mid off.

Tossed up outside off and turning away, Blundell leaves it alone.

On middle. This is worked through square leg for one.

Tossed up on a length and outside off, Tom Blundell rocks back and pushes it away past extra cover for a single.

Nicely tossed up around off. This is pushed to cover.

On middle. Kept out.

Fuller one, outside off. Left alone.

FOUR! Cut away! On the shorter side. This is played past point and it races away to the fence. Rachin Ravindra looks well in control now.

Shorter and on off. This is pushed to cover.

On middle. Blocked.

Around middle. Defended.

Two byes! Down the leg side. Ravindra looks to flick but misses. The keeper fails to collect it as it spins away. Two taken.

Around off. Blocked.

On middle. This is worked to mid-wicket.

Down the leg side. Ravindra sweeps but misses.

On the pads. Ravindra works it to square leg.

Floats it up on off. Blundell pushes it to cover.

Two! The reverse sweep comes out. This is outside off. It is hit wide of deep points. Two taken.

Down the leg side this time. Left alone.

OUT! TIMBER! Cleans him up. That is a top nut. Mitchell goes. That really spun back in sharply. This lands outside off. Mitchell probably made the mistake of going back. He should have lunged forward. He though went back and looks to push it but this spins in viciously, goes past the inside edge and clips the bail on leg stump. Mendis is delighted.

Shorter and outside off. Ravindra slaps it through covers for one.

Angled into the pads. This is worked to square leg.

Around off. Blocked.

Besuty! This is slower and around off. This lands and spins away. Mitchell plays inside the line. He does not play for the turn and is beaten.

Angled into off. Mitchell pushes it to mid off.

Around off. Nicely tossed up. Mitchell is solid in defense.

Loopy ball on off. This is pushed to cover.

Around off. Floats it up. Kept out.

Flatter and around off. Ravindra rocks back and slaps it but to cover.

Outside off. Slower. Left alone.

On the off pole. Ravindra pushes it to cover.

Flatter and around off. This is pushed to cover.

Around off. Ravindra leans forward and keeps it out.

Slows it up, lands it around off, it pitches and turns away. Ravindra looks to defend but is beaten.

On the stumps. Mitchell, plays it back to the bowler.

Flatter and on middle. Blocked.

Gives it air, gets it to drift in nicely on middle. Kept out.

Slower yet again. On the off pole. Defended.

Flatter and outside off. Mitchell leaves it alone.

On off. Kept out.

FOUR! He does well to get that through mid-wicket. This is floated up around off. Ravindra goes down on one knee and nails it through mid-wicket. The man in the deep was at square leg and hence, a boundary.

Flatter and on off. Ravindra pushes it to cover.

Slower and outside off. Ravindra looks to sweep but this lands and spins away.

On the pads. This is worked through square leg. A run taken.

Slower and on leg. Mitchell looks to play the reverse sweep but misses as this turns away.

On middle. Dhananjaya works it to square leg.

Slower and on middle. Ravindra keeps it out.

Steps out and hits it but to deep mid on for one.

Around off. Floated up. Defended.

Outside off. This is guided past point for one.

FOUR BYES! That seemed like it came off the glove but the umpire feels different. Down the leg side. Ravindra looks to sweep. There is extra bounce. He misses. The keeper fails to take it and it goes down to the fine leg fence.

Around off. Tossed up. Kept out.

Fuller and on off. This is pushed through covers for one.

Angled into the pads. Mitchell works it through square leg and takes one.

On off. Flatter. This is pushed to cover.

Around off. Blocked.

Flatter and outside off. This is slapped through covers for one.

This lands safe! Tossed up around off. Ravindra looks to play the paddle scoop. This goes off the top edge, lands safe in the short fine leg region. Two taken.

Gives it air and lands it on middle. Kept out.

FOUR! Shot! He really hit that hard! Tossed up around off. Mitchell gets down on one knee and sweeps it through square leg. This one races away.

Goes back again and plays it through covers for one.

Fuller and on middle. Ravindra drives but back to the bowler.

Flatter and around off. This lands and turns back in. Ravindra looks to push it on the off side but gets an inside edge onto the pads.

Angled into the pads. Mitchell plays the paddle sweep down to fine leg. A run taken. Not what Jayasuriya wanted. He would have wanted to bowl more to the right handers.

Fuller and on middle. Ravindra dives it hard but back to the bowler.

Really slows it up but bowls it well wide outside off. Left alone.

Pushes this one through on off. It is pushed to cover.

Flatter this time and around off. This is punched to the man on the off side.

Bowls it on the stumps. Ravindra takes a big stride forward and defends.

Around off. Ravindra pushes it to cover.!

Mitchell steps out. He makes it into a full toss but drives it back to the bowler.

Flatter and angled into the pads. This is worked through square leg for one.

Loopy ball on off. Kept out.

FOUR! Off the outside edge. Extra bounce there. This was shortish and around off. It lands, takes off and also turns away. Ravindra looks to cut but this goes off the outside edge and down to the third man fence.

Slower and on middle. Blocked.

Flatter and around off. Ravindra pushes it towards point. The fielder there dives to his right and stops it.

Slower and on the body. Mitchell works it with soft hands to short leg.

OUT! That is stone dead! Absolutely plumb and Dhananjaya de Silva strikes! It is not the one which turns that gets you but it is the one which goes on with the arm that does! That's exactly the case here. We saw a little bit of turn on the previous ball but it was played nicely by Latham but this time, it goes on with the arm and Latham misses it. It lands around off and skids through. Latham ends up defending outside the line. He misses and it hits the pad. He discusses with his partner but does not review. Rightly so as that was as plumb as it comes. Really good wicket as Latham was well set.

Gets it to turn away just a little. Latham yet again adjusts and guides it to point.

Around off. Latham pushes it towards cover again.

Quicket and on middle. Latham leans forward and defends.

Gives it air and lands it around off. Latham pushes it to cover.!

This time he does connect. It is in the gap, past point, towards deep point for a single.

Beaten! Flatter and around off. This lands and spins away. Latham looks to push but is beaten.

Good from Mendis. Gives it air and lands it on middle. Defended.

Tosses it up and on off. Latham leans forward and keeps it out.

Slower and on middle. It lands and there is some slow turn away. Latham adjusts and defends.

On the shorter side. Ravindra pushes it past cover and takes one.

Quicker and on middle. Latham punches it to cover.

Uses his feet well, gets to the pitch of it. He works it wide of long on for two.

Full, on off, Tom Latham blocks it back.

Flatter this time and on middle. Latham goes back and plays it onto the ground.

Gives it air and lands it around off. Latham pushes it to cover.

FOUR! The reverse comes out. Latham looks to play it but this goes off the unde edge, past the short third man region and into the fence.

Full, on off, Rachin Ravindra pushes it to mid off.

Short and wide, Rachin Ravindra leaves it alone.

Bowls it on off, Rachin Ravindra taps it to covers.

Lands it on off, Rachin Ravindra eases it to covers.

Shout for lbw, not given. Full, on off, Rachin Ravindra moves forward and blocks it. Ramesh Mendis appeal thinking it was his pads first.

Short and outside off, Rachin Ravindra looks to block it but gets beaten.

Short, on middle, Tom Latham blocks it back.

Short, on off, Rachin Ravindra punches it to covers for one.

Bowls it on off, Rachin Ravindra pushes it to the cover fielder.

Short and wide, Rachin Ravindra looks to drive it but misses.

Two byes! Short and outside off, it turns in, Rachin Ravindra looks to play at it but misses. It missed the top of off as the keeper fails to collect it as well. Two byes taken.

Flatter, quicker, on off, Tom Latham pushes it to covers for one.

Short, on off, Rachin Ravindra punches it through covers for a brace.

Quicker, on off, Tom Latham pushes it to covers for one.

Land it on off, Tom Latham punches it through covers for a brace.

Short and wide, left alone again.

Lands it outside off again, Tom Latham leaves it alone.

Full, outside off, Tom Latham leaves.

We are back fer a short break. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Tom Latham and Rachin Ravindra will resume their innings. Ramesh Mendis to start with the ball. Let's go.

Update 8.17 am GMT - It was a passing shower as expected and the rain has gone now. We shall have a resumption soon. Stay tuned...

Update 8.14 am GMT - Oh no! It has started to rain again and it has gotten slightly dark as well. It though looks like a passing shower. Let's hope for the best.

NOT OUT! Short, outside off, Rachin Ravindra looks to block it but gets a bottom edge onto his boot as the ball lobs towards the slip fielder. He takes it the catch. The umpires check for a clean catch and the replays show that the ball had bounced before the fielder took the catch. Close call!

Short, outside off, Rachin Ravindra looks to block it but misses.

Lands it outside off, Rachin Ravindra looks to block it but gets a blow on his pads. An appeal but turned down.

Full, on off, Rachin Ravindra blocks it back.

Rachin Ravindra is the next batter.

OUT! STUMPED! A massive blow for New Zealand as Kane Williamson departs! Shorter, on off and it turns away, Kane Williamson moves forward to block it, but the ball turns away and beats his blade. Kusal Mendis behind the stumps collects the ball and whips the bails in a flash.

Too full, on off, Kane Williamson leans forward and blocks it.

Short, on off, Tom Latham punches it to covers for one.

A full toss, on off, Kane Williamson punches it through covers for three runs.

Lands it on middle, Tom Latham flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Quicker, shorter, outside off, Tom Latham leaves.

Full, on leg, Tom Latham blocks it to mid on.

Lands it on middle, Tom Latham blocks it to mid on.

Slower through the air, on off, Kane Williamson pushes it to the mid off fielder.

Short and wide, Kane Williamson leaves it alone.

Short, on off, Kane Williamson blocks it to mid off.

Full, on off, Tom Latham pushes it to covers for one.

Lands it on middle, Kane Williamson flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Too full, outside off, Kane Williamson eases it to mid off.

Fuller one, on leg, Tom Latham blocks it back.

Quicker one, outside off, Tom Latham leaves it alone.

Errs it down leg, Kane Williamson helps it fine for a single.

Flatter one, on leg, Kane Williamson flicks it to short mid-wicket.

Bowls it on middle, Tom Latham sweeps it to short fine for one.

Lands it outside off, Tom Latham leaves.

Shout for lbw, not given! Flatter one, on leg, sliding away, Kane Williamson looks to flick it but gets a blow on his pads. A loud appeal but the finger stays down. They refer. Ultra Edge shows no spike and Ball Tracking shows it was missing leg. The onfield decision stands NOT OUT!

Tossed up, on off, Kane Williamson blocks it to mid off.

Too full, on off, Kane Williamson eases it to mid off.

Too full, on middle, Tom Latham plays a reverse sweep to backward point for one.

Short, on middle, Tom Latham blocks it back.

Fuller one, on off, Tom Latham sweeps it but finds the fielder at square leg.

Short, on middle, Kane Williamson blocks it to mid on.

Slower one, on off, Tom Latham punches it to covers for a single.

Quicker one, on middle, Kane Williamson eases it to covers for one.

Short, outside off, Tom Latham slaps it to point for one.

Full, on middle, Tom Latham blocks it to short covers.

Short and wide, Tom Latham looks to play at it but misses.

A low full toss, Kane Williamson knocks it to the right of the bowler.

Slower through the air, this is driven towards covers for one more.

Slightly fuller, on off, Kane Williamson leans forward and taps it to covers for one.

Tossed up, on off, Kane Williamson blocks it to short covers.

Too full, on middle, Tom Latham reverse sweeps it to backward point for one.

Quicker one, on off, Tom Latham blocks it to the off side.

Short, on middle, Kane Williamson stands tall and blocks it.

Too full, on off, Kane Williamson flicks it to the cover fielder.

Goes fuller again, Kane Williamson eases it to mid on.

FOUR! Kane Williamson has made up his mind that he won't let the Lankan spinners settle! Full, on off, Kane Williamson gets low and plays a reverse sweep through backward point for a boundary.

Short, down leg, Kane Williamson leaves it alone.

FOUR! Streaky! Fuller one, with some turn, Kane Williamson moves forward to drive it but gets a thick outside edge as the ball races away to the third man fence.

Lands it on off, Kane Williamson taps it to covers for one.

FOUR! Glorious timing again! Goes fuller, on off, Kane rides on the top of the bounce and caresses it through extra covers for a boundary.

SIX! All the way! Lovely timing from Kane Williamson. Lands it on off, Kane Williamson picks it well and lifts it magnificently over long off for a biggie.

Full, on leg, Kane Williamson blocks it back.

Too full, on off, Kane Williamson leans forward and blocks it.

Lands it outside off, Kane Williamson looks to slap it but misses.

Lands it on off, Tom Latham blocks it to short covers.

Too full, on off, Tom Latham blocks it to the point fielder.

Outside off again, Tom Latham leaves it alone again.

Short and wide, Tom Latham leaves.

Short and wide, Tom Latham looks to slap it but gets beaten.

The umpires and the players are out in the middle again. Kane Williamson and Tom Latham to resume their innings. Ramesh Mendis continues to bowl. Let's go...

Update 7.33 am GMT - Good news! It was just a passing shower and the rain has gone now. The play starts soon.

While we wait for the play to resume, let us take you through what happened at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. India have secured a victory over Bangladesh by 280 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. India has solidified their dominance in the Test matches played on home soil. They have maintained an unbeaten streak in home Test series since 2012, and this win adds to that impressive record.

Update 7.19 am GMT - It has got a bit dark here at Galle International Stadium. It has started to rain and the groundsmen are quick to get the covers on. Let's hope it goes away soon. Stay tuned for regular updates...

Quicker one, on middle, Tom Latham blocks it back towards the bowler.

Fuller one, on middle, Kane Williamson covers his line and blocks it back.

Too full, on off, Kane Williamson leans forward and blocks it.

Flatter again, on leg, Kane Williamson flicks it to the square leg fielder.

Flatter, quicker, on leg, Kane Williamson flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

Short, on middle, Kane Williamson blocks it back.

Short, on off and it turns away, Kane Williamson reads it well and leaves it.

Short and wide, Tom Latham eases it back.

Lands it on off, Tom Latham blocks it well.

FOUR! Perfect timing! Touch short and outside off, Tom picks it well and punches it magnificently through covers for a boundary.

Touch short and on off, Tom Latham defends it solidly.

Lands it on off, Tom Latham blocks it back.

Short, on off, Tom Latham leaves.

All set to begin again. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Tom Latham and Kane Williamson will resume their innings. Ramesh Mendis to start. Let's go...

... DAY 4, SESSION 2...

Sri Lanka though had a few overs to bowl just before Lunch and they have managed to get the important wicket of Devon Conway. The wicket is now really tough to bat on and Sri Lanka would hope their spinners could do what Ajaz Patel did to them earlier. New Zealand on the other hand, need a big stand from the two batting. They are probably the Kiwis’ best players of spin and they really need to dig in. The Kiwis now need 262 runs more to win, with 9 wickets in their kitty. The game could go either way, to be honest. An important session awaits...

Sri Lanka will be pretty pleased with the wicket they have got in the few overs they had to bowl before Lunch. After losing their last 6 wickets for not a lot, Sri Lanka let the momentum they had, slip away. They were once in a position of getting a lead of over 300 but they failed to reach that mark too. A dramatic turn at the start of Day 4 saw their side collapse for just 309 runs which could have been much more higher.

Flighted up, outside off, Tom Latham looks to block it but misses. The keeper fails to collect it as the ball rolls towards short fine. They cross. The replay later shows that there was an edge. A difficult chance though. That will be LUNCH on Day 4.

Short, on off, Kane Williamson punches it through covers for one.

Slower through the air, on off, Kane Williamson defends it back to the bowler.

Full again, Kane Williamson leans forward and eases it to the fielder at short leg.

Fuller again, on leg, Kane Williamson flicks it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

Too full, on middle, Kane Williamson leans forward and blocks it back.

Goes fuller, on off, Tom Latham hangs back and pushes it to the fielder at backward point.

On a length and outside off, Tom Latham blocks it to mid off.

Good length, nipping in from outside off, Tom Latham blocks it solidly.

On a length and on off, Tom Latham taps it to the fielder at short covers.

Short and wide, Tom Latham leaves it alone.

Back of a length, into the body, Kane Williamson hops and tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Shorter, on off, Tom Latham stands tall and blocks it back.

Slower through the air, outside off, Tom Latham tips it to point for one.

Keeps it bowling fuller, Kane Williamson pushes it to covers for one.

Peach! This one lands on off and turns away, Kane Williamson leans forward to block it but gets beaten.

Fuller again, on off, Kane Williamson digs it to the fielder at mid off.

Too full, on middle, Tom Latham flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Length, on middle and leg, Tom Latham tucks it through square leg for one.

Length, on off, Kane Williamson eases it to covers for one.

Kane Williamson walks in at number 3.

OUT! CHOPPED ON! That's all they need, wickets! What a start for Sri Lanka. On a length and outside off, it nips in sharply, Devon Conway looks to block it but ends up chopping the ball onto the stumps. An early breakthrough for the Lankans as Devon Conway departs.

Short and wide, Devon Conway leaves the harmless delivery.

Length, on middle, Devon Conway tucks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Short and way too wide, Devon Conway leaves.

Asitha Fernando to share the attack.

Short, outside off, Devon Conway punches it through covers for one.

Lands it outside off, Devon Conway leaves.

Short, on off, Tom Latham punches it to covers for one.

Lands it outside off, Tom Latham leaves.

Short again, outside off, Devon Conway cuts it to point for one more.

Short and wide, Tom Latham slaps it to point for one.

OUT! TAKEN! Flatter one, on off, Prabath Jayasuriya gets low and looks to slog it but gets a top edge. The ball carries towards long on. William O'Rourke settles under it and makes no mistake. Sri Lanka end their innings at 309 all out, which means New Zealand have 275 to chase!

Full, on off, Prabath Jayasuriya blocks it back.

Too full, on off, Asitha Fernando leans forward and blocks it back.

NOT OUT! Slower through the air, on middle with some turn, Asitha Fernando looks to block it but gets beaten as it hits his pads. An appeal and the finger goes up. Asitha Fernando refers and the Ultra Edge shows a spike. Asitha Fernando is safe. The decision is overturned.

Too full, on middle, Asitha Fernando covers his line and blocks it.

Ajaz Patel bowls it on off and it turns away, Asitha Fernando leaves it alone.

Too full, on off, Asitha Fernando leans forward and blocks it back.

Lands it on off, and it turns away, Asitha Fernando looks to block it but gets beaten.

Lands it on middle, Prabath Jayasuriya flicks it to the mid on fielder.

FOUR! Fine shot! Length, outside off, Prabath Jayasuriya picks it well and punches it through covers for a boundary.

Length, on off, Prabath Jayasuriya blocks it to point.

FOUR! Some intent shown by Prabath Jayasuriya! Length, on middle, Prabath Jayasuriya stands tall and lofts it over mid on for a boundary.

Length, on off, Prabath Jayasuriya blocks it back.

Lands it on off, Prabath Jayasuriya flicks it to the mid on fielder.

Too full, on off, Asitha Fernando leans forward and blocks it back.

Asitha Fernando is the last batter in.

OUT! TAKEN! Fifth of the morning for him and six wickets in total. Fuller one, outside off with some turn, Lahiru Kumara looks to drive it but ends up chipping it towards Kane Williamson at covers. Lahiru Kumara makes his way back as Sri Lanka are down to their last wicket now!

Some turn and bounce, on off, it turns in, Lahiru Kumara lookanto block it but gets beaten.

Full, on off, Lahiru Kumara eases it to short covers.

Slower one, on off, Lahiru Kumara blocks it back.

Lahiru Kumara walks in.

OUT! PLUMB! Ajaz Patel, you beauty! Ramesh Mendis reviews it though but it looked quite plumb. Fuller one, on middle, Ramesh Mendis looks to flick it but misses as the ball hits his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up straight away. Ramesh Mendis refers. Ultra Edge shows no spike and Ball Tracking shows three reds. Ramesh Mendis makes his way back into the shed. A five-wicket haul for Ajaz Patel!

Touch short, on off, Prabath Jayasuriya punches it to the cover fielder again.

Length, on off, Prabath Jayasuriya eases it to the cover fielder.

Length, on off, Prabath Jayasuriya taps it to the point fielder.

My word! Short and it lands on off and nips in a long way, Prabath Jayasuriya somehow manages to leave it. It hits his body and rolls towards fine leg. Two leg byes collected.

A loud appeal but turned down! Touch short, on middle and leg, Prabath Jayasuriya looks to flick it but gets a blow on his pads. An appeal but turned down. They decide not to review it. The height perhaps.

Length, outside off, Prabath Jayasuriya blocks it to covers.

Beauty! Some turn and bounce, outside off, Ramesh Mendis looks to block it but gets beaten.

Slower through the air, on off, Prabath Jayasuriya taps it to covers for one.

FOUR BYES! Bonus runs! Lands it outside off and it turns away, Prabath Jayasuriya looks to drive it but misses. The keeper fails to collect it as the ball finds the fence at third man.

Too full, on leg, Prabath Jayasuriya flicks it to the cover fielder.

Lands it outside off, Prabath Jayasuriya looks to play at it but gets beaten.

Full, on middle, Prabath Jayasuriya blocks it back.

Length, outside off, Ramesh Mendis looks to block it but gets beaten on the outside edge.

Short and wide, Ramesh Mendis leaves it alone.

Length, on off, Prabath Jayasuriya eases it to covers for one.

Oh! Was there an inside edge? Length, just outside off, Prabath Jayasuriya looks to block it but gets a slight edge. The keeper dives to his left but just manages to get his glove. The reply shows that there was an edge.

Length, on off, Prabath Jayasuriya blocks it to short covers.

Short, on leg, Prabath Jayasuriya leaves.

Lands it outside off, Ramesh Mendis eases it to the off side.

Short, on middle, Ramesh Mendis blocks it back.

Short, on middle, Prabath Jayasuriya tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Drinks! Sri Lanka lost three wickets in the first hour of play and have not increased their lead significantly. They currently lead by 257 runs with only three wickets remaining in their bank. Ajaz Patel has taken all three wickets today and has been brilliant, including the crucial dismissal of Angelo Mathews. Let's see how it pans out. Prabath Jayasuriya walks out to bat now...

OUT! EDGED AND GONE! He has been the lone warrior since the morning. Lands it on off and it turns away, Angelo Mathews looks to block it but gets an outside edge. The ball carries towards Daryl Mitchell at slips. He bends low and takes a brilliant catch. The umpire checks and the replays confirm that the fingers were beneath the ball. A fine inning from Angelo Mathews comes to an end.

Slower one, on middle, Angelo Mathews leans forward and blocks.

Full, on middle, Angelo Mathews defends.

Touch short, outside off, Ramesh Mendis leaves it alone.

Length, on middle, Ramesh Mendis blocks it to mid on.

Short, on offz Ramesh Mendis blocks it back.

Fifty up for Angelo Mathews! What a player, what a knock! Short, on middle, Angelo Mathews pulls it to mid-wicket for a single.

Oh! Length and just outside off, Angelo Mathews looks to block it but is beaten all ends up. It was a no ball though for overstepping.

Short and wide, Angelo Mathews slaps it through covers for a brace. He moves to 49 now!

Short, down leg, Angelo Mathews looks to pull it but gets beaten.

Slower through the air, on middle, Ramesh Mendis blocks it to mid off.

On middle,  full, Ramesh Mendis leans forward and blocks.

Full, on leg, Ramesh Mendis looks to flick it but miscues it to mid off.

Slower one, on off, Ramesh Mendis blocks it to mid off.

Full, on off, this is blocked towards covers.

Lands it down leg, Ramesh Mendis looks to block it but gets a blow on his pads.

Length, on middle, Angelo Mathews tucks it to the mid on fielder.

Full, outside off, Ramesh Mendis eases it to point for one.

Bowls it on middle and leg, Angelo Mathews tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Short and wide, Angelo Mathews looks to slap it but misses.

Length again, on middle, Angelo Mathews eases it to mid on.

Lands it on off, Angelo Mathews blocks it solidly.

Full, on middle, Ramesh Mendis blocks it back.

Tossed up, on off, Ramesh Mendis drives it to the cover fielder.

Ramesh Mendis walks in to bat now.

OUT! CHOPPED ON! Ajaz Patel strikes again. Lands it just outside off, and with some turn, Kusal Mendis gets in two minds. Decides to leave the ball but the ball finds the bottom edge of the bat and chops onto the stumps. A huge wicket for the New Zealand!

Short, on middle, Kusal Mendis flicks it to mid-wicket.

Tossed up, on middle, Kusal Mendis blocks it to short covers.

Slower through the air, Kusal Mendis leans forward and blocks it.

Short, outside off, Angelo Mathews looks to defend it but gets beaten.

Short, on off, Kusal Mendis taps it to point for another single.

Lands it on off, Angelo Mathews punches it to covers for one.

Bowls it outside off, Kusal Mendis guides it to point for one.

Length again, on middle, Angelo Mathews tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

On a length and on off, Kusal Mendis taps it to covers for one.

Full, on middle, Angelo Mathews defends it to mid on.

Lands it down leg, Kusal Mendis flicks it to fine leg for one.

Some turn and bounce, on middle, Kusal Mendis blocks it back.

Errs it down leg, Kusal Mendis sweeps it fine for a brace.

Quicker one, on leg, Kusal Mendis fends it to the leg side.

Too full, on middle, Kusal Mendis blocks it back.

Lands it down leg, Kusal Mendis looks to flick it but gets his pads as the ball rolls towards short fine. They collect a leg bye.

Short, on middle, Kusal Mendis pulls it to the mid-wicket fielder.

Fuller one, outside leg, Kusal Mendis looks to flick it but misses.

Back of a length, into the body, Angelo Mathews turns it to mid-wicket for one.

Lands it just down the leg side, Angelo Mathews leaves.

Starts off nicely! Touch short and just outside off, Angelo Mathews hops and tries to block it but gets beaten.

New ball has been taken! William O'Rourke comes into the attack now.

Short, just outside off, Kusal Mendis looks to play at it but misses.

FOUR! Fine shot! Errs it line down the leg side, Kusal Mendis picks it well and tickles it fine for a boundary.

Short, on middle, Kusal Mendis flicks it to mid-wicket.

Lands it on off, Angelo Mathews eases it to covers for one.

FOUR! Shot! Slower one, shorter too, Angelo Mathews rocks back and slaps it magnificently through covers for a boundary.

Tossed up, on off, Angelo Mathews defends it to the cover fielder.

Bowls it on middle, Angelo Mathews tucks it to square leg for one more.

Lands it outside off, Kusal Mendis punches it to covers for one.

Length, outside off, Angelo Mathews guides it to short third for one.

Touch short, on leg, Kusal Mendis flicks it to mid-wicket for one more.

Back of a length, into the body, Angelo Mathews fends it to covers for one.

Short, on middle and leg, Kusal Mendis pulls it to square leg for one.

Full, on off, Angelo Mathews pushes it to the cover fielder.

Excellent from Patel! Lands it on off and it turns away to beat the blade of Angelo Mathews.

Bowls it outside off, Angelo Mathews taps it to covers.

Too full, outside off, Kusal Mendis eases it to covers for one.

FOUR! Nice counter from Kusal Mendis! Full, on middle, Kusal Mendis gets low and sweeps it through square leg for a boundary.

Some turn and bounce, outside off, Kusal Mendis looks to block it but gets beaten.

Length, outside off, Kusal Mendis guides it to backward point for one.

Length, on off, Kusal Mendis blocks it back.

FOUR! Just short of the fielder though! Length, outside off, Kusal Mendis looks to guide it but gets a slight edge. It lands just short of the slip fielder and races away.

Touch short, on off, Kusal Mendis blocks it solidly.

Bowls it outside off, Angelo Mathews taps it to point for one.

Length, on middle and leg, Angelo Mathews flicks it to the mid-wicket fielder.

Lands it outside off, Kusal Mendis drives it but finds the fielder at covers.

Lands it in off, Kusal Mendis blocks it back.

Kusal Mendis walks in.

OUT! STUMPED! This time Tom Blundell makes no mistake! Slower through the air luring the batter, and it turns away, Dhananjaya de Silva moves forward to loft again but misses. Tom Blundell behind the sticks collects it well and whips the bails off. The umpires check and replays show that it was a clean stumping.

Two byes. Oh boy, that would have been a stumping. Quicker one, outside off and it turns away, Dhananjaya de Silva moves forward to loft it but misses. The keeper fails to collect it as the ball rolls towards third man. They collect two byes.

Bowls it on middle, with some turn, Dhananjaya de Silva blocks it back.

Tossed up, some turn, Dhananjaya de Silva fends it back.

Full again, Angelo Mathews defends it to mid on.

Full, on off, Angelo Mathews knocks it down the ground for none.

Lands it outside off, Angelo Mathews looks to play at it but misses.

FOUR BYES! Bonus runs! A wayward bouncer, on middle, Angelo Mathews looks to pull it but misses. Blundell misses as he was too near to the wicket as the ball races away.

Touch fuller, on off, Angelo Mathews eases it to covers.

On a length and on off, Dhananjaya de Silva taps it to covers for one.

Tossed up, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva eases it to point for one.

Short again, on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva defends it back.

Short and wide, Angelo Mathews slaps it to covers for one.

Too full, on middle, Angelo Mathews blocks it solidly.

Lands it outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva guides it to short third for one.

Ajaz Patel comes into the attack and bowls a shorter one, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva fends it back to the bowler.

On a length and on off, Angelo Mathews defends it to short covers.

This one lands outside off, Angelo Mathews defends it back to the bowler.

Good length again, Dhananjaya de Silva tucks it through square leg for one.

Length, angling in from outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva stands tall and blocks it.

Short and wide, Dhananjaya de Silva slaps it through point for a brace.

On a length, on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva covers his line and blocks it back.

Right then, we all set to begin! The umpires are out in the middle. New Zealand team is seen in a huddle, near the ropes. Dhananjaya de Silva and Angelo Mathews will resume their innings. Tim Southee will start with the ball. Let's play...

Pitch Report - Russel Arnold is pitchside. He says there were rains in short intervals but it has been away for a while. The pitch has slow turns and bounce and it will be good for the batters. Ends by saying that both sides still have a fair chance.

The game here, after three days of play, looks nicely poised as he hosts now lead by 202 runs with six wickets in their bank. The hosts, with wickets in hand, have the potential to further extend their lead and set a challenging target. The outcome will depend on the remaining batting performance and the visiting side. Stay tuned...

So, the 3 days passed by, where New Zealand scored 340 in response to Sri Lanka's 305 in the first innings, with Tom Latham, Daryl Mitchell, and Kane Williamson contributing over half-centuries each. In Sri Lanka's second innings, Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal added 147 for the second wicket, but after Karunaratne was dismissed, they lost 3 quick wickets. Angelo Mathews and Dhananjaya de Silva added 59 runs for the fifth wicket, while William O'Rourke took 3/37 and Ajaz Patel claimed the other wicket for the visitors.

Hello and a warm welcome to Day 4 of the New Zealand tour of Sri Lanka. So, Saturday, September 21, was a Rest Day for the Test match, because of the Presidential Elections in Sri Lanka and it will again resume today.

... DAY 4, SESSION 1 ...

Right then, that is it from an entertaining Day 3 of this Test match where Sri Lanka find themselves in a good position and New Zealand have a lot to do to turn things around. Well, if you are not aware, there is a One-Day break in this Test match due to the presidential elections in Sri Lanka. So, Day 4 will be on 22nd September, Sunday. The first ball will be bowled at 4.30 am GMT, but you can always join us early for all the build-up. Cheers!

However, then skipper Dhananjaya de Silva and Angelo Mathews steadied the ship for the hosts and did not let the Kiwis bother them much. There were a few half-chances here and there but no more than that as the due added over 50 runs and the lead also went over 200. They did suffer a scare in the last over, but Angelo Mathews survived by the skin of the teeth due to the umpire's call. They will now look to score as many as possible and with six wickets in hand, they will be hoping to set a target of around or over 300 now, but the Kiwis will want to make early inroads in the morning session on Day 4 and restrict the Lankans.

The duo continued to extend the partnership looking really solid at the crease, and they were cruising along in the third session as well. However, just before the first Drinks break, things started to go south, Ajaz Patel cleaned up Dimuth Karunaratne on 83 breaking the 149-run stand, and then a fine game plan from the Kiwis worked as William O'Rourke got Dinesh Chandimal soon after. The hero from the first innings, Kamindu Mendis also could not stay for long and they were in a bit of trouble.

Day 3, often known as the 'Moving Day' was full of drama and excitement, but the hosts will be the happier side as the game has moved in their favor considering New Zealand's struggles in fourth innings in Asia. Sri Lanka lost Pathum Nissanka in the first session but completely dominated the second, marking the first wicket-less period. Dimuth Karunaratne was steady, while Dinesh Chandimal showcased his resilience. New Zealand's bowlers were good in the opening session but struggled with consistency and pressure in the second one. Sri Lanka had a strong second innings, reaching 134/1 and leading by 99 runs. Dimuth Karunaratne and Dinesh Chandimal contributed 128 runs from 224 deliveries for the second wicket before the Tea Break.

A fascinating day of Test cricket! SESSION SUMMARY - 103 runs and 3 wickets in 32 overs! This game has ebbed and flowed, but at the moment, it is Sri Lanka who are ahead in the game with a lead of 202 runs and with six wickets in hand. New Zealand worked very hard to pick up the three wickets and that too in quick succession, but after that they had no joy. Although, they could have had Angelo Mathews in the very last over of the day, but umpire's call went against them.

Another short delivery, on leg, Angelo Mathews stays back and fends it to short leg. The umpires take another reading and decide that is it. THAT WILL BE STUMPS ON DAY 3!

Shortish and on middle, Angelo Mathews punches it towards mid on.

A massive shout for LBW from the Kiwis, but the umpire shakes his head! Tim Southee has a chat with his players and takes the review at the last moment. This looks pretty straight unless there is bat involved. Glenn Phillips fires this one full and around middle, Angelo Mathews goes down for the sweep again, but this is too full for that shot, he also hits the ground with his bat as the ball goes through to hit the pads. UltraEdge shows no bat involved. Ball Tracking shows two reds but the impact is umpire's call. Mathews survives, a big moment in this game!

Flatter, short and on leg, Angelo Mathews stabs it to short leg.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Angelo Mathews goes down to sweep it away, but this one bounces a bit more, takes the glove and pops just over leg slip for a brace.

Quicker, short and on middle, Angelo Mathews pats it to short leg.

Another half-tracker, on off, Angelo Mathews punches it through covers for one more. Sri Lanka lead by 200 runs now!

Short again and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva flicks it away through mid-wicket for one.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Angelo Mathews knocks it towards mid on for another run.

Short and around off, Dhananjaya de Silva punches it to sweeper covers for a single.

Put down? Not sure there was an edge though! Slower through the air, full and on off, grips and turns away sharply, Dhananjaya de Silva looks to push it but the ball goes very close from the outside edge, Daryl Mitchell at first slip flies to his left and tries to grab it one-handed but spills it out. Two runs taken. The umpire signals nothing and reckons the batter hit it.

Short and on middle, Angelo Mathews clips it through square leg for a single.

The light meter is out again! The umpires take the reading on both ends and deem that it is not safe for the pacers to bowl. Mitchell Santner is back on.

Another short delivery, on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva keeps it out to the leg side.

Short again, on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva punches it to silly mid on.

Flatter, full and on middle, turns in sharply, Angelo Mathews manages to clip it past leg slip for a run. That brings up the 50-run partnership between these two!

Tossed up, full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva eases it towards long on for a single.

Short and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva nudges it to short leg.

Flatter, full but down the lg side, Dhananjaya de Silva leaves it alone.

The umpires have a chat about the light, but for now we continue.

Hard length and around off, shapes away a bit, Angelo Mathews leaves it alone. Another maiden!

Touch fuller and just outside off, Angelo Mathews hangs his bat away to play at it but gets an inside edge back onto his pads.

On a length and on off, Angelo Mathews pushes it towards covers.

Pitched up and on off, Angelo Mathews plays it right under his eyes and blocks it out.

Goes fuller and outside off, Angelo Mathews leaves it alone.

Good length and on middle, takes off nicely and shapes in as well, Angelo Mathews gets beaten all ends up as it hits him around the waist.

Flights this up, full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva prods out and blocks it out. Top over from Glenn Phillips, a maiden as well!

Shortish and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva stays back and clips it on the bounce to short leg.

Fires one in full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva uses his feet again to play but misses and gets hit on the pads. DDS looking a bit shaky!

Quicker, full but down the leg side, Dhananjaya de Silva leaves it alone.

Floated, full and on leg, Dhananjaya de Silva turns it a bit uppishly to the leg side.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva strides and tucks it straight to short leg, he is out of his crease momentarily but gets back.

Quicker, short and on off, Dhananjaya de Silva cuts it away towards deep point for one.

Loppy delivery, full and on off, Dhananjaya de Silva taps it towards covers.

Flighted, full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva blocks it out.

FOUR! Nice use of the feet! Flighted, full and on off, Dhananjaya de Silva skips down the track, reaches for it and smacks it, not from the middle but enough power on it to beat mid off for a boundary.

Floated, short and on off, Dhananjaya de Silva waits for it and guides it wide of point, Glenn Phillips quickly moves to his right, dives in to stopthe single.

Short and around off, Angelo Mathews punches it towards sweeper covers for a single.

Goes short and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva defends it on the back foot.

Tossed up, full and on off, Angelo Mathews sweeps it away towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Short and around off, Angelo Mathews punches it to covers.

Flatter, full and on middle, Angelo Mathews clips it towards mid on.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Angelo Mathews strides out and blocks it.

A low full toss, on middle, Angelo Mathews drills it to mid on.

Maiden over! A bit short and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva fends it off the bottom edge on the pitch as the ball bounces behind where the keeper collects it.

Floated, full and on off, Dhananjaya de Silva taps it to the off side.

Flighted, full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva defends it on the front foot.

Quicker, short again, on off, skids through, Dhananjaya de Silva stays back and dabs it to backward point.

Tossed up, full and on off, Dhananjaya de Silva pushes it towards covers.

Short and outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva reaches for it and pats it towards point.

FOUR! Streaky! Pushed through quicker, full and on off, does not turn much, Angelo Mathews looks to steer it away but gets an outside edge that goes pat first slip and to the third man fence for a boundary.

Flighted, full and around off, Angelo Mathews goes for the slog sweep now, but gets a bit of top edge that flies well wide of deep mid-wicket for a couple of runs.

Goes short and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva punches it down to long on for a run.

FOUR! Take that, says DDS! Floated, full and around off, Dhananjaya de Silva goes down on one knee and slog sweeps it beautifully towards the deep mid-wicket fence for a boundary.

Tossed up, full and on middle, turns in, Angelo Mathews tucks it just past leg slip for a single.

Bit of bounce! Flatter, short and on off, shoots up, Angelo Mathews adjusts well to keep it down to short covers.

Drinks! Dhananjaya de Silva and Angelo Mathews have steadied the ship nicely for Sri Lanka and the lead is now 172 runs for them. They will like to extend this partnership further and more importantly stay unbeaten till the end of Day 3. New Zealand have bowled well but have not got the reward lately, but they have a bit of time to get at least one of these batters before Stumps.

FOUR! Excellent shot! Loopy delivery, full and just outside off, Dhananjaya de Silva reaches for it a bit and drives it with great timing through extra covers, Glenn Phillips gives a good chase from covers, but the ball wins the race to the fence for a boundary.

Flighted, full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva prods out and blocks it out.

Short again and on leg, Angelo Mathews clips it through square leg for a run.

Floated, full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva steers it towards short third for a single.

A loopy full toss, on off, Dhananjaya de Silva drills it on the bounce to short covers. He misses out there.

Short and around off, Dhananjaya de Silva punches it straight to covers.

Slows it up, full and on off, Angelo Mathews defends it on the front foot.

Tossed up, full and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva uses his feet and eases it towards long on for another run.

Fires in a yorker now, on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva digs it wide of the bowler, Glenn Phillips dives to his right and makes a good half-stop.

Flighted, full and on middle, Angelo Mathews goes down and sweeps it away towards deep square leg for a run. 200 up for Sri Lanka!

Just wide! Floated, short and on off, turns in a long way, Angelo Mathews clips it aerially just wide of Tom Latham at short leg for a brace.

Short and on middle, Dhananjaya de Silva punches it down to long on for a single.

Glenn Phillips comes back into the attack.

Hard length and around off, Angelo Mathews keeps it out to the off side.

Back of a length and on off, Angelo Mathews swats it down towards square leg.

Fuller and on middle, shaping away, Angelo Mathews gets squared up a bit and taps it towards covers.

Short of a length and on middle, sticks to the surface a bit, Angelo Mathews goes through is pull a bit too early and misses.

Good length and around off, Angelo Mathews crouches low but stays in his crease to block it out.

On a length and around leg, Dhananjaya de Silva glances it towards fine leg for a single.

Flighted, full and on leg, Angelo Mathews turns it to short leg.

Fires one full and on middle, Angelo Mathews digs it back to the left of the bowler.

Flighted, full and around leg, Angelo Mathews once again lets it hit his pads.